FAITH CAPSULE: With understanding, celebrate resurrected Jesus do not seek Him among the dead.

Luke 24:13-53

Instead of celebrating His resurrection they came for His dead at the tomb. All came early seeking for living Jesus in the place of the dead because of lack of understanding. Luke 24:1-5 said it all, “Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.  But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth…”
Lack of understanding is the evidence of failure to have advantage making forward not to become stagnated in life. With understanding of resurrection of Jesus is to be living with trust and hope that Jesus is alive. Jesus told His believers about His crucifixion and resurrection but to believe resurrection was not in those who went to seek Him at the tomb. On the first day of the week, His disciples and some women went to the tomb greatly prepared for the dead? He was being sought like dead instead of seeking Him as living. Are you seeking dead Jesus instead of seeking living Jesus? How are you seeking Jesus regularly today? He promised that He is alive yet man is burdened with challenges in the place of seeking Jesus. Are you taking Him for lie instead of taking Him for His truth? Have you thought about it that not standing in His truth is not being able to stand for God that is able to do possibility where there is impossibility? Today gain understanding and know it today that resurrection is not idle tales. (Luke 24:11) In the place of celebrating resurrection, understand and know to disallow challenging sad situation in your conversation. Two of His disciples were on journey to Emmaus with no understanding to celebrate resurrection but were occupied with sad situation when Jesus joined their conversation. Jesus asked them “…What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” (Luke 24:17) His disciples were lack of understanding of resurrection but lamenting crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus called their situation foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe. (Luke 24:25) His disciples on the way to Emmaus’ lack of understanding was the evidence of blindness until Jesus had communion before they could see. The bible recorded, “Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” (Luke 24:30-31)
With understanding of resurrection, disallow conversation that is not centered on the living Jesus.

Prayer for today: Ask God for the grace to rest in the resurrection of Jesus.

FAITH CAPSULE: Resurrection, the truth of Jesus demands understanding.

Luke 24:1-12

The more any man hears the word of God with attention the more man will get to know and understand God’s will and purpose in the life of man. Disciples heard from Jesus without understanding to receive His resurrection according to His plan and purpose for man. Resurrection is the truth of Jesus. Resurrection is the plan and purpose of Jesus for man to live to the glory of God. Jesus introduced Himself stating, “I am the way, the truth, (John 14:6) but because of lack of understanding man cannot accept Him as the truth. Jesus told the truth but they do not believe Him then; today man do not believe His truth. John 8:45 He said, “but because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.” Jesus also said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25)
Understanding is the key to believe truth about His resurrection. Lack of understanding is the reason for people not to believe His resurrection. Celebrating resurrection without understanding adds nothing which God does have in is plan and purpose for man. Celebration of resurrection should not be for the tradition of making money but making place for the truth of Jesus in living life.
Resurrection is the concluding story of Jesus’ journey to the cross of Calvary.
The truth of resurrection is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18) Without any exemption (acclaimed believers of Jesus or none believers), are celebrating resurrection without understanding. Word in Hosea 4:6 identified lack of knowledge saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge…” Lack of understanding denies having a knowing edge over challenges in this wicked world.
Resurrection, the truth of Jesus demands understanding to please God but not to be pleasing self. Pleasing self but not pleasing God is the evidence of lack faith before God. Hebrews 11:6 stated, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Do you have faith with the understanding to be celebrating the resurrection which Jesus paid for man through crucifixion?
The bible recorded Jesus’ Calvary journey to resurrection which is the price for man to live and not die stating, “Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, ^“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” (Matthew 20:17-19) Eventually Jesus was condemned to death and He rose on the third day.

Prayer for today: Ask for the grace of understanding in the word of God.

FAITH CAPSULE: How are you celebrating His journey to Calvary on this day?

Luke 23

Affliction can be sickness, it can be condition or situation which denies man’s freedom from being well. Bible mentioned about affliction stating, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19) Without doubt, affliction shall bow to God’s deliverance for man with understanding of God’s plan. Being righteous is the plan for man’s assurance for deliverance. Jesus our righteousness is the plan of God for our deliverance from all affliction. It is written, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (1 Corinthians 5:20) Jesus is our righteousness if we abide in Him. He is God’s beloved as God testified, “…My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)
Are you celebrating Jesus’ Journey to Calvary with understanding?
Jesus, the living Word of God is the reason for man’s deliverance when He went through the Calvary journey if man will abide in Him. Reason of Jesus’ journey to the Calvary is identified in His word as stated, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Deliverance from affliction is to be free.
The bible recorded Jesus’ Calvary journey which is the price for our deliverance stating, “Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, ^“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” (Matthew 20:17-19) Exactly what He said in the verse happened to Him. Jesus knew beforehand that all His disciples were going to stumble and scatter at His arrest. Indeed, and in truth all His disciples forsook Him as recorded in Matthew 26:56, “…Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” He was betrayed by His disciples and today nothing has changed especially among his acclaimed believers. How are you betraying Jesus? How are you celebrating His journey to Calvary on this day?
Disciples of Jesus scattered, Peter betrayed Him by denying Him. Celebrating with no understanding is the avenue of failure. Such failure avenue will lead to denying Jesus by lying, deception and manipulation. Lying, deception and manipulation should not be for one celebrating the journey of Jesus with understanding. Are you acclaimed believer with no understanding of Calvary celebration? Every acclaimed believer wants to be identified with Jesus but none wants to suffer with Him or suffer just like He did. Are you making noise as a believer but living as a deceiver? Today, celebrate Jesus, remain focus, disallow His Calvary journey be a waste concerning His plan over your life.

Prayer for today: Ask God for the grace not to be a failure in the plan of Jesus for life.

FAITH CAPSULE: Prayer is power for self-deliverance.

2 Kings 20

Prayer is seeking God. Prayer can be described as a power force that is in place for man to vigorously engage for self-deliverance. Prayer demands persistent to get result. Are you experiencing challenge that is resisting continuous prayer? According to Jesus, prayer demands, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) In the pages of bible it is evident that prayer is the key for self-deliverance. Hezekiah was among those with testimony of self-deliverance through prayer. It is recorded concerning Hezekiah, “In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’”( 2Kings 20:1) Hezekiah did not seek deliverance from no man but engaged prayer before God for his self-deliverance from sudden death. Hezekiah prayed to God reminding God about his walk and loyal heart before God; he wept before God. God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer and sent Isaiah to Hezekiah stating, “…I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.  And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David.” (2Kings 20:5-6) Truly, Hezekiah prayed before God to gain self-deliverance from sudden death.
Hannah vigorously prayed in time of her barrenness. Hannah was praying when Eli mistook her for drunkenness. It is written, “ And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth.  Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.  So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” (1Samuel 1:12-14) Hannah responded to Eli saying she was not drunk but poured out her soul before God. As a result, Eli answered to her, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:17) Hannah prayed vigorously and she conceived and bore Samuel.
Are you praying? Jesus emphasized the need for prayer and He demonstrated prayer as He prayed for Peter’s deliverance from faith failure in Luke 22:32, “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…”  Through prayer, Paul experienced self-deliverance from prison and death trap journey. Paul was constant prayer as stated, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Timothy 4:18) Prayer is power for self-deliverance if man will vigorously engage praying to God in the name of Jesus.

Prayer for today: Ask God for the grace of strength in praying.

FAITH CAPSULE: See and hear in His word for self-deliverance.

Joshua 8

When it was time for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, God sent angels for deliverance of Lot. Lot was urged to hurry not to be consumed in the punishment of the city. While he lingered, he was taken out by the angels which was the mercy of the Lord. Lot was reluctant to escape to assigned city of his escape. (Genesis 19:19-20) The angel responded to Lot for his deliverance saying, “…See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” (Genesis 19:21-22) It was Lot’s able to see in the word that delivered Lot from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot’s route for deliverance failed for the wife of Lot’s deliverance because she looked back against the word of God. Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt because she could not see in the word of God. (Genesis 19:26) The word of God is sent for man to see and gain self-deliverance in the ground of destruction.
Word of God is the source of faith and with work it delivers assured self-deliverance. Are you seeing, hearing in the word of God to gain your deliverance with failure?
The children of Israel under the leadership of Joshua encountered challenge of stagnation in attempt to pass through Jericho to God’s Promise Land. It is written, “Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.” (Joshua 6:1) The children of Israel needed deliverance to move through the shut-up gate. Without doubt, gaining self-deliverance against challenge will take charge when man sees in the word of God to obey the word of God. It is written, “Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” (Joshua 6:2) Joshua heard and saw in the word of God as he took position of self-deliverance for the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land.
In another challenging situation for the Israelites in the hand of Ai people there was a need for self-deliverance. The bible recorded, “Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.” (Joshua 8:1) Repeatedly, Joshua could see and he was able to hear the word of God for self-deliverance for the Israelites at Jericho and in the hand of the Ai people. Obviously, hearing and seeing in the word of God for obedience is an assurance for self-deliverance from challenges of life.

Prayer for today: Ask for the grace to be seeing and hearing in the word of God.