Video of the Day: Scene from the 2006 film “Facing the Giants”
Bible Verse of the Day:
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one,” Ezekiel 22:30.
Biblical Connection:
In the realm of sports, the outcome is often determined before any team takes the playing field. After an 0-3 start, Coach Taylor played by Alex Kendrick is facing the pressure from disappointed parents and on the verge of losing the confidence of his players. Rather than yell at a player who thinks they are going to lose their next game, Coach Taylor turns to the Death Crawl to prove a point. By blindfolding Brock, Coach Taylor is looking for his player’s best effort. High school athletes don’t always push themselves if they are the best player on the team. This is where a coach must intervene to challenge, motivate and push players to a level they never imagined that they could reach.
As the prophet Ezekiel writes to the nation of Israel, there is a different kind of ongoing situation. The time span that the Book of Ezekiel covers is roughly 22 years: 7 years before Babylon’s seizure of Jerusalem to 15 years into Judah’s Babylonian exile. By the time readers reach the words of Ezekiel 22, God is searching for leaders to help out during Israel’s time of need. Rather than volunteer to rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem near their place of residence, no one came forward. As the dawn of a new year is among us, God has plans and work for each Christian to complete, Philippians 1:6. However, if you keep stalling, waiting for someone else to step up, you’ll miss out on the blessings God has in store for you. Don’t wait any longer. Now, is the time to lead.
Closing Song:
An interactive blog to engage our culture in 2025 by Jay Mankus.
I tend to be a man of few words. Perhaps, two decades of struggling with severe stuttering wil take its toll on a fragile heart, soul, and mind. While Moses describes Jacob who would become Israel as an opinionated individual, he remains silent when some of his children and grandchildren over-reacted and sinned. Perhaps, Israel needed time to digest these wrong actions. Whatever the reason, Israel’s last words before dying serve as a prophecy and warning to the men who will become the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel.
And he blessed them that day, saying, By you shall Israel bless [one another], saying, May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh. And he set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 And Israel said to Joseph, Behold, I [am about to] die, but God will be with you and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you [Joseph] one portion [Shechem, one mountain slope] more than any of your brethren, which I took [reclaiming it] out of the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow, Genesis 48:20-22.
Following the brash actions of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34:24-29, Jacob addresses his two sons. However, based upon the words of Moses, Jacob is more concerned that the actions taken by Simeon and Levi will unite his enemies. After having years to digest their wrongdoing, Israel’s last words begin by addressing violence in Genesis 49:5. The majority of Israel’s last word come in the form of prophecy, based upon how their lives will end up in the form of blessings and curses.
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each one according to the blessing suited to him. 29 He charged them and said to them, I am to be gathered to my [departed] people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 In the cave in the field at Machpelah, east of Mamre in the land of Canaan, that Abraham bought, along with the field of Ephron the Hittite, to possess as a cemetery. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. 32 The purchase of the field and the cave that is in it was from the sons of Heth. 33 When Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his [departed] people, Genesis 49:28-33.
As human beings grew old, individuals may have specific requests that they want carried out when they die. Depending upon the person, some may be bizarre with others more reasonable. As for Israel, he wanted to be buried in the same cemetery as his grandfather and great grandfather. This is a common practice that has been adopted by many Americans. According to Moses, Jacob’s sons fulfilled Israel’s last words in Genesis 50:12.
Death bed confessions can be like a scene from a movie where a sinner seeks to get right with God prior to breathing their last breath. Yet, Moses’ detailed story of Israel’s death bed confession in Genesis 49 reads more like a prophecy for each of his twelve children/grandchildren. These boys will one day form the 12 tribes of Israel when God’s timing is right, Ecclesiastes 3:11.
And Jacob called for his sons and said, Gather yourselves together [around me], that I may tell you what shall befall you [a]in the latter or last days. 2 Gather yourselves together and hear, you sons of Jacob; and hearken to Israel your father, Genesis 49:1-2.
One of the first comments Israel makes on his death bed is his disappointment over the brash actions taken by Simeon and Levi. These two brothers could not let go of the fact that their sister was raped and held captive by the man who wanted to marry her. After Israel negotiates a peace treaty and solution, Simeon and Levi kill Shechem and all of his family, Genesis 34:24-29.
By the God of your father, Who will help you, and by the Almighty, Who will bless you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father [on you] are greater than the blessings of my forefathers [Abraham and Isaac on me] and are as lasting as the bounties of the eternal hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was the consecrated one and the one separated from his brethren and [the one who] is prince among them. 27 Benjamin is a [e]ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at night dividing the spoil. 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each one according to the blessing suited to him. 29 He charged them and said to them, I am to be gathered to my [departed] people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 In the cave in the field at Machpelah, east of Mamre in the land of Canaan, that Abraham bought, along with the field of Ephron the Hittite, to possess as a cemetery, Genesis 49:25-30.
After giving prophecies for each of the 12 tribes of Israel, Jacob ends this death bed confession with the blessing of Joseph. Israel’s kind words remind me of the technicolor dream coat specially made for his favorite son. While Joseph does receive greater blessings than that of his forefathers, it doesn’t take away the pain of losing his father. Don’t wait for relatives to die before you open your heart by sharing what you really think about someone close.
One of the cliches in churches today that seems to be overused occurs when a leader refers to “a come to Jesus moment.” A first century history uses the expression “coming to your senses” while recalling Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:16-18. Both of these terms each highlight spiritual turning points that occur in a human being’s life.
When they had finished talking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me. 14 Simeon [Peter] has rehearsed how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people [to bear and honor] His name. 15 And with this the predictions of the prophets agree, as it is written, Acts 15:13-15.
During a church council meeting in Jerusalem, Jesus’ earthly brother received a rhema, a word from the Lord. Like a human mind which puts two and two together to click, James recalled a prophecy in the Old Testament which Amos wrote about. Luke quotes Amos in the passage below as James declared this is what the prophets agreed upon, Gentiles coming to faith in God.
After this I will come back, and will rebuild the house of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its [very] ruins, and I will set it up again, 17 So that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked, 18 Says the Lord, Who has been making these things known from the beginning of the world. 19 Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God, Acts 15:16-19.
Sometimes spiritual turning points could be attending a specific church for the first time. A month ago, my first visit to Fearless Church, the pastor’s message seemed to be written for me. In the weeks that followed, Leanne and I joined a home group, and both feel we’ve found our new church home. The next time you find yourself at a crossroads in life, be open and prepared for your next spiritual turning point to arrive.
The expression “the haves and have nots” dates back to the 17th century. One of the initial usages was based upon your socio-economic status. This superficial characterization focused on anyone who was living in poverty or did not have much money. As the wealthy flashed signs of their wealth while looking down on the less fortunate, the haves and the have nots was conceived.
To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; 9 To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; 1 Corinthians 12:8-9.
The apostle Paul created his own list of the haves and have nots in the first century. However, the context of this list was based upon spiritual gifts given to Christians within the Church at Corinth. Some individuals received special powers such as healing, prophecy and the ability to perform miracles. Apparently, these talents were going to some of their heads, looking down upon people with lesser gifts such as giving, hospitality and service.
To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight ([c]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues. 11 All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses, 1 Corinthians 12:10-11.
Not much has changed over the past 2000 years. Occupations like doctors, lawyers, and scientists are held in high esteem while those forced to work in blue collared jobs are looked down upon. Regardless of how others view you, God wants Christians to focus on what they have, not what you don’t. Part of life is figuring out what you’re the best at and where you fit in. Once your spiritual gift is revealed to you, the rest of life should be spent looking for opportunities to apply your gift. Fan into flame what you have so that your life impacts the have nots.
From a biblical perspective, an oracle refers to a priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from God. Whenever a forefather, judge or king was about to make an important decision in the Old Testament, prophets and seers were requested. Depending upon the oracle received, these leaders would base their ultimate decision upon these words of wisdom.
Then what advantage remains to the Jew? [How is he favored?] Or what is the value or benefit of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, to the Jews were entrusted the oracles (the brief communications, the intentions, the utterances) of God, Romans 3:1-2.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul uses logic and reason to justify the Jewish practice of circumcision. As individuals follow the Torah, Old Testament laws relayed to Israel from Moses, spiritual insight is gained. However, this process is exercised by talking steps of faith, not by sight. As the faithful follow their spiritual convictions, brief communication, intentions and utterances from God are received.
And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice, 1 Kings 19:11-12.
It’s not uncommon to feel like the prophet Elijah in the passage above. There are moments, periods and time when God is silent and believers feel all alone, desperate for comfort and direction. During this ordeal, Elijah withdrew to a cave to contemplate his next step, In the minutes that followed, a series of weather related events got Elijah’s attention. Despite the wonder and awe of these natural disasters, God was not behind these events. As Elijah’s spirit grew impatient, an oracle of God appeared in the form of a whisper. May this story encourage you to be ready for the next oracle to be spoken via the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes the message that God is trying to communicate to you doesn’t make sense initially. Take the prophet Elisha for example, who is about to retire, but is called by God to anoint a new king . The passage below details instructions given to Elisha to follow. The first two verses seem clear, but the end of verse three raises some concern. “Why is God telling me to run? What is going to happen immediately following my anointing for me to flee?”
And Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, Gird up your loins, take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead. 2 When you arrive, look there for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat son of Nimshi; and go in and have him arise from among his brethren and lead him to an inner chamber. 3 Then take the cruse of oil and pour it on his head and say, Thus says the Lord: I have anointed you king over Israel. Then open the door and flee; do not tarry, 2 Kings 9:1-3.
During the anointing of Jehu, Elisha reveals several accomplishments that this new king will fulfill during his reign. One of these promises is to overthrow queen Jezebel. Perhaps inspired by this prophecy, Jehu doesn’t waste anytime. The passage below details Jehu’s encounter with Jezebel. Jehu’s call to action was simple, “who is on God’s side?” Two of the three body guards of Jezebel, knowing of her evil deeds, took Jehu’s advice, throwing Jezebel off a balcony, falling to her death.
Now when Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it, and she painted her eyes and beautified her head and looked out of [an upper] window. 31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, [Have you come in] peace, you Zimri, who slew his master? 32 Jehu lifted up his face to the window and said, Who is on my side? Who? And two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 And he said, Throw her down! So they threw her down, and some of her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses, and he drove over her, 2 Kings 9:30-33.
While the example I have chosen is extreme, procrastination is a major factor that prevents many individuals from achieving their full potential. A sense of urgency is rarely demonstrated. People pften fall into the trap, “I have plenty of time to do this or that.” Yet, as each passing day goes by without acting, time becomes your enemy. As I re-examine the anointing of Jehu, the call for action should be for today, not tomorrow. Don’t second guess yourself. Rather, seize the day just as King Jehu was a man of action.
In a letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul reveals how God dishes out a variety of spiritual gifts. These special abilities are given out by the grace of God. Some of these are ordinary such as giving, serving or teaching. Other talents are extraordinary, fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, spiritual gifts like healing, prophecy and speaking in tongues often elicit jealousy in those that don’t possess a supernatural gift.
Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.
To address issues like envy, the apostle Paul writes a similar letter to the church at Rome. In the passage below, Paul compares spiritual gifts to a church body with many parts. Apart or own their own, a spiritual gift glorifies individuals, not God. However, when individuals submit to God by joining a local congregation, your gift makes a difference by filling a spiritual hole. The purpose of any spiritual gift is to serve God by offering your body as a living sacrifice. While certain gifts will always overshadow your gift, hearts and minds need to stay focused on the common good.
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully, Romans 12:4-8.
Jesus and first century church leaders warned about counterfeit, fake and imposters who come in the name of Jesus. These individuals still exist today, often perpetrating frauds on those who watch on television or attend a rally. When truth exposes these people like Steve Martin in a Leap of Faith, modern churches are harmed by these spiritual stains. Whenever spiritual gifts are used to glorify self, the Holy Spirit will move to another area, region or country. While most people wish they had another spiritual gift, for now God seeks humble servants willing to be the hands and feet of Christ today. The dedicated, faithful and obedient persevere during spiritual droughts, hopeful that the presence of the Holy Spirit will return when God’s timing is right.
A prophecy is compared to a miracle of knowledge. This supernatural declaration is spoken by a man or woman of God who has earned the reputation for disclosing prophetic messages that come true. Many Old Testament prophets had a success rate of over 90% with some not fulfilled by the end of their life. Unfortunately, modern prophets have a much lower rate of accuracy, leaving behind a wave of doubt that discredits anyone who possesses the gift of discernment today. One of the most famous prophecies in the Bible is Jesus’ words to Simon Peter about becoming the rock upon which first century churches were built.
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.” 17 Then Jesus answered him, “Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, favored by God] are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. 19 I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth [gwill have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven,” Matthew 16:15-19.
At some point in Peter’s life, this personal prophecy went to his head. On numerous occasions Jesus’ disciples debated who was the greatest among them. While not verbalized in scripture, I am sure Peter quoted Jesus, “I am the rock, what are you?” Thus, on the Eve of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus tries to warn Peter and the others, “the Spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Falling asleep while Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane serves as a foreshadowing, a precursor to Peter denying knowing Jesus in public three times. In the passage below, Jesus restores Peter’s confidence about God’s prophecy over his life. However, not without pain as Jesus asks Peter if he loves him three times, just like his public denial. After this conversation Peter became a new man, able to fulfill Jesus’ final prophecy in John 21:18, crucified upside down on a cross.
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do—with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep, John 21:15-17.
Depending upon your own relationships through out life, you may not have encountered a prophet. For those who haven’t been blessed by an individual, the Bible is filled with rhemas. A rhema is a Greek term that refers to an utterance or thing said. Anytime anyone opens the Bible, the Holy Spirit is able to convict, encourage, inspire or uplift souls through the living Word of God, Hebrews 4:12. Some of these passages refer to the future Christians. For example, the apostle Paul writes about the good works God has prepared in advance for a congregation in Ephesus, Ephesians 2:10. Therefore, even if you have yet to have an individual prophecize over your life, God has something special in store for you. As the Bible prompts hearts, restores minds and fans into flame spiritual gifts and talents, it won’t be long until the Holy Spirit fulfills God’s prophecy over your own life.
The Beatles released their fifth album Help on 6th August, 1965. The featured song begins with the lyrics (Help!) I need somebody (Help!) Not just anybody (Help!) You know I need someone help! More than fifty years later, these words can relate to anyone who is in trouble. When circumstances appear to be spiritually related, individuals may choose to cry out to God in prayer, “heaven help me.”
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah lived until the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah’s reign. 698 years Before Christ, Isaiah was sawed in half, dying a martyr’s life after prophesizing for roughly sixty years. Despite the fate he would suffer, the Holy Spirit gave Isaiah several words of encouragement. In the passage above, Isaiah reminded Old Testament readers that God will help his children in their time of need.
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life, Psalm 54:4.
The saying heaven help me is an idiom. Typically, this expression is used to acknowledge that you are or could potentially be in trouble. In 1988 artist Deon Estus released the song Heaven Help Me. The lyrics refer to a man struggling to know what to say, asking God for wisdom so he doesn’t ruin the relationship of his dreams. Country singer Gretchen Wilson takes a difference approach to heaven help me, asking God for divine intervention while wrestling with temptation. Regardless of who you are or where you are in life, everyone will reach a point of desperation where only God can fix your situation. In times of despair, don’t be afraid to ask for God’s help.
ExpressYourself4Him 