Author: daltonjenkins

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: Finding God in the Storm

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: Finding God in the Storm

daltonjenkins

Life has a peculiar way of bringing us face-to-face with questions we never imagined we’d ask. In moments when everything falls apart—when faith is tested, prayers seem unanswered, and God feels silent—we find ourselves crying out from the depths: “God, where are you?”

This isn’t a question born of weak faith. It’s the honest cry of those who are doing everything right yet still finding themselves stuck, struggling, and searching for answers in the darkness.

The Weight of Righteous Suffering

One of the oldest and most profound theological questions haunts the faithful: Why do the righteous suffer? Why do good people face trials while the wicked seem to prosper? It’s a question that cuts deep, especially when you’re the one on your knees, tears streaming down your face, wondering if God can even hear you anymore.

The reality is stark and uncomfortable: being a faithful Christian doesn’t exempt you from pain. You can be serving God with your whole heart, giving when you have nothing to give, jumping in your car to help others when you need help yourself—and still find yourself stuck in a rut that seems impossible to escape.

You might be the one praying for others to be healed while you’re sick yourself. You might be interceding for someone’s breakthrough while covered over with your own struggles. You might be leading others to God while uncertain about your own path forward.

This is the paradox of faith in a fallen world.

Testing vs. Temptation: Understanding the Difference

Scripture makes a crucial distinction that changes everything about how we understand our trials: the difference between testing and temptation.

Testing is God’s method of proving and purifying our faith. God permits suffering so that we can be sanctified, strengthened, and matured. As Deuteronomy 13:3 reminds us, God tests us to know whether we love Him with all our heart and soul. James 1:2-4 tells us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Temptation, on the other hand, is Satan’s method of polluting and perverting our faith. James 1:13 is crystal clear: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

The source matters. God tests to strengthen your faith; Satan tempts to destroy it. Testing develops faith and leads to maturity; temptation exploits weaknesses and leads to misery.

When you understand which is which, everything changes. When you know God is taking you through a process—not abandoning you in it—you can dig deep and say, “I will bless the Lord at all times.”

The Story of Job: Validated by God

The book of Job provides profound insight into righteous suffering. Here was a man whom God Himself validated, asking Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man.”

Job was doing the right thing when nobody was watching. He made offerings on behalf of his children. He lived with integrity. And yet, he lost everything—his wealth, his children, his health.

The hidden reality that Job couldn’t see was that God had already validated him. God had put a check mark behind his name. The reason Job faced such intense trials was precisely because he was on a pathway that pleased God, and the enemy wanted to take him off it.

If you’re serving God faithfully and your back is against the wall, consider this: perhaps you’re being tested not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something profoundly right.

The Power of Praise in the Process

Here’s the transformative truth: Don’t wait until your breakthrough comes to praise Him. Don’t wait until you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Praise Him now.

The Psalmist declares, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad” (Psalm 34:1-2).

This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about recognizing that even when you can’t see God’s hand, you can trust His heart. It’s about understanding that if your faith is even like a mustard seed—just a little faith—it’s enough to move mountains.

Consider the testimony of those who’ve walked through unimaginable trials: the person who survived when everyone else didn’t, who was declared dead but came back to life, who now says, “I can’t take my time praising Him because when I think of what God brought me from, I have to give Him praise.”

Or the testimony of someone who cried out “Jesus!” when they had no phone to dial 911, no ability to remember numbers, no stability of mind—just a connection to the reality that there is a God who hears.

The fact that you can cry out to God is comfort enough. The fact that there’s a God who hears, listens, and can answer is everything.

Perspective in the Storm

When Hurricane Beryl tore through Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds up to 175 miles per hour, millions of people were in its path. Homes were destroyed, roofs were torn off, flooding devastated communities. Yet compared to what could have been, lives were spared. God was in charge.

This perspective matters when we face our personal storms. Yes, we may not have everything we want. Yes, we may be struggling. But we have life. We have breath. We have a God who covers us.

Don’t compare yourself to others. You don’t know what they had to exchange to get where they are. You don’t know what they paid off or who they compromised with. Close your door, dry your blinds, hunker down with God, and say, “God, it’s me and You.”

Why the Righteous Suffer

The trials we face as believers serve multiple divine purposes:

  • They strengthen our character and faith
  • They display God’s glory
  • They refine and test that our faith is authentic
  • They help us identify with Christ
  • They advance the kingdom’s purpose
  • They produce compassion for others
  • They remind us this world is not our home
  • They silence Satan’s accusations

What you’re going through is not lost on God. Nothing comes against you unless God permits it, and if you’re in His perfect will, He’s using it for your good.

Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

The Invitation to Trust

God invites our questions, our laments, our tears—not because He needs our answers, but because He wants our trust. When you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart. When life feels unfair, remember His justice is perfect. When the night seems long, know that morning is coming.

Take your warm water and knead your cornmeal if that’s all you have. Curry your chicken back. Do what you need to do to survive. But don’t give up. Don’t throw in the towel.

God is not through with you yet.

Even in uncertainty, we can echo Job’s enduring confession: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).

This is the confidence we have: the God who began a good work in us will see it to completion. Your testing has purpose. Your trial has meaning. Your struggle is not in vain.

So stand up, square your shoulders, and declare: “I come to fight. I come to war. I’m not going to give up because the God who started a good work is going to see it to the end.”

The God who has served is the God who saves. And He’s with you right now, in this very moment, working all things together for your good.

There is Power in the Blood of Jesus

There is Power in the Blood of Jesus

daltonjenkins

As we enter this Easter season in 2026, I find myself reflecting deeply on the cultural climate in which we are living. So much is happening around us. There are rapid changes in society, shifting religious thought, and in many places a diminishing commitment to truth. We are living in a serious moment, a time when clarity is urgently needed.

One of the realities of our day is the rise of social media and the influence it has created. Many voices now shape public conversation, not because they have demonstrated faithfulness, theological depth, or a proven ability to defend the faith, but because they have gained visibility and influence online. In many cases, those who are now leading religious and moral conversations have not been tested, grounded, or validated in the way Scripture would require. Paul reminded Timothy to be diligent, rightly dividing the word of truth. Yet today, popularity is often mistaken for authority.

At the same time, the ease and reach of social media have also exposed the ways in which worship itself has been diluted, commercialized, and in some cases distorted. We are seeing behaviors that call to mind the moment when Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers, calling the people of God back to the purity, holiness, and true purpose of worship. Worship is not performance. It is not entertainment. It is not self-promotion. It is about Christ.

Because of this, many are turning away from the faith, while others are watering down the gospel in order to fit the spirit of the age and become the next influential voice on the internet. That is why this Easter season is such an important time to remind ourselves of who we are, what we are called to, and what we are expected to proclaim.

We must remember that the human story was broken in the Garden of Eden. Because of the fall, sin, death, and corruption entered the world. Humanity stands under the reality of separation from God. But thanks be to God, that is not the end of the story. In Jesus Christ, we have received the gift of eternal life. Easter is the season in which we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice, the full payment for sin, and the glorious redemption that came through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

That is why this Easter, I want us to focus on the blood of Jesus—why it is so important, and what it has accomplished for us. Many people today are comfortable with religious language. They say, “I love God,” or “I give God the glory.” But as believers, we must go deeper than platitudes. We must be able to make distinctions. As Peter teaches, we must be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is within us. We must be able to distinguish between the true and living God and the many false gods of this world.

When people say they believe in God, the question must be asked: which god? For there are many objects of worship in this world, but there is only one true God—the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of the universe, the uncaused First Cause, the One who spoke all things into existence out of nothing. That God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, walked among us, and lived a sinless life so that He might become the perfect sacrifice for our sins and complete the work of redemption.

During this Easter season, we remember that Jesus was crucified, that He died on the cross, that He was buried in a borrowed tomb, and that early Sunday morning He rose again—not in weakness, not in defeat, but in power and with all authority. He ascended into heaven, and before He departed, He gave us a promise: that He is coming again for those who believe in Him.

And what does it mean to believe in Him? It means more than acknowledging His name. It means recognizing that we are sinners in need of saving grace. It means understanding that apart from Him we are lost, condemned, and without hope. But through the grace of God—His unmerited favor—we have been given the opportunity to be forgiven, redeemed, and to live with Him forever.

That is why we call Him Savior. That is why He is the Head of the Church. That is why He is our living hope. And one day, all who truly belong to Him will live and reign with Him as He has promised. The blood of Jesus is powerfully effective in accomplishing redemption, forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, and sanctification for those who believe. When theologians describe the blood of Jesus as “efficacious,” they mean that Christ’s sacrificial death is effective in accomplishing salvation and the benefits of redemption. In Christian theology, several other doctrinal terms are used to describe the power, function, and results of Christ’s blood. Below are the most common theological descriptors.

So let me say to you plainly this Easter season: you are missing the very heart of life if you have not entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you follow any god that denies Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, and the only way of salvation, then you remain outside of the hope of eternal life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.”

So if you say you believe in God, then I ask you: what God do you believe in?

This Easter, let us turn our hearts again to Christ—Emmanuel, God with us—the One who brought salvation to the world.

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: Finding Faith in the Fire

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: Finding Faith in the Fire

daltonjenkins

Life has a way of catching us off guard. One moment we’re standing firm, and the next, we’re reeling from one blow after another. The phone rings with bad news. The doctor’s report comes back concerning. The bills pile up faster than the paychecks. And somewhere in the chaos, we find ourselves asking the age-old question: “God, where are you?”

The Story of a Man Named Job

The ancient book of Job tells us about a man who had everything—wealth, family, health, reputation. But more importantly, he had something that couldn’t be measured in material terms: integrity. The Scripture describes him as “blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil.”Then, in what seemed like a cosmic conversation, God pointed Job out to Satan as an example of faithfulness. Satan’s response? “Does Job fear God for nothing? You’ve put a hedge around him and everything he has. But take it all away, and he’ll curse you to your face.”

What happened next is almost unthinkable. Job lost his wealth. His children died. His health deteriorated. Bad news came in waves, one messenger after another, each bearing tidings more devastating than the last.

And Job’s response? “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

He worshiped.

Testing vs. Temptation: Understanding the Difference

There’s a critical distinction we must grasp: testing and temptation are not the same thing. Testing comes from God to strengthen us, to prove our faith genuine, to prepare us for promotion. Temptation comes from the enemy to destroy us, to pollute our character, to derail our destiny.

When you’re walking in obedience and still facing hardship, understand this profound truth: nothing touches you without God’s permission. If you’re being tested, it’s because God has already validated you. He knows you’re going to pass. He’s not putting you through something that will destroy you—He’s developing you for your next level.

The trials you face aren’t designed to break you but to build spiritual maturity and deepen your dependence on God.

Praise in the Process

Here’s where faith gets practical: don’t wait for your breakthrough to praise God. Worship Him now. The psalmist declared, “I will bless the Lord at all times.” Not just in good times. Not only when things make sense. At all times.

Your current struggle doesn’t disqualify your praise—it should magnify it.

Imagine Job’s situation. Everything he worked for, gone in a day. His future hopes, represented by his children, wiped out in moments. Yet instead of cursing God, instead of abandoning his faith, he worshiped. He understood something profound: his praise wasn’t dependent on his circumstances but on God’s character.

When trouble surrounds you and despair locks you in, remember that Jesus is there with you. Sometimes all you can pray is His name: “Jesus.” And that’s enough. He knows what you’re going through even when you can’t articulate it.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

One of the most dangerous things we can do in our trials is compare ourselves to others, especially to those who seem to prosper without regard for God. Your circumstances are unique. How God is working in your life differs from how He’s working in someone else’s.

Some roots go deep. Some struggles have been with us for years, and God needs to do extensive work to bring complete healing and deliverance. Don’t measure your journey by someone else’s timeline.

And here’s something to remember: many people are experts at praising God with a smile while carrying heavy burdens. You don’t know what battles others are fighting behind closed doors. That person worshiping enthusiastically next to you might have left a house full of problems to come and praise God. They understand that sometimes the only escape from overwhelming circumstances is those moments spent in God’s presence.

The Validation of Integrity

God validated Job before the test began. He declared Job’s character before the storm hit. This is significant because it tells us something important: God knows us. He knows our names. He knows where we live. He knows what we’re facing.

Acts 17:26 tells us that God “has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.” He knew ahead of time what you would face. The depression, the rejection, the disappointment—none of it surprises Him.

The question becomes: Can God trust you to test you?

This goes deeper than we might initially think. Can He trust you to promote you? Can He open the floodgates of blessing upon you without you changing who you are? Some people are wonderful when they have nothing, but money and success transform them into someone unrecognizable.

Job’s integrity meant spiritual wholeness and faithful consistency of character. He wasn’t perfect, but he was consistent. He prayed for his children. He offered sacrifices on their behalf. He maintained his devotion to God in both public and private.

Satan’s Limited Power

Here’s something we need to understand: Satan is not all-powerful. In fact, when God called all the heavenly beings together, Satan had to show up and report. He addressed God as “Lord,” acknowledging God’s sovereignty over him.

We often give the devil too much credit, blaming him for everything that goes wrong. Lost your keys? The devil. Feeling tired? The devil. But sometimes we’re just forgetful or overworked. Let’s not give Satan more credit than he deserves.

What Satan can do is watch. He’s busy going “to and fro on the earth, and walking back and forth in it.” He observes. He listens. He looks for opportunities. But he cannot touch God’s children without divine permission.

God had placed a hedge around Job—around him, his household, and everything he had. That same protection is available to you. Some things have passed your loved ones by because of your prayers, because of the covering that comes from God through you.

When You Can’t Trace His Hand, Trust His Heart

Life’s storms reveal our character. Our response to trials determines whether they refine us or define us. Real worship blesses God in both giving and taking.

The blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby penned these powerful words: “I want to scale the utmost height and catch a glimpse of glory bright. But still I’ll pray as I onward bound, ‘Lord, lead me on to higher ground.'” She couldn’t see physically, but her spiritual vision was crystal clear. She understood that despite her circumstances, she was pressing toward something greater.

When life feels unfair, remember that God’s justice is perfect. When the night seems long, know that morning is coming. God is not absent—He’s sovereign, He’s faithful, and He’s still writing your story.

Your present challenges are preparing you for your next breakthrough, your next promotion, your next elevation, your next deliverance. Hold on a little longer. Don’t throw in the towel. Don’t give up now.

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

That’s the declaration of faith that moves mountains and shifts atmospheres. That’s the kind of trust that says, “I don’t understand what’s happening, but I know who’s in control.”

So lift your voice in thanksgiving. Raise your hands in worship. Open your mouth and declare that God is good—not because everything is perfect, but because He is faithful.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

The Choice That Defines Our Eternity

The Choice That Defines Our Eternity

daltonjenkins

You have ran out of time!

We all stand at a crossroads in life, faced with a decision that will shape our eternal destiny. The gospel of Jesus Christ extends a universal invitation to every person, regardless of their background, status, or nationality. This invitation demands a response from each of us – will we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, or turn away from Him?

The message of salvation isn’t reserved for a select few. As John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This love encompasses everyone, from the highest mountains to the deepest valleys, from the bustling cities to the remote villages. No matter where you are or what you’ve done, God’s offer of salvation is available to you.

But this universal offer doesn’t always receive a warm welcome. For some, the gospel is offensive, challenging their pride and disrupting their way of life. We see this reflected in the stories of the Herodian dynasty – Herod the Great, Herod Agrippa I, and Herod Agrippa II. Each had the opportunity to embrace the truth, yet their responses serve as cautionary tales for us today.

Herod the Great, upon hearing of Jesus’ birth, sought to destroy Him out of jealousy and fear. How often do we, like Herod, resist the gospel because it threatens our perceived control or status? The message of Jesus calls us to surrender our lives to Him, which can be uncomfortable for those accustomed to being in charge.

Herod Agrippa I, basking in the adulation of the crowd, accepted their praise as if he were a god. His pride led to a swift and terrible end. This serves as a stark reminder that our accomplishments, wealth, or status mean nothing in the face of eternity. As Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, declared – all is vanity. The degrees on our walls, the balance in our bank accounts, the titles before our names – none of these can save us or grant us eternal life.

Finally, we come to Herod Agrippa II, who heard the powerful testimony of the Apostle Paul. Paul shared his dramatic conversion experience, how a light from heaven knocked him to the ground and changed his life forever. Yet even in the face of this compelling account, Agrippa’s response was lukewarm: “Almost thou persuadest me to become a Christian.” How many of us today are in danger of being “almost persuaded,” yet never taking the final step of faith?

The stories of these three men remind us that regardless of our position or background, we all face the same choice. Will we embrace the gospel, or will we let our time run out?

Life is fragile and unpredictable. None of us know when our last day will come. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” We cannot outsmart death or delay it indefinitely. No amount of wealth, influence, or cosmetic procedures can change this fundamental truth.

So what should our response be to this urgent message? The apostle Paul gives us the answer in 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” We must not delay or procrastinate in our decision to follow Christ.

Some may be tempted to hide behind excuses or generational curses, believing they’re destined for a certain path because of their family history. But the gospel offers us a new identity and a fresh start. We can claim the blessings of God, declaring like the Psalmist, “I am blessed in the city and blessed in the field, blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out.”

Others might feel unworthy or too far gone for God’s grace. But remember, the gospel reaches everyone – kings and prisoners, Jews and Gentiles, the rich and the poor. No one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness.

For those who have already accepted Christ, this message serves as a reminder of the urgency of our mission. We must use every opportunity to share the good news, regardless of the response we might receive. Like Paul standing before Agrippa, we should be ready to give an account of our faith, speaking the truth in love even when faced with ridicule or opposition.

As we reflect on this message, let’s consider our own response to the gospel. Are we fully committed to following Jesus, or are we like Agrippa – almost persuaded but still holding back? Are we allowing pride, fear, or worldly concerns to keep us from embracing the truth?

Remember, our time on this earth is limited. We don’t know when our last day will come. The invitation to salvation is open now, but it won’t be available forever. As Joshua challenged the Israelites, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Will you choose to follow Jesus, accepting His offer of forgiveness and eternal life?

Don’t let your time run out. Don’t be content with being “almost persuaded.” Take that step of faith today. Embrace the love and grace that God offers freely to all who will receive it. Your eternity hangs in the balance.

For those who have already made this decision, let this be a call to action. Who in your life needs to hear this message? Who might be running out of time? Stand in the gap for them, pray for them, and share the hope that you’ve found in Christ.

In the end, nothing else matters as much as our response to Jesus. Our degrees will gather dust, our accomplishments will be forgotten, but our decision to follow Christ will echo through eternity. Don’t let your time run out. Choose Jesus today.

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Jesus’ Imminent Return: Are You Ready?

Jesus’ Imminent Return: Are You Ready?

daltonjenkins

Jesus is Coming Back: Are You Ready to Meet Him?

In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, there’s one truth that stands unwavering – Jesus Christ is coming back. This isn’t a fairy tale or a distant dream, but a certain reality that demands our attention and preparation. As believers, we’re called to live with an acute awareness of this impending return, allowing it to shape our daily lives and decisions.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” Jesus assured His disciples. These words, spoken over two millennia ago, still resonate with power today. In the face of global turmoil, personal struggles, and spiritual warfare, we’re reminded that our hope isn’t rooted in this world, but in the promise of Christ’s return.

Jesus spoke of going to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house. This isn’t just any dwelling, but a home with “many mansions.” Imagine the grandeur and beauty of a place prepared by the Creator of the universe! No matter how humble our current circumstances, we have the assurance of an eternal residence that surpasses anything this world can offer.

But here’s the crucial question we must ask ourselves: Are we ready to meet Him?

This readiness isn’t about having our affairs in perfect order or achieving some level of spiritual perfection. It’s about the condition of our hearts and the authenticity of our faith.

Are we living each day in anticipation of His return? Or have we become so entangled in the cares of this world that we’ve lost sight of our eternal hope?

The Bible speaks of a great “falling away” that will precede Christ’s return. We’re witnessing this today as many turn from the faith, embracing false teachings and worldly philosophies. But for those who remain steadfast, there’s an incredible promise – we will meet the Lord in the air!

Picture the scene described in 1 Thessalonians 4: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” This won’t be a quiet, unnoticed event. The trumpet will sound, piercing through the noise of this world, awakening those who sleep in Christ and calling the living believers to join Him.

In that moment, our mortal bodies will be transformed. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” This corrupted flesh will give way to incorruption, and death will be swallowed up in victory!

But here’s a sobering truth – not everyone will experience this glorious transformation. Jesus made it clear: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” There’s no ambiguity in His words. Salvation and eternal life are found in Christ alone.

This exclusivity of the gospel might seem narrow-minded to some, but it’s the loving truth we’re called to proclaim.

Good deeds, religious rituals, or philosophical enlightenment can’t bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a Holy God.

Only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins and reconcile us to the Father.

So, how do we live in light of Christ’s imminent return? Here are a few key points to consider:

  1. Check your spiritual passport: Just as we need valid documentation for international travel, we need to ensure our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. This isn’t about riding on someone else’s faith or relying on past religious experiences. It’s about having a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ.
  2. Live with urgency: The early church greeted one another with the phrase “Jesus is coming soon.” Let’s recapture that sense of anticipation, allowing it to infuse our daily lives with purpose and zeal for the gospel.
  3. Pursue holiness: If we truly believe Jesus could return at any moment, it should motivate us to live holy lives. As the scripture says, “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).
  4. Share the hope: The reality of Christ’s return isn’t just good news for believers – it’s a wake-up call for a world lost in darkness. We have the privilege and responsibility of sharing this hope with others.
  5. Stay alert and discerning: Jesus warned of false prophets and deceptions in the last days. We must be grounded in God’s Word, able to distinguish truth from error, and not be swayed by every new spiritual fad or teaching.

As we reflect on the certainty of Christ’s return, let’s also remember the comfort it brings. For those who are in Christ, death has lost its sting. The grave is not our final destination. We have the assurance that whether we’re alive or have fallen asleep in Jesus, we will be united with Him for eternity.

This hope isn’t just a crutch for the weak or an escape from reality. It’s the bedrock of our faith, giving us strength to endure trials, motivation to live righteously, and joy in the midst of a troubled world.

So today, let’s echo the prayer of the early church: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Let’s live each day as if it could be the day of His return. And let’s share this glorious hope with a world desperately in need of good news.

Are you ready to meet Him? If not, today is the day of salvation. Don’t harden your heart. Respond to His invitation of grace and ensure that when the trumpet sounds, you’ll be among those rising to meet the Lord in the air.

Jesus is coming back. This same Jesus who walked the dusty roads of Galilee, who died on the cross for our sins, and who rose triumphantly from the grave – He’s coming again. Not as a humble carpenter’s son, but as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Let this truth stir our hearts, motivate our actions, and fill us with hope. For those in Christ, the best is truly yet to come!

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https://subsplash.com/u/betheltempleofpraise-yon/media/d/w2zpctg-jesus-is-coming-back-are-you-ready-to-meet-him
Discovering Your Divine Purpose: Made in the Image of God

Discovering Your Divine Purpose: Made in the Image of God

daltonjenkins

Have you ever paused to consider the profound truth that you are made in the image of God? This concept, known as Imago Dei, carries with it a powerful message: you are individually crafted for a purpose.

It’s not just a lofty theological idea, but a transformative reality that should challenge us to seek and understand our unique purpose in life. Imagine for a moment the intricate tapestry of your life. Every thread, every color, every twist and turn has been carefully woven by the Master Craftsman. From the place of your birth to the people you’ve encountered, from the challenges you’ve faced to the victories you’ve celebrated – none of it is by chance. You are here, in this moment, by divine choice.

Consider the words found in Acts 17. Scripture tells us that God sets our boundaries and places us where we should live. He positions us so that we’re never too far from Him. As an ancient Greek poet beautifully expressed, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” This isn’t

Think about your own journey. Perhaps you were born in a small town, faced hardships, or found yourself in unexpected places. Maybe you feel insignificant or ill-equipped for greatness. But here’s the liberating truth: God knew you before the foundation of the earth. He not only knew you but created you at the right time, in the right place, with a specific plan and purpose for your life. This truth should embolden us.

It means that no matter where you are on the face of this earth, no matter your circumstances or background, God has a purpose and a plan for your life. You might not have been brought up in the best of circumstances. You might lack a prestigious family name or a hefty trust fund

Remember, our God is Elohim – the Creator who knows how to take nothing and make it into something magnificent. Your life, with all its perceived shortcomings, is the raw material from which God crafts a masterpiece.

As we navigate life’s journey, it’s crucial to understand that our existence and purpose are intrinsically linked to our relationship with God. Every worldview, whether it acknowledges it or not, revolves around the acceptance or denial of God. For those who accept His existence, the question then becomes: to what extent do we believe He is involved in our daily lives? The Christian worldview posits that there is one God who not only created the world and everything in it but continues to be intimately involved as provider, sustainer, and protector. This God has given us free will – the choice to accept or reject His offer of relationship and purpose.

Imagine life as a piece of furniture that needs assembly. Trying to put it together without the instructions often leads to frustration and mistakes. Similarly, God has provided us with instructions for life – the Bible. It’s our guidebook, revealing how God relates to us, what He expects from us, and how we should live.

If we accept that we are made in His image, if we acknowledge Him as our Creator, then it follows that we should heed His instructions for our lives as written in the Bible. This is the foundation of finding and fulfilling our purpose.

But here’s the challenging part: discovering your purpose begins with accepting that you are insufficient on your own. It requires acknowledging your need for God and surrendering to the One who has provided a way for redemption and purpose through Jesus Christ.

Today could be the perfect opportunity for you to say “Yes” to God’s plan for your life. You might not know what the future holds, but you can trust that your future is in His hands. By inviting Christ into your heart, you open the door to transformation and purpose-driven living.

Your background, your family situation, or your past mistakes don’t disqualify you from God’s purpose. Whether you were raised by a single parent, grew up in challenging circumstances, or feel you’ve made too many wrong turns – none of that stops God from using you. In fact, these experiences often become the very things God uses to shape you for your unique purpose.

As you reflect on these truths, remember:

  1. You are created in God’s image, with inherent worth and purpose.
  2. Your life’s journey, with all its twists and turns, is part of God’s plan.
  3. Your purpose unfolds as you live daily, representing God in the world.
  4. Understanding and fulfilling your purpose starts with acknowledging your need for God.
  5. Your past and present circumstances don’t limit God’s ability to use you.

In the grand narrative of life, you are not a minor character or an extra. You are a protagonist in God’s story, created with intention and purpose. The question is, will you embrace this truth? Will you seek to understand and live out the purpose for which you were created?

As you go about your day, remember that you are more than a conqueror. You are made in the image of God, with a special purpose and a divine mark on your life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your life matters, your choices matter, and with God, you have everything you need to fulfill your divine purpose.

Step into the fullness of who you are meant to be. Embrace your identity as one created in God’s image. Seek Him, follow His guidance, and watch as your unique purpose unfolds in ways you never imagined possible.

“You are not here by accident. You are here by divine choice. 🙌✨

No matter your background or circumstances, God has a plan for your life. You are more than a conqueror! 💪

Are you ready to discover and embrace your divine purpose? 🙏

#ImagoDei #DivinePurpose #FaithJourney #GodsPlan #YouAreMadeForThis”

Bethel Celebrates 20 Years on Mission

Bethel Celebrates 20 Years on Mission

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Through the years, our outreach efforts, from feeding and clothing the needy to transforming lives and enriching marriages, have allowed us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As we walk down memory lane, you will hear from the voices that have shaped this journey—those who have been with us since the first service at 306 New Main Street to the voices that echo through the halls of our current location. Countless people have come through our ministry, and Bethel has impacted them for eternity.

I thank God for everyone who has contributed to the journey of Bethel Temple of Praise. It is your contribution over the years from 2004 to today that has been a tower of strength and encouragement. This includes those who started with us in 2004 and those who came on board along the way. We are all “Bethel family.”

Bethel’s Impact on Transforming Lives

Together, we celebrate the countless individuals whose lives have been touched by our mission and the countless volunteers who have dedicated their time and love to make it happen.

We have had many experiences of healing, miracles, blessings, and joy in serving God together! We have laughed and celebrated each other’s accomplishments. We never allowed an occasion to celebrate each other to pass us by. Many tears and disappointments were also part of the journey.

We are who we are today because of these combined experiences. We have assisted many ministries through our ministry’s support and partnership. The impact on our church family and the community is immeasurable. Bethel has many ministries that reach the children to the needy in the community. Many have met and got married through our ministry. Others have developed lifetime friendships through ministering together. Still, others have come in broken and have been refreshed and are ministering in various other churches.

Over the years we have embraced several mantras; some include:

-We will Pray and watch God work

-God Is In Charge

-God’s work done in God’s timing will never lack God’s supply

-We are bringing the gospel to the world one person at a time

-We are the hands and feet of Jesus

-We minister to the total man

-It is not by might nor by power saith the Lord

-Before you ask He hears and while you are speaking He answers

-I will make myself available anytime and anywhere for the Holy Spirit to work in His Voice and not in mine

What you can see above is the heart of our ministry. We value the mission of the Gospel in tangible ways. You will be ministered to spiritually and physically when you come to Bethel. Prayer, service, and fellowship are also at the heart of the ministry.

Bethel on Mission and aiding in the transformation of lives

We have watched many lives being transformed by the power of God. Those who were once timid are now serving with boldness. Others who have been christened at Bethel are maturing into adulthood. Some have come in broken and on the verge of giving up but are actively serving God today. We might not be the biggest church on the block, but we are serving a God who is all-powerful and promised to supply all our needs. He has done that and more.

Our journey began at 306 New Main Street in Yonkers and continues through 940 Yonkers Ave to our current location. At every address, we have maximized the space that God provided us. We have provided space for other churches to use as their place of worship. It has been a place for providing new church plants to mature churches that lost their own space. When you come onto our campus anytime during the week, you will hear Spanish worshipers, African worshipers, Filipino worshipers, and English-speaking worshipers. What a great representation of the body of Christ. Bethel has a global view of the body of Christ and a local one.

As you join us and become a part of the celebration, our ministry will continue to uplift hearts and souls for Christ. Join us for a celebration on February 10th and 11th that commemorates past achievements and fuels our passion for the future as we continue to spread the gospel and hope in the heart of Yonkers and the surrounding areas.

Bethel Embracing the spirit of Caleb’s request

The story of Caleb is at the heart of our celebration. We embrace the principles that Caleb demonstrated as he claimed what was promised to him. He was only 40 when he was sent as a spy and promised a place for his inheritance. Between 40 and 85 he served well. Now 85, after helping many others fulfill their destiny, he stands without his rightful promise. At 80, when his brothers and peers were retiring, He stepped forward and claimed his mountain. The voice of Caleb is speaking to Bethel today. It tells us that it is time to possess our mountains. We know we will have to fight for it. Yes, we know we must work hard to possess it fully, but we are ready. The same God that was with us on January 25, 2004, is the same God that is with us today. His power has not changed. His provision and promise remain the same, with a strong guarantee. “Give me my mountain” is not an arrogant request but a humble request, knowing God is the one who will bring it all to the pass. As the Bible says, it is not by might nor by power but by your spirit, saith the Lord. Let’s go, Bethel!! Let’s possess our mountains in the strength of God our Father, aided by the Holy Spirit, and the intercession of Jesus Christ.

“Pray and watch God work” has been and will continue to be our mantra (2 Chronicles 7:14-16). We dedicate this house to the Glory of God (Matthew 21:13)! This sanctuary is our Father’s house, and we ask him to come and dwell, to meet us here every time we gather. As Jesus declared, my house shall be called a house of prayer. Lord inhabit our praises and always fill this place with your presence.

Twenty years ago, I asked four families to join me at the front of the battle for souls. Today, I ask you the same questions: Will you join me at the front of the battle for souls?

Arrival 2019: Follow my site for updates on my trip to Israel.

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I will post updates on my trip here. You can follow me on this fantastic journey. I made it safely to Israel, and the tour is going fine. To see the Bible in living color is indescribable. Stay tuned for more updates. 

Day 1- Here are the Places that we visited on Thursday – 3/21/19

Here are the Places that we visited on Thursday – 3/21/19

—Caesarea – Paul preached to Agrippa

— Mt. Carmel where Elisha called fire from heaven

— We had Falafels for Lunch (chicken)

— Nazareth ( 2 churches: Where Jesus Read from Isiah, Where the Angel spoke to Mary, and where the crowd tried to throw Jesus off the cliff) 

We saw the valley of Megiddo where the final war will be fought at the end of the world (Armageddon).

— End in Tiberius at Sea of Galilee

Day 2 Tour – Here are the places we visited on our second day 3/22/19

Our tour – Jordan River

Day 3 of our tour Caesarea Philippi

Day 3, Saturday 3/23/19

Today was another amazing day. As you can tell each day, we are focusing on a Hebrew name for God. Today we are concentrating on the name El Elyon (The Most High God) – Or you can say the God of the heights.

Our journey took us to: 

– Karazim

– A shoe factory in a Kibbutz community (A Collective community unique to Israel).

– Driving by the Golan highs

– Tel-Dan the discovery of the old city of Dan

– Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asked His disciples, “who do you say I am?”

– We had lunch at a Druze community 

Day 4 of My Spiritual Journey-Shiloh

The name of God we are focusing on today is YHWH-Ro’i  – Lord my Shepherd.

Today is Day 4 of what has been one of the most moving moments for me so far.  It is challenging to explain what I felt today as I spent time at Shiloh. What began as a tour, for me, turned to a more spiritual and reflective time. Combined with the two stories at Bet sheen and Mount Ghiboa made Shiloh’s experience more moving.

Day 5 – Spiritual Journey

Our Hebrew Jehovah Maccaddeshcem – “the LORD your sanctifier” (Exodus 31:13) 

Today we finally got settled in Jerusalem. The focus of the journey was about reviewing Hezikiah’s wet and dry tunnels in the City of Jerusalem. The wet tunnel ended in the pool of Solomon. Next, we went to the Wailing Wall and other sites around the city. We concluded the day after spending time at the Pool of Bethesda. At each of these stops, we read from the scriptures relating to that specific location. 

No matter you will face as you pursue a relationship with Christ keep going forward. In the end, remember that Jesus is a healer. He works on his timing.

Day 6 of My Spiritual – Shepherd Fields

We began the day visiting Mount Hebron, the burial place of the patriarch. Travel the way of the patriarch into Hills of Rachael. We spent time overlooking Shepherd fields where the angels visited the shepherds.

Day 7 of My Spiritual Journey

Today’s Hebrew name is El Shaddai – “The All-Sufficient One”. We took a break from the sites in Jerusalem and visited the Dead Sea valley, En Gedi and Masada. En Gedi It was at this site that Saul stopped for a while as he was chasing David. While king Saul was in a cave, David when in and cut a piece of Saul’s clothing. 

Day 8 of My Spiritual Journey

This was a remarkable day. The entire journey reaches the climax. Jesus of Nazareth came to Jerusalem as the sacrificial Lamb. From the House of Caiaphas and Upper Room, we visited the pit where our Savior was held overnight in darkness. We also saw the Valley of Blood, where Judas hanged himself as well as the hills of Golgotha. I entered the garden tomb to see the empty tomb and confirmed with my eyes. Jesus is not here; he has risen. 

Final Day

Today is the last day of this fantastic journey. We set out for Jericho going the path that is called the Wadi Kelt. This is the path that Jesus would usually take from Jericho to Jerusalem (Luke 19). Wadi Kelt is the path based on three reasons. Travelers typically take the route where there is water, where there is kosher food and where it is politically possible.

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 2

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 2

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Dalton Jenkins / General

Zechariah (Ne. 8:4); Assurance; Comfort; Jews (return from Exile) / Zechariah 4; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 65:24

Zechariah 4:6 ESV

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

PART 2

WE NEED TO SEE SPIRITUALLY

As I look in the text, one of the first things I note is that we need to see spiritually. It’s easy to forget that the goodness of God, that his hands still can reach us. When you are battered with all kinds of situations and expected to live, you’re expected to serve; you’re expected to carry on; it’s not easy. Zerubbabel understood this. As a king, how does he encourage the people? How does he speak peace, speak hope? He became affected by the circumstances that were around him.

Every single one of us, at some point in time, will need somebody to encourage us. At some point in time, every one of us needs somebody to speak hope and life into our circumstances. When you look all around you and seem hopeless, you need somebody to come alongside and say it is not all lost. There is hope for tomorrow. You need someone who can see spiritually. Being able to see spiritually means you can look beyond the current circumstances and discern the voice and instruction of the Holy Spirit.

In verse two of Zechariah chapter four, the angel said to Zechariah, what do you see? He replied I’m looking. See, we must be able to look spiritually. He didn’t see death and doom. He didn’t see broken walls and overturned tombs. No. He had to look spiritually. He had to look beyond the circumstances. And what he saw was something unique. He saw the candlestick. Consider with me for a moment what this candlestick represented in the sanctuary. He could see the original deposition of the candlestick.  The prophet sees it as where it should be, projected up like usually. He saw beyond the current condition. He’s thinking about the temple of God with the candlestick, with the lights burning, signifying something is going to happen. Beside the candlestick were two olive trees. Consider the purpose of the olive trees; olive trees speak of supplies. Therefore, if you have an olive tree, you will get olive, and you can make your oil, and oil is essential. You can sell your oil, and now you have provision. I am refusing to allow my current disposition to dictate what I see and what I believe. I am looking deeper and beyond the natural. I want to see what God is showing me, hope!

I am refusing to allow my current disposition to dictate what I see and what I believe. I am looking deeper and beyond the natural. I want to see what God is showing me, hope!

When I look, and I see the devastation, I must look deeper. I must look through the eyes of the Spirit. I must hear what God says to me when he asks me, son, what do you see? I must look. What do you see? Sometimes you are at a point where you don’t know what is happening around you. You’re just backed in a corner; you just don’t know what to do. When a question is asked of you, and you cannot find the answer. God wants you to look beyond what you are experiencing physically. Just don’t rest at, I don’t know. You must go beyond that point and look again. I must look again because what I’m used to seeing, I don’t think that’s what you’re asking me about God. You’re not asking me what my physical eyes see; you’re asking me what my spiritual eyes are looking on. Look again! Tell me what you see.

It’s interesting as you dig deeper into this text that the question is not about the past. It’s not what you saw, but it’s what do you see now. It’s the reality. You must get this in your Spirit today. He’s not concerned about what you saw. He says, look and tell me what you see. For some folks, the past is not worth beholding. History is hard to grasp, to comprehend. When I look at the past, I get more depressed; I just want to be detached. So, I can’t dwell in the past. I got to look at what I see now and now; it’s something of life and hope. He spoke. I see that there’s a lampstand. I see solid gold with a bowl on top of it. And on it, seven lamps, seven pipes, seven lamps.

Just like the prophet, I must look beyond what man tells me. I got to look beyond what my eyes were telling me. I got to look beyond my current situation. I must look through the eyes of God, and I see hope, I see a future, I see brighter today. I see things are changing; I see my olive trees. I see my bowls on the right and the left, and I have hope. We need to be able to see spiritually.

Just like the prophet, I must look beyond what man tells me. I got to look beyond what my eyes were telling me. I got to look beyond my current situation. I must look through the eyes of God, and I see hope, I see a future, I see brighter today.

WE NEED A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM GOD

Secondly, Zechariah 4:6-7 (ESV) demonstrates that we need a message of hope from God. I embrace this in my heart that it’s 

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

This is a message of hope. Verse six states, this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel. Does anyone need a word from God in your circumstances? I don’t need any fancier speeches. I don’t need any excellent lectures. I need the word of God for my life. I need the word of God in my circumstances. I am in dire situation. I’m in a straight. I don’t need you tickling ears with words that do not give hope. I don’t need fancy talk.

I need the word of God since he is the source of my hope. I need to hear that God is coming through for me. I need God’s word. This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, a message of hope from God our Father. This word is available to you and me as we experience the darkest moments of our lives.

We’ve got to speak the word of God into the lives and circumstances of others. Speak positively into the lives of others. Listen to what God is saying. You see, the prophet cannot be quick to speak. First, he asked him, what do you see? If people are quick to talk, they primarily don’t ponder the point long enough to speak. The first thing he said to the prophet was, look, what do you see? And when he told him what he saw, he said, okay, here is what you need to tell Zerubbabel. We must be deliberating before we start speaking. We should not be too quick to talk, but we are to be praying about what God says to us and what he wants us to say? What is it that he is showing us?

The vision wasn’t for the prophet. The vision was for the king because the king needed to be encouraged. The prophet brought the message of hope. The message to Zerubbabel is that it is not by “your might that you will be successful.” In other words, Zerubbabel, don’t worry yourself. You are looking at the task, and the task seems daunting. You’re looking at the task, and it seems like you cannot do it, but don’t worry yourself, Zerubbabel.

It’s not by your might, Zerubbabel.

It’s not how strong you are, Zerubbabel.

It’s not how deep your pocket is, Zerubbabel.

It’s not by your might, Zerubbabel, but it is by the Spirit of God.

At this point, we should be shouting because when I am weak, I am strong in God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly, I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  

That means when I am discouraged and worn out; then I am encouraged and lifted because it’s not by my might; it’s not by my strength. I don’t have to develop any energy for the Spirit of God to move. He is independent of our circumstances. I just got to trust the Spirit of God to move in my life.

Pray

Today, my cry is, “Lord; I cannot do this task; only you can get it done, God. Even when I think I am capable, God, unless you do it, I will fail unless your Holy Spirit leads. Move Holy spirit! As you reminded Zerubbabel, please continue to remind me that the Lord of hosts sent the message. It is the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace that has spoken, and I believe him!”

To prophet intending to reassure the king did not immediately give the message directly. However, he showed him a picture. It is as if God was saying, “I want him to understand what I’m trying to tell him.” I’m going to speak to his enemies at the same time. I will speak to his challenges; I will say to the circumstances, the situation that gets him down. I need God to speak into my affairs. I need God to talk to my mountains. The writer asked in verse seven, who are you thou great “Mountain”? I don’t know what the “Mountain” is in your life today; let me share with you, there is a word from God. He has a word that He has sent to you. And the question is, who are you, thou “great Mountain”?

Why is God questioning this Mountain? He says, “oh great Mountain, who are you great Mountain before Zerubbabel?” The reason why God is questioning this Mountain is that the Mountain is a hindrance to his servant. In other words, whatever your mountains are, your restrictions, and your challenges, the God that we serve will require those “Mountains” to answer to Him. He’s not arguing. God is not quarreling. He’s not fussing with the “Mountain.” He’s just asking the question, who are you, great Mountain? Who are you that you’re going to stand in front of my servant Zerubbabel? You will become a plain. God said I’m going to bring you down “Mountain.” Why? Because you are a hindrance to my servant’s progress.

We need a message of hope when we are faced with our pandemics. It’s not just coronavirus that is a pandemic in our lives. There are pandemics of finances affecting our relationships and our jobs. These pandemics are haunting us night and day. We need God to speak to our mountains. God will bring low those obstacles, and He will give us hope. Don’t you worry; just leave it to the Spirit of God. Because the Bible tells me that God has given us His Spirit, he says he didn’t give you a spirit of fear but love and power and a sound mind [2 Timothy 1:7].

So, I’m not going to ignore my situation. I’m not going to ignore that I have a mountain either. I’m going to acknowledge I have a mountain, but I’m going to say to the Mountain, Mountain, get out of my way. Mountain, you got to move. Yes, the Spirit of God brings life. The Spirit of God brings liberation. The Spirit of God breaks every stronghold and sets the prisoner free [Leviticus 26:13]. Maybe you have been a prisoner of your mind. I’m here to tell you that God has come. He has set his Spirit upon you to give you liberty. Cry out to God today; Oh, Holy Spirit, oh, Holy Spirit, oh, Holy Spirit, we need your help. We need your help, Holy Spirit. Oh, God helps us.

Maybe you have been a prisoner of your mind. I’m here to tell you that God has come. He has set his Spirit upon you to give you liberty.

WE NEED REASSURANCE THAT THE WORK WILL BE COMPLETED

Thirdly, in verses eight and nine, we are told that we need reassurance that the work will be completed. The Bible tells us that Zerubbabel was building the temple, and he got discouraged. He questioned himself. He stated I didn’t know if I could finish this task. This task is more than I can bear. How am I going to do this? He needed a word from God. The word came directly and said, Zerubbabel, you can do it.

As you read this blog, you might be feeling similarly to how Zerubbabel was feeling in this passage, Zechariah 4:8–9 (ESV)

8 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.

In other words, you have started it. And the hands of Zerubbabel will complete it. The prophet told Zerubbabel that he was coming to him as the mouthpiece of the Lord of hosts. I’m coming to encourage you. What you have started, what you have put your hand to, and you feel that you cannot complete it, I’m here to tell you that God has made a promise for you. You will get it done. We all need this kind of reassurance.

Do you need reassurance today? The Lord wants to reassure you that what you are facing is not the end. What you are facing is just the beginning. The hand of God is with you. The hand of God has surrounded you. The hand of God is protecting you. The prophet told the king that you would know that the Lord of hosts has sent me when you have finished your assignment.

He says in Zechariah 4:10, for who has despised the day of small things?  This verse is a reminder that we should not underestimate small things. For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, which scan all around and throughout the whole world. The consolation today, in Zechariah 4:10, is very rich.  When the prophet talks about the plumb-line, carpenters know it is essential because it holds the level. It’s an indication that some building project is going on. When laying the blocks or trying to make sure that everything connects, they set the plumb-line. They set the plumb line, and everything is leveled from the plumb-line. According to The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, the plumb-line is symbolic of an ordinary tool of the day representing God’s true and accurate judgment[iv].

The prophet says to Zerubbabel; you might not have all you think you need, but you must begin with what you have. Some people give up because they don’t have everything all at once, but that’s not what God wants from us. He wants us to trust him with whatever we have. We must trust God even if we have a little patience or modest faith like that of a grain of mustard seed. Whatever it is that you have, maybe it’s your finances. Trust God with it. Whatever you have, God is saying wholeheartedly don’t reject what you have. You are going to finish the work with what you have. You’re going to complete the task with what is in your hand.

Let us look more at the question, who has despised the day of small things? When you read the story of the children of Israel after the exile in Nehemiah and Ezra, you realize that the temple was built. The wall was erected, and the tombs were repaired. Then they got the scroll, and Ezra, the prophet, stood up on a platform and read from the scrolls. The Bible says that the people stood there and listened from morning till evening as they read the scrolls Nehemiah 8:3. The people responded and said all that the word of God says we will do. Maybe Zerubbabel didn’t even have this picture in his mind. He might not even saw the possibility of everything being restored. The temple and the platform are erected. Hundreds of thousands of people are standing in front of him, listening to the word of God being delivered. I am not sure he had this vision. God called him, and he did what he had to do, and the result is beyond imagination.

As Zerubbabel proceeded to tackle his Mountain, you and I must tackle all our mountains. We work because there is a future. There is hope. Don’t underestimate little things. It’s interesting when you consider all the big things those little things control. Look at the cruise ship and the little stern that controls it. Look at this tractor-trailer and look at the small steering wheel that controls it. A small instrument controls a giant airplane. You look at our body and the little tongue that controls it. You might be small, or you might have small things, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do big things. Little is much, and the songwriter says when God is in it.

The prophet’s message was, “don’t you worry because God is in it with you.” God is there to remind you that you have the plumb-line so keep working. The eyes of the Lord are upon you; it scans back and forth. You might feel that you’re not protected. Let me remind you that you are protected by the hand of God. You have comprehensive protection. You might not be able to see your way out, but God’s got you in His protection. He’s the one that is looking over you.

You might feel that you’re not protected. Let me remind you that you are protected by the hand of God. You have comprehensive protection.

You must understand that when your circumstances overwhelm you depend on God. When your situations seem to get the better of you, you can rely on God. Our God is always looking over us; he sees us. There’s nowhere on the face of this earth you can go that God is not present. He’s always there. The Psalmist says, where should I go from the presence of the Lord? Even hell, I can’t escape him. I could make my bed in the depths of the oceans, even there he is. God is all over. He’s concerned about his people [Hebrews 4:15]. Don’t underestimate the beginning of small things.

GOD’S ANOINTING IS AVAILABLE TO YOU

The last point I want to make from  Zechariah 4:11-14.  We need to know that God has set forth his anointed ones to serve alongside his people. To be “called” refers to “A ceremonial action performed on persons and things to separate them from profane use and obtain on their behalf the infusion of Divine grace.”[v] It is said that the Biblical personalities were often anointed in “recognition of the Lord’s divine calling upon their lives; the anointing was a physical recognition of their roles (or office), such as king, prophet, or priest.”[2] You might think you are alone but listen to what he said about the olive stands. He asked what the meaning of the olive trees? Explain it to me. In Zechariah 4:12, he begins to talk about it. He says, then I answered and said to him, what are these two olive branches that dip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes with the golden oil drain? He says this means something. The olive branch that connects to the bowl seems to be pouring golden oil into this thing. It’s not just pouring oil, and it’s pouring golden oil. I mean, this is such a rich passage.

 Zechariah 4:13 said that the angel answered and said, do you not know what are these? And he said, no, my Lord. The angel asked, don’t you know? In other words, the angel was thinking; you’re the prophet. He said these are two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord on the earth. God has sent his anointed ones. It reminded me of the scripture that says; he will give his angels charge over you as stated in Psalm 91:11-12. You are not alone. Everyone might have given up on you. You might be standing alone but remember the God of Heaven’s Army is on your side. Remember that Jesus promised us that He would send us the Holy Spirit, who is our Helper. In His high priestly prayer in John 17, he prayed that God would keep us. There is help for all of us. When you face life’s most pandemic situations, God is right there to help you.

You are not alone. Everyone might have given up on you. You might be standing alone but remember the God of Heaven’s Army is on your side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have examined the message of the Spirit that was given to Zerubbabel. Faced with the task of completing the restoration of the walls and the city Zerubbabel was facing discouragement. Every leader knows what it is like to face their task and to have to deal with apathy. If you are going to look beyond the discouragement and more ahead, you must begin to see through the eyes of the Spirit. We Must Deal with the apathy of those who we will lead and work alongside. It is always true that God never changes. No circumstances can impact the nature of God. Our eyes must see beyond the natural and see in the spiritual realm. All of us need real companions, and we need a message of hope from God. We all need reassurance that the work we are assigned will be completed. We are not alone; the power and anointing of God are available to assist us with our assignment.

[i] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[ii] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[iii] https://covidusa.net. 10/01/21

[iv] Silva, M., & Tenney, M. C. (2009). In The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, M-P (Revised, Full-Color Edition, Vol. 4, p. 918). Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation.

[v] Smith, R. L. (1984). Micah–Malachi (Vol. 32, p. 166). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 1

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 1

daltonjenkins

Dalton Jenkins / General

Zechariah (Ne. 8:4); Assurance; Comfort; Jews (return from Exile) / Zechariah 4; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 65:24

Zechariah 4:6 ESV

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

PART 1

INTRODUCTION

Zechariah 4:6 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It is a reminder to me that no matter what I will face, God is in charge. All my limitations are not enough to limit God’s power to work in my life. All my fears disappear in the presence and power of Almighty God. I hear the verse in Philippians 4:13 echoing in my mind every time I read Zechariah 4:6, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” COVID-19 pandemic changes our lives. However, it does not and could not impact who God is and what he can do.

All my limitations are not enough to limit God’s power to work in my life. All my fears disappear in the presence and power of Almighty God.

COVID-19 stripped us from all our securities that were outside of God. The global impact of COVID-19 has challenged us in all areas of our lives. We have lost many of our loved ones. Our lives have been placed on hold and, in some areas, are disrupted. We need reassurance that we are not alone. We need reassurance that God is still here with us. Let us look at the story of Zerubbabel, as is written in Zechariah 4. There are five points we should consider as we seek reassurance during this pandemic. Many of us have never had this kind of experience and most likely will never experience this kind again. As we strive to be assured, let us be reminded that God never changes. Nothing in the past, in the present, nor in the future impacts who God is. Not only do we need God, but we also need real companions. We cannot be connected spiritually and not maintain physical connections. We will need this combined connection to deal with the apathy in leadership.

Nothing in the past, in the present, nor in the future impacts who God is. Not only do we need God, but we also need real companions.

Leadership is not just a pastoral activity, but we all are leaders in our rights. As we pursue God’s appointment, we must listen to the message of hope that comes from God. Through this message, we will receive the reassurance that the task we are assigned will be completed with God’s help. To conclude this blog, we will briefly examine the impact of God’s anointing that is available to us. We all need reassurance, especially during a pandemic. 

Zechariah 4:6 (ESV) is a simple verse buried in a much more detailed text. It’s an answer that was given to Zerubbabel by God through the prophet Zachariah. It says this,

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

This text reads like Revelation. A dream with certain representations that are figures that mean something. In this vision, the angel is asking Zechariah probing questions. What does this mean? When he asked the angel a question, the angel would then ask him another question. When you compare this dialogue to Revelation, you see the angel giving instructions to John, and he is writing it down. In Zechariah, we see a more interrogative approach. This kind of dialogue expressed to the prophet the whole meaning of the dream.

What we have here in Zechariah is not just a dream with symbols and figures and representations. This is a dream and someone who is explaining to the prophet the meaning of the dream. In other words, it wasn’t to keep him in darkness, but it was to enlighten him, to assure him of what was to come. When we talk about the goodness of God and speaking in this way, Isaiah 65:24 tells us to “call on me, and I will answer. It shall come to pass that before they call,” God says, “I will answer; and while they are speaking, I will hear.” This verse is another verse of assurance that says God is always there for you.

I am looking through this text, trying to understand the context of what was going on. It is said that this book is the most comprehensive of all the minor prophets, and it comprises over 211 verses [i], while Hosea is the second-longest of the Minor Prophet [ii]. This book of Zechariah presents something of importance and value to us that we can apply to our lives today. When I look in the context of what was happening in those days, this book is what we call the post-exile prophetic utterances. At this point, this prophet received this word to give to the king. In other words, this happened after the exile of the children of Israel.

In his dedication prayer, Solomon prayed in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and he said, “if the people should turn their backs and cry, then Lord, please hear from heaven.” Once he finished praying in chapter six, the Lord responded with the exact words he prayed. Solomon was thinking about the future because he knew the people. He knew that the people would someday or sometimes turn their backs on God.

Just as Solomon had feared, the children of Israel turned their backs on God, rejected God’s commandments. God allowed the enemy, the Philistines, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, to overpower and captured them.  Nebuchadnezzar was one of the great kings of Babylon.  He devastated Israel, broke down the temple, took out all the gold and precious things, and left the place all tattered and torn. Then he took all the elite people, the young, energetic ones. Those who were princes and princesses were taken to Babylon. He also took those that looked like they could serve, brought them, and placed them in his kingdom.

One theologian says that he believed that Zechariah was left back and grew up during exile. While many were cast away, he was a young man who was brought up in exile. Zerubbabel grew up in a time when the temple was destroyed. He grew up, and he saw destruction all around him, which became part of his reality. I think about some of the children today who are in school and are growing up in this pandemic.  The impact of this pandemic on these children will have a lasting effect.  This period is going to be etched into their memories.  The destruction and the devastation that took place will be part of their experiences.

GOD NEVER CHANGES

Amidst all that has happened in our world today, we must be reassured of the God we serve; he never changes. The God we serve supersedes all things. And so, even though the prophet Zechariah understood what was happening, he still served God. He could have become disheartened and disgruntled. He could have said, well, look at the broken walls, look at the tombs of my ancestors that have been exposed. Can you imagine him walking the streets and hear him saying, this used to be, this was here? The impact this experience had on a young man is unimaginable. But God had his hands upon him. It doesn’t matter what you’re facing, what you’re going through. If God has his hand upon you, you can go through it. You can become what God wants you to be despite what you’re facing.

It doesn’t matter what you’re facing, what you’re going through. If God has his hand upon you, you can go through it. You can become what God wants you to be despite what you’re facing.

Zechariah became a prophet. Regardless of his past experiences, Zechariah excelled. It is important to note that it wasn’t that there was a lack of prophets, so God only chose the available one. No. There were a lot of prophets, but God used this man for this time. He embraced what God wanted him to be, like David. God used him in a mighty way. God used him to speak encouragement to the man of God who was leading the country at that time. We must become encouragers. We must become carriers of good news. God is looking for men and women who will become the voice of God, proclaiming good news and hope. That’s who Zechariah was.

Another prophet who faced similar circumstances was Nehemiah. He worked in the king’s court; he was the king’s cupbearer. One day Nehemiah requested to go back to his homeland and help to rebuild the wall. The background story to this is interesting because even the temple was destroyed. All the consecrated items in the temple were taken out, brought to the captive lands. Their homes were destroyed. Their sepultures were opened and exposed. When they were sent back to Jerusalem to rebuild, they began to rebuild their own homes. The returning citizens left the temple in disrepair because they got comfortable. The temple was still left broken down. Zerubbabel saw all this disrepair and realized that there was a lack of concern for the things of God. As I studied this, I was reminded that we must make sure that we take care of the things of God in all our endeavors. Here are the things that matter in this world: our service to God and the things of God, and the responsibilities God has given us. It is all about pleasing God.

I’m reminded of the story that Jesus talked about the man who had a huge harvest, and he said in Luke 12:18–19 (ESV)

18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 
19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” 

The moral of the story is that we should not become so tied up in our pursuit that we neglect what God has put in our hands. We face our realities knowing that God is in charge and never changes. Our God is the same, whether you face situations like Nehemiah, Zechariah, or the rich man in Jesus’ story. Your experiences are nothing that God cannot handle. He is reliable!

WE NEED GENUINE COMPANIONS

In this part of scripture, Zechariah 4:6, we heard Zechariah having a conversation. This part of the conversation is essential because there are so many times we want to correct people and speak into people’s lives, but they have not permitted us to do so. Therefore, they don’t receive your correction; they don’t receive your challenge. I am moved by the fact that Zerubbabel and Zechariah had a good relationship. The king and the prophet had a good relationship so that the prophet could have dreamed a dream, and the king would listen to it. I’m cautious about dreams. Dreams sometimes are meant to tell us things, and sometimes it is just a result of what we consume mentally. However, dreams also are one of the ways God speaks to us. We must be careful in understanding the context of a particular dream since it’s based on interpretations. You must make sure you know what you’re interpreting.

In this scripture, we learned that Zechariah had a series of dreams. This dream was the fifth of the series of dreams that he had. It wasn’t just a one-off. In Zechariah 1, he had a vision of a red horse riding among the myrtles. In Zechariah 1:18-21, he had a vision of four horns and four craftsmen. Then in Zechariah 2, he has a vision of the surveyor with the measuring line. In Zechariah 3, he has a dream about the cleansing and crowning of Joshua. In Zechariah 4, he dreams of the golden lampstand and the two-olive tree. In chapter five, verses one to four, he had a dream with the flying scroll. In Zechariah 5:5-11, he had another vision of a woman. Lastly, in Zechariah 6, he had a vision of chariots. We can see that dreams have their place in how God is communicating to us.

In the series of about eight visions that he had, one of those visions had described a lampstand under two olive trees standing on either side of the lampstands. He interpreted the vision. This message was about providing for and rebuilding the temple of God.

What a companion Zechariah was that God could use him to encourage the king. God entrusted him with the vision and encouragement for the king. Can God entrust you with encouragement for someone else? Can God share the vision of greatness with you for someone else? A good friend is sometimes hard to find.

Can God entrust you with encouragement for someone else? Can God share the vision of greatness with you for someone else? A good friend is sometimes hard to find.

DEALING WITH APATHY

Facing apathy was challenging to Zerubbabel and many leaders of his time as they sought to rebuild the temple. The people had become complacent. They showed little concerned about the condition of their homeland. Can you imagine that people would just live in this disrepair? Things are all broken up and deteriorated around them.  As long as their house was okay, they did not see any need to fix what was still broken. Please do not allow yourself to be comfortable with places of brokenness. Resist the urge to turn a blind eye or to become concerned with only persons in your circle.

Please do not allow yourself to be comfortable with places of brokenness. Resist the urge to turn a blind eye or to become concerned with only persons in your circle.

Zerubbabel was faced with apathy and complacency. He now had to figure out how to rebuild the temple. As a leader, he was concerned about the place of worship. He was concerned about the house of God. As a child of God, as Christians, we must always be concerned about the house of God. When we talk about the house, it’s not just the building. We are talking about the people of God. The people are the church, not the edifice. We must be concerned about one another, concern about a place where we can gather. As the text says in  Proverbs 27:17, iron sharpens iron. We can get together as one and serve and praise God with all our minds and our souls.

One exciting thing in the text that we see is how we should deliver messages. Sometimes we get intimidated about the responses we will receive. Should I say to somebody what the Lord said to my heart? Then you begin to question yourself, is this what God is saying to me? Is it what God’s saying to me, or is it my thoughts? Messengers are constantly questioning themselves to be confident that the message they will deliver is the one God has given to them. In this message, there was concern about the state and the present condition of the temple. The people were less concerned about the temple because their homes were already built.

We see this similar concern with David. When God gave the children of Israel peace, David had built up his palace, and everything was going well. However, David got concerned because he said, “I am living in a timber house, but the Ark of God is in a tent.” Then David inquired of the Lord; he said, “I want to build you a house.” And God said, “no, David, it’s not your place to build it. I have a man that is going to build my temple, but I like your concern.” David says, “well, if I’m not going to be able to build it, then Lord, I’ll provide for it.” This lesson can be applied in this story. King Zerubbabel could have said my palace is okay. I have got people who are caring for me. Why am I worried about the temple? A true man/woman of God who has a heart for the things of God cannot sit still when the things of God are in disarray. Your heart and your mind are concerned; you are concerned about current conditions.

A true man/woman of God who has a heart for the things of God cannot sit still when the things of God are in disarray. Your heart and your mind are concerned; you are concerned about current conditions.

I am writing this article in the middle of the COVID19 pandemic. In the USA, over 700,000[iii]persons have died from the pandemic. Many persons have been severely sickened because of this disease. Many lives have been uprooted, and things are not the same. I was just thinking the other day, and I said, even when COVID has passed, things will never go back to what we called “normal.” Life and the way we operated have entirely changed.

COVID19 has taken over the entire world; our lives will not be the same. Many are not taking this reality well. Many people are suffering mentally during this time. What will happen to those people when this is passed? I can imagine Zerubbabel; as I was thinking about this crisis, I kept thinking about all these people suffering today. I think of all the frontline workers who work in the hospitals and the nursing home. The trauma that they must have suffered. What is going through their minds when they hear the codes being called.  They hear all the suffering and the sounds and smell of death.

I heard from some of the frontline workers as they told me that they could hear the sound of death in the hospitals. One person recalled her experience suffering in the hospital suffering from COVID19. Some of the scariest times were in the middle of the night; one could hear someone dying. You know that they have the same disease you have, and they just passed away. You were laying in the bed, not knowing if you were going to survive that night. Now those who have come out of that experience have to live with this experience.

What made the trauma even worse in the early months was that you couldn’t even go to the funerals. So, you don’t know if the person who’s lying there is your loved one or not. You’re just taking it at face value. You didn’t even have a proper burial. I mean, they didn’t even have services at the church or services inside of the funeral homes. They just had them in the parking lots and gravesides; then, they would go directly to the burial ground. People didn’t have time to grieve and to say a proper goodbye to their loved ones. We need to hear from God. We need to listen to a word that will give us some comfort. We need to understand that God knows about the things we go through. Maybe you are like Zerubbabel, faced with devastation but want to serve God. Faced with the fact that you might not have the folks that you need to encourage you, but you have God. Faced with the fact that all your plans might have been destroyed you can take comfort in the fact that God is with you. If God is with you, then you’re all right.

Faced with the fact that all your plans might have been destroyed you can take comfort in the fact that God is with you. If God is with you, then you’re all right.

[i] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[ii] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[iii] https://covidusa.net. 10/01/21

[iv] Silva, M., & Tenney, M. C. (2009). In The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, M-P (Revised, Full-Color Edition, Vol. 4, p. 918). Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation.

[v] Smith, R. L. (1984). Micah–Malachi (Vol. 32, p. 166). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.