QUOTES FOR MAY 3, 2026

 

SCHOOL OF OBEDIENCE

 

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

 

1.        Jesus was having these last few moments with his disciples.  It was their moment.  Jesus was preparing them for what was about to happen.  Jesus was also stating that the followers of Christ are not of this world. 

 

a.        We have accepted Jesus Christ and are born again.

b.       We are temples of the Holy Spirit.  He is our comforter, guide, and helper.

c.        We have a new nature, character, and essence.

d.       We have a new destination, future, mindset, attitude, and motives.

e.        Our allegiance is to God.  He is our sovereign, master, Lord, and Savior.

f.          We know we in this world but not of it.

g.        The Lord has opened our hearts and minds to the good news.

 

2.        The reason the world cannot receive the message of Christ.

 

a.        The gospel does not fit their worldview.

b.       The enemy has blinded them from the truth.

c.        The Gospel is supernatural and spiritual in nature.  That which is flesh is flesh and that which is spirit is spirit.

d.       People don’t view themselves as sinners, broken people or guilty.

e.        Their ethics, morality is based on religion of good works.

f.          Culture and society are ruled by the devil, the world, and sin.

 

3.        Judas was also echoing what Jesus’ brothers said to him when they said, “Go to Jerusalem and reveal yourself.”  Judas was saying you are the Messiah it is time to reveal yourself as the conquering king.  He failed to see Jesus as the suffering servant. 

 

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

1.        Now Jesus turns the question around by saying those who love me will obey my teaching. 

Obedience is the key.  You are a soldier.  Obeying God is the highest moral duty. It involves following God's commandments, living according to His principles, and aligning one's actions and choices with His will. This is based on the belief that God is the ultimate authority and source of truth. 

 

2.        So what did Jesus teach?

 

a.        The great commandment of loving God and loving others, Love is the basis for our love and

The Father’s love for us. 

b.       The Kingdom of God with righteousness peace and joy based in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

c.        • “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

d.       • “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

e.        • “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9).

f.          • “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

g.        • “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25).

h.        • “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

i.          • “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1).

 

3.        The Lord will come this is a reference to Christ’s resurrection.  He will make His home with them and in them.  This is part of the blessed hope.  Remember they are not going to be alone.  Jesus is continuously assuring them.  The Holy Spirit is going to reside, comfort, empower, enable, and anoint them.

24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

1.        Jesus makes it clear that if you don’t obey you do not love Him.  Love is the key component, and it has action with it.  Obedience comes from knowing that God loves you and you love him in return. A lot of people think obedience is about fearing God, but God wants us to see obedience to him as a relationship of love. And out of love comes trust.

2.        The words that they have heard both in the past and now are not from Jesus only.  They have their origin with the Father.  Jesus was earthy messenger, communicator and proclaimer of the words and message of the Father.  They worked in together and in conjunction with each other, 

3.        Jesus was sent because of a manmade and eternal problem.  Sin had its origin in man and had an eternal consequence.  Jesus the eternal man solved this problem and in a few short hours he was going to solve it

SET FREE

 

Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.  According to the Book of Genesis, Naphtali  means, “my struggle", he was the sixth son of Jacob and second son with Bilhah. He was the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Naphtali.  Naphtali was a swift runner, though this appears to have been inferred from the Blessing of Jacob, which equates Naphtali to a hind or deer.  We should always be swift in love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, honesty, integrity and transparency.  According to Genesis 46:24, Naphtali had four sons: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.  In the Testament of Naphtali or Testaments  of the Twelve Patriarchs.  In this apocryphal material, Naphtali gave his sons no commandment except regarding the fear of God, that they should serve Him and follow after Him, also admonished them not to join themselves unto the sons of Joseph but join the sons of Levi and Judah. He also had a vision about the division of tribes of Israel and told to them that Abraham was chosen by God for his faith.

 

In this portion of scripture two powerful truths come forth.  When you are set free you bear a beautiful life. 

 

We are free from Bondage or any form. 

 

Jesus came to set the captive free.  This is the promise of Isaiah 61, Jesus did this by his broken body and shed blood.   He set us free from disease, sickness, ill health. pain, and sorrow.  John said in John 8:32, that who the son sets free is free indeed.  Any bondage that entangles us whether satanic, worldly or human we can be set free from.  All we have t do is ask.  James says, “You have not because you ask not.”  Bondage comes in many forms, spiritual, physical, emotion, intellectual, financial and even family.  It is for freedom that we have been set free.  Paul reminds us in Gal 5:1 that we have been set free.  He then tells us that we need to stand firm.  That means do not go back into bondage once you have been set free.  Bondage can come from outside and inside but when we have been set free make a decision to not got entangled or be put into bondage again.

 

We are free from guilt. 

 

The guilt I am talking about is false guilt.  Guilt that comes from satan, the world or other people.  Guilt is a response from the conscience when we are wrong in our thinking, speaking or actions.  It has been placed by God as a moral compass for our lives.   It becomes negative when it moves us to fear or bondage.  Jesus dealt with guilt on the cross.  He released us from the guilt, shame and consequences of sin.  Satan manipulatives our guilt by using it in a negative manner against us.  He accuses us and this causes us to feel false guilt or makes us feel that we have not done enough to rectify the situation.  I have met people who even though they have done all they can to make things right still being guilty.  Here is a simple thing to remember.  In John 1:9, it states that if we confess our sins, make a decision to not knowingly repeat it that the Lord will be faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Now the secret of staying free is receiving God’s forgiveness.  That is why Paul said in Gal 5:1 to stand firm.  You have been set free from guilt so stand firm in that reality.  When the devil comes and tells you about your past, tell him it has been forgiven and remind him of his future.

 

Freedom from futility

 

The problem many face today is trying to figure out what to do after we have been set free.  There is a manual to help us and that is the Bible.  As you read meditate and apply God’s word you begin to have purpose, meaning and direction.  It is a process.  Any journey starts with the step.  The problem with many people is they fall back into the familiar.  If you were used to doing things for yourself were self reliant and self-assured then it is easy to fall into good works to look good in the sight of man and God.  If you suffered from self-esteem problems then it is easy to fall into a pattern of thinking you will never be good enough for God even though there are many assurance scriptures.  The writer of Hebrews calls this dead works.  Don’t fall into a pattern of dead works.  Here are two things that if you do these well you are fulfilling all the Lord requires today.  First, go into your world and tell others about Jesus.  We are all called to tell others.  Tell them about what you were like before Christ, how you came to Christ and then tell them what the Lord has done for your lately. Secondly, love.  Love people with an agape love.  Love with no strings attach and no expectation of anything in return.  You do these well and you will not live a life in futility.

 

You are set free to serve the living God.

 

When you are free you then have a new pattern of life.  You now have a purpose, a will and direction for your life.  I gave you that just a moment ago.  You are called to live an active life under the authority, direction and anointing of the Lord.  Each one of us have a different calling and God will reveal it too you in time.  He will use your interests, skills, natural abilities and inclinations.  The Bible lists in Romans 12, a list to start.  You could be a perceiver or common sense person. Someone who serves, a teacher loves learning and teaching, an encourager, an administrator, and lastly a giver.  Also in 1 Cor 12 &14 there are the nine gifts of the spirit, such as tongues, interpretation prophecy, faith, healing miracles, Word of wisdom, knowledge and discernment.  All  these gifts and ministries under the direction of the Holy spirit, either way open your heart and walk in the freedom that you have and serve the living God.  This is the Naphtali life.  Set free and living a beautiful life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOD IS OUR HEALER

 

Seven healing scriptures and their application from Isaiah

 

 

1.      Isaiah 58:11 - “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” – Isaiah 58:11.  This verse offers hope and assurance that God will guide us through difficult times, providing for our needs and refreshing us with His constant presence.

 

2.      Isaiah 41:13 - “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13.  When we feel overwhelmed and fearful, God promises to take hold of our hand and lead us through the darkness. His help is always near.

 

3.      Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1

This verse speaks of the Messiah who would come to bring good news to the poor, healing to the broken-hearted, and freedom to those who are captive. It reminds us that God’s power is at work in the world today.

 

4.      Isaiah 49:16 - “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” – Isaiah 49:16.  This verse speaks of God’s deep love and concern for us. It reminds us that we are always on His mind and that He cares for us deeply.

 

5.      Isaiah 43:2 - “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2. This verse offers comfort and assurance that God is with us even in the midst of trials and hardships. It reminds us that His protection is always available to us.

 

6.      Isaiah 14:4 - “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” – Isaiah 14:4.  This verse speaks of God’s unconditional love for us, and His willingness to heal us even when we have strayed from His path. It reminds us that He is always ready to forgive and restore us. 

 

SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

 

Seven Spirits of God

 

 

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

 

1.      The shoot or branch will come from the stump of Jesse.  This is the Messiah who comes later. 

2.      From his family and from the promise given to David that a future Messiah and earthly sovereign would come.  This is given to him in 2 Sam 7:14. 

3.      This person would bear certain fruit.  It would be exhibited in his thoughts, word, deeds, attitudes, motives.

 

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

 

1.      The Sevenfold spirits of God are talked about four times in the Bible.  They are manifestations and characteristics of the nature of the Holy Spirit.  There are not seven spirits or angels as some have interpreted.  They are as follows:

 

A. The Spirit of the Wisdom – The ability to apply the knowledge, information and strategy presented.

B. The Spirit of the Lord – This is the character, nature, and essence of the trinity in action.  The holiness, purity, love, grace, mercy, wisdom, and immutability of the trinity.

C. The Spirit of Understanding - Understanding in the Bible means God-given perception of the nature and meaning of things, resulting in sound judgment and decision-making. It can also mean to gain insight into something, or to discern spiritual truth and to apply it to human disposition and conduct1. Understanding can also refer to the ability to arrange or connect different parts or to interpret the Bible carefully and accurately.

D. The Spirit of Counsel - The meaning of counsel in the Bible can refer to the advice or guidance given or received by God or his people. Counsel is also a gift of the Holy Spirit that enables Christians to judge how best to act in times of trouble and trial, and to defend the faith without fear. Counsel is the perfection of the virtue of prudence, which helps us to choose what is good and pleasing to God.

E. The Spirit of Power - Power in the Bible means the ability and authority of God to accomplish his will and purposes.  Power belongs to God, and he can use it or give it to whomever he wills. Power can also refer to the miraculous works of God or the angelic beings that serve him. Power is an attribute of God's nature and a manifestation of his sovereignty.

F. The Spirit of Knowledge - In the Bible, “knowledge” refers to examples, truths, and commands that God wants us to know, believe, and heed. Knowledge is information we gain through reasoning, experience, or people, and wisdom is the ability to judge what is right and true. Understanding is another term the Bible uses that act as a bridge between knowledge and wisdom. When we have knowledge of God, we understand his nature, his character, and who he is.

G. The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord – True Piety.  Having a deep reverence and respect for the sovereignty, power, dignity, and authority.  You are not walking in fear or dread but hope and love.

 

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.

He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips, he will slay the wicked.

Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

 

1.      The Messiah will not judge with what he sees or hears.  He will judge with righteousness aware of the needs and concerns of the needy.  He will judge with justice and fairness when he makes decisions for the vulnerable and poor of the earth.

2.      He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth and the breath of his lips slaying the wicked is a direct prophetic, snapshot and vignette of the battle of Armageddon. 

3.      Righteousness will be his belt. Knowledge to the truths, and commands that God wants us to know, believe, and heed.  Knowledge is information we gain through reasoning, experience, or people, and wisdom is the ability to judge what is right and true. Understanding is another term the Bible uses that act as a bridge between knowledge and wisdom. When we have knowledge of God, we understand his nature, his character, and who he is.

4.      Faithfulness is the sash around his waist.  Faithfulness in the Bible means the firmness or constancy of God in His relations with men, especially with His people. It is a characteristic of God's ethical nature and an aspect of His truth and unchangeableness. Faithfulness is also a quality that God wants to reproduce in His people through Christ, so that they can be reliable and trustworthy in their responsibilities and promises.

 

QUOTES FOR MASY 3, 2026

 

THE SILVER CUP

 

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.  3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

 

Lesson One:  All the years, the tension, the emotion and the suspense are too much for Joseph.  It was the moment of truth.  He saw that his brothers had truly changed.  The test was over.  It was time for the truth.  He orders all the attendants out .  He cries out with every fiber of his being.  This is the moment for him and his brothers.  They scurry like rats.  Confusion and panic on the faces of his brothers.  What is going to happen now?

     There was no one from Egypt.  They were all alone, just the brothers and Joseph.  He begins to weep, all the years, the sorrow, the pain, the hiding.  Joseph weeps so loud, that even though no one was in the room he could be heard by people throughout the complex.  His tears flowing his heart is releasing, he cannot do this any longer.  Here are seven reasons why we should cry.  Tears help us see. Starting with the most basic function of tears, they enable us to see.  Tears kill bacteria. No need for Clorox wipes.   Tears remove toxins.  Crying can elevate mood.   Crying lowers stress.  Tears heal.  Tears release feelings.  Egyptians heard, Pharaoh’s household heard.  They probably thought he lost his mind.  I can see messengers running to Pharaoh with the news.  Something is happening at the house of the Prime Minister.  Something that was about to shake two worlds,Egypt and Canaan.

     Then Joseph says to his brothers.  I am Joseph, is my father living?  His brothers were not able to answer him because they were terrified.  Was he going to kill them?  He had the power of life and death.  Can you see the shock, mouths open.  Questions running through their minds.  Does he wasn’t revenge?  Look what he had done already?  What was going to happen now?  Joseph did not look like them, act like them, talk like them.  He was so different from them.  When redemption and forgiveness does it work we are never like people around us.  Salvation is the greatest work of all.  It changes us to righteous holy, loving, forgiving, graceful and merciful.

 

  4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

 

Lesson two:  Joseph had been so changed by his experience to the good.  In that moment they saw a loving and gracious man.  He calls them to him and when they have overcome their fear, their shock and guilt.  Oh the guilt, the shame, the remorse, the pain they have caused. 

     Then Joseph reassures them.  He releases them.  He has forgiven them.  We saw this as Joseph has already wept twice before.  He is Joseph they sold into slavery.  He tells them not to be distressed or angry for selling Him there.  God sent him there.  Joseph knew why.  God had done all this.  Can you imagine.  All his will now revealed.  God has eternal purposes.  Joseph had figured it out.  All the years of slavery, prison, dreams, waiting, elevation and preparation.  God had sent Him ahead.  He was to save lives.  That is why we must do all we can in our world.  The message of salvation saves lives.  There is no greater message.  No more important task, more noble calling than the eternal calling.  We are the Joseph’s in our world.  Your life has significance purpose.  You have a high and holy calling.  You are ambassador of an eternal kingdom.  You bring life and death.  Heaven and hell are in your hands.  God has sent you into your world ahead to save others.  It is always about others. 

     Now we get the time period.  It has been twenty two years since they had seen Joseph.  They are heading into the third year of the famine.  They will be no plowing or reaping for the next five years.  Joseph knew the times he lived in.  Do you?  Do you know what is going around you and what is happening in your world?  We must be like the men of Isaachar, we must discern the times we live in.

     Joseph then reveals two more things to the brothers.  God sent him ahead to preserve them as a remnant.  A remnant is a called out people, different than others, not the same as everyone else.  They are people with an eternal purpose.    They are people who survive a major disaster. A remnant of people is what is left  following a catastrophe.  Terms for remnant in the Old Testament derive from six roots and occur some 540 times.  Theological hues when it becomes the object of God's address and/or action.  God has called Joseph to save and preserve them by a great deliverance.  Joseph now understood all this.  Now he was revealing it to them.  This was God and God alone.  Can you see the relief.  God was working even in a place like this.  God can work anywhere.  Remember that.  In your family, vocation, community, province and country.  God is working never forget that.  When you feel like giving up, frustrated, annoyed and distressed.  God is working.

 

8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’

 

Lesson Three:  Joseph then reveals four things.  It was God who sent Him there not them.  God used them but God did this.  God and God alone.  You need to see the hand of God in everything.  You have to have eternal eyes and view or you will miss do much.  He made Joseph father to Pharaoh.  Lord of his entire household.  Joseph was his friend and trusted advisor.  Pharaoh loved and trusted Joseph like no man.  They were friends, brothers and family.  He is ruler of all Egypt.  A Hebrew prince, slave and prisoner had become ruler of all Egypt.  Quite a rags to riches story.  A true fairytale.  Hollywood could never have come with this script or screen play.  God writes the best stories and right now he is writing yours.  That is why you need to seek him and follow Him.  Yours is being written moment by moment.

     Joseph was sending them back.  Hurry, tell him Joseph is alive. God has made him lord over Egypt.  Come and see me, do not delay.   Bring all you have.  You will live in Goshen and be near Him.  Goshen was chosen because it was near.  They were shepherds so the land was best suited for their lifestyle.  They could live godly lives in that land but not have to be part of the land.  Like Jacob we in are in the world but not of the world.  Remember you are a pilgrim passing through.  This is not the best.  We like Abraham are looking for a city whose maker and builder is God.  Bring the whole family.  Everyone is to come and all they have.  Joseph knew they could not stay where they were.  Sometimes God moves us to preserve us.  Never stay in a place where you could die.  Move to where God wants you to be. 

     Joseph wanted them close so he could provide for them.  There was still five years left and they would become destitute.  God wants to provide for us.  He is Jehovah Jireh.  He will supply all your needs.  He has eternal and abundant life for you.  You will see his hand of provision for you. 

 

12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”  14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

 

Lesson Four:  He tells them as they can see for themselves what God has done.  Proof is in the pudding.  When we prosper God gets the glory.  Do not take the credit for God has done.  The in this moment he turns to Benjamin.  It is me your brother Joseph.  Can you see the love in his eyes, the compassion and the absolute friendship.  They were the sons of Rachel.  Their mother had died giving birth to Benjamin.  They were blood.  They shared the same DNA.  Benjamin tells dad three things.  First, all the honor that has been given to me in Egypt.  The boy you thought was dead did good.  Dads always want their boys to succeed.  It reflects on them.  Next, tell him everything you have seen.  You are my witness of all that you have seen.  Did you know we are witnesses for God in our world?  Tell those around you what you know, seen and experience.  That is why our purpose is on this planet.  It is not about family, friend, vocation, wealth, fame, fortune and status.  Your life is so much more than this.  You have an eternal purpose.  Please do not forget that today.  Thirdly, tell dad to come down here. 

     He throws his arms around Benjamin and they weep together.  The years are gone in that moment.  They are reunited and it feels so good.  It is divine and holy moment.  They embraced as brothers.  Everything is right in their world in this moment.  It will be a moment they will never forget.  He did the same for his brothers.  In that moment they experience true divine purpose.  They were forgiven, restored, heal and truly love.  This is true moment of grace.  They is like the moment the prodigal felt.  This is like the moment Paul felt went Ananias laid hands on him.  The chiefest of sinners had come home.  They weep and all is forgiven and forgotten well at least as Joseph is concerned.  Afterward they talk and enjoy each other.  Talk about my vision of heaven of meeting old friends, family and loved ones, then seeing Jesus.