I Know God Exists Because…
Inspired by Faith. Motivated by Truth. Challenged by Christ.
Trilogy of God’s Existence
Part 1
With over 35 years of martial arts experience, discipline and life style, I always looked towards myself to accomplish great things in life. Most only saw the outside of our family, seemed to only know what they see. No one was able to see the struggle that was going on inside of me, but Jesus Christ was able to see my heart. I know God exists because He changed my life around and has given me a heart of anger to peace, hatred to forgiveness, and sorrow to joy. God has restored many marriages from the brink of separation to a long term committed and loving marriage, and many fathers becoming the dads that children need. There are many ways to show that God exist, and many books have already been written about it. However, there will always be those who will not change their minds about the existence of God, even with positive verification of evidences through science, archaeology, and personal testimonies. Many will say, “You show me the evidence, and I’ll change my mind.” Far from it. When a hardened heart has made a decision (change of mind, but not change of heart) no amount of any proof of God can cure the heart of stone. Even if a dead person came to life in front of their eyes, a heart of stone will doubt the existence of God or the need of a Savior. No amount of any sound reason and solid scientific evidence can change a stubborn heart. Nevertheless, I will attempt to show you that God does exist through science, archaeology, and personal testimony. If you do not believe that God does exist and Jesus is God, then I pray and hope that you will journey with your mind and heart opened to the possibility of a one true God.
John 17:2-4 (ESV)
2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
In general, people’s minds can be conformed to a central belief as long as they see enough, hear enough, and shout louder than anyone else. People have been smoking for centuries but from the 1930′s to 1950′s, many doctors lit up the front pages of cigarette advertisements. They, the physicians who watched over people’s health, not only approved cigarette smoking to the masses, but modeled themselves in the advertisement pages. Lucky Strike was the dominant cigarette brand in the 1920′s which was made by American Tobacco Company. This company was the first to use the image of a doctor in its cigarette advertisements and promoted it as “less irritating” and had a smoother smoke for the throat compared to other cigarettes. Later, Lucky Strike had some competition by Phillip Morris with their cigarettes researched by physicians and approved for usage. One particular ad by Phillip Morris even proclaimed that throat irritation cleared completely or definitely improved by their brand of cigarettes. A popular Camels cigarettes was approved by physicians and researchers who could substantiate the medical claims the company was making in advertisements. This research was given to consumers and your trusted physicians to give Camels cigarettes as prescriptions. These so called “proofs” made many cigarette companies rich. If you see enough, hear enough, and shout loud enough of what others say is good, even when it’s bad, then your mind conforms to any world belief.
Everyone smoked, even doctors. However, when thousands of people started dying from cigarettes along with other toxic inhalers, medical doctors had second thoughts about smoking. In 1964, the Surgeon General announced the findings of cigarette smoke to be linked to lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. Today, you have warning labels on every brand of cigarette to deter smokers. Harsh words such as “Smoking can cause slow and painful death,” “Cigarettes are highly addictive,” and “Cigarettes cause fatal lung disease.” Despite the efforts made by the government, about 45 million Americans still smoke and it is estimated more than 440,000 – 450,000 people die each year from smoking and another 8.6 million live with a serious illness. We have many positive evidences to confirm numerous illnesses related to smoking, yet even with clear facts and data, many people will have a hardened heart towards the truth.
What has smoking to do with the existence of God? Just like the big tobacco companies – suppressing the truth. Many higher learning institutions, politics, secular media, and just about anyone against God, will help you see enough, hear enough, and shout loud enough to show that God is a myth and the Bible is just a popular story book with no truths. However, within a few decades much scientific evidence has opened to prove the existence of God. Even the world’s most famous atheist Antony Flew (1923-2010), who lead a powerful argument against Christianity and the Bible for decades, shocked the world by announcing he had come to believe in God. Anthony Flew became one of the most high profile convert to Christianity. He wrote a popular book, There is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind , in 2007 as he recounted his conversion. His conversion came about not because of any superior reasoning by Christian philosophers, but by science and complexities of life.
“I believe that the origin of life and reproduction simply cannot be explained from a biological standpoint despite numerous efforts to do so. With every passing year, the more that was discovered about the richness and inherent intelligence of life, the less it seemed likely that a chemical soup could magically generate the genetic code. The difference between life and non-life, it became apparent to me, was ontological and not chemical. The best confirmation of this radical gulf is Richard Dawkins’ comical effort to argue in The God Delusion that the origin of life can be attributed to a “lucky chance.” If that’s the best argument you have, then the game is over. No, I did not hear a Voice. It was the evidence itself that led me to this conclusion.”
(recorded March 11, 2014 from http://www.strangenotions.com/flew/ )
Below are some facts for you to take into consideration.
Let’s keep this simple. I’m not a scientist, but I can recognize that you are an intelligent being. I’m sure some of you might disagree with me in regards to few people you might have dated to show otherwise, but you are a masterpiece. The Christian Bible tells us that in the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10 that we are God’s own handiwork, His workmanship, and His masterpiece. The Bible further explains that we were recreated in Christ Jesus or born anew, so that we may do good works which God prepared in advance for us.
God created a masterpiece, fine tuning our galaxy, our planet, and you to live in a unique one of a kind planet in the entire universe. Don’t believe in what I say, just do the research yourself. If you believe that you have evolved from some sort of slime and you are a cousin of a monkey, then I can’t really help you. But I do believe that you are an intelligent person who can think logically and reason with common sense. Let’s imagine an evolving fish having part fins and part feet with fins evolving into feet. Remember, evolution is about the survival and adaptation to survive, and where marine species turn into land mammals with supposed species in between them (with a billion fossil records, there is not one solid proof of evidence of this). Where’s the survival advantage of the fish’s fins turning into feet? It’s going to slow the fish down and get eaten up by a another fish with teeth. I can imagine the fish with the sharp teeth saying, “You’re trying to swim in the water with your feet. Great! Your my lunch for today!” There is no survival advantage because this imaginative creature can’t use either fins or feet efficiently to survive at the greatest point of need. Every part of the fish is uniquely and purposely designed to move, capture food, and procreate, so that it’s generations can do the same. This is observable, repeatable, and basic common sense knowledge of the world that we live in. You are NOT evolved from a fish or a slime or anything else explained by evolutionists.
Let’s consider sex in the animal planet. If evolution is correct, you should see a lion going to a deer and say, “Hey, you look cute, why don’t we mate and breed a hybrid of strength and speed, so that our kids can survive better than other animals. Wait! That’s not going to work! I forgot there are cheetahs! And, boy are they strong and fast. Well, I guess I have to eat you, since I’m here anyway.” Let’s be real. You don’t see a frog trying to have a baby with a duck, nor will you ever see an Eagle trying to kiss a fish. This is all common sense. The DNA for a lion and a deer is unique to its own operating system and a cheetah has a unique DNA of its own. From all documented history of our known animal life, A male deer will only mate with a female deer and a male lion will mate with a female lion. I don’t see this changing either soon or in a million years. Ever since the findings of many ancient writing records from thousands of years ago, depictions and drawings of animals have not changed with current species. Those historical documents, still show the same exact animal traits we see today. Thus, this means that what we will see thousands of years into the future will give you the same result, which means the thousands of more years from that point will also give you the same outcome, which then adds up to be in the millions with the same animal characteristics of today.
Dr Colin Patterson (1933 – 1998), was a paleontologist (fossil expert) at the British Museum of Natural History who specialized in fossil fish and had written a book simply called Evolution (Patterson, C., Evolution, The British Museum of Master Books, Natural History, London, 1978). A person who believes in God and God’s creation, Luther Sunderland wrote to Dr. Patterson questioning why he had not shown a single live picture of a transitional (or missing links between species) fossil in his book. Dr. Patterson then wrote back with the following true confession which was reproduced in Luther Sunderland’s book Darwin’s Enigma :
‘I fully agree with your comments on the lack of direct illustration of evolutionary transitions in my book. If I knew of any, fossil or living, I would certainly have included them. You suggest that an artist should be used to visualise such transformations, but where would he get the information from? I could not, honestly, provide it, and if I were to leave it to artistic licence, would that not mislead the reader?’
He went on to say:
‘Yet Gould [Stephen J. Gould—the now deceased professor of paleontology from Harvard University] and the American Museum people are hard to contradict when they say there are no transitional fossils. … You say that I should at least “show a photo of the fossil from which each type of organism was derived.” I will lay it on the line—there is not one such fossil for which one could make a watertight argument.’ [Emphasis added].
Darwin’s Enigma
: Sunderland, L., Darwin’s Enigma, Master Books,
Arkansas, USA, pp. 101–102, 1998. Patterson’s letter was written in 1979
In regards to our planet, the Earth’s size is perfect with the right layer of nitrogen and oxygen gases for humans to breath. If it was any smaller, our atmosphere would be impossible to live and if it was any larger, it would be like the planet Jupiter. Our planet is the only planet in the entire known universe to hold the right amount of mixture of gases to sustain complex life. Astrologers will confirm the fact, that Earth is the only planet in the entire known solar system with enough oxygen gas available for complex life to survive and oxygen is not just in our air, but also in our soil and water. Earth is also in the perfect distance from the sun. Any closer we would burn up. Even with a fractional variance in the Earth’s position to the sun would make life on Earth impossible to live for any creature. Our moon is also in perfect size and distance from the Earth. The moon gives us the ideal gravitational pull and makes an important ocean tides and movement so ocean waters do not stagnate. Our planet is so unique, complex, and so beautiful, it takes a creator to give our environment as a gift for you and I to exist and have meaning in life. Since God desires for your existence, He created the trees to give us oxygen, water to sustain life, animals and plants for our consumption. Isn’t it amazing that all things surrounding us were created to be interactive. Without oxygen and water, we humans could not survive in the physical world, and without true love, our hearts would not survive in the spiritual realm.
We are the only planet in the solar system with enough oxygen gas available to let us survive.
God has His fingerprint in all that He created and that is the reason why there are much similarities of human DNA (genetic composition or a carrier of genetic information which is passed exactly from one generation to the next.) with its surrounding environment. Did you know that most physical fitness experts encourage you to eat a banana after a workout? The high-glycemic carbohydrate gives you a quick recovery (boosting the body’s metabolism) and heal the human body of such ailments as headaches because the DNA in the banana is 50% identical to the human DNA sequence. Your human body needs to take in the right DNA food which will help charge up your body system. Think of it this way, since the average human adult male is approximately 60% water, you should be drinking water to what your body naturally contains. That’s why health experts tell you to stay away from processed foods because it has no real benefits. What DNA is there in a Twinkie for your body? I used to eat a lot of this stuff, when I was a kid. My South Korean mother, thought whatever was made in America was good for the body, so she used to stuff this and other processed foods into my lunch every day with soda. I loved it, till I started to find out that this stuff along with other junk foods (they’re called “junk” for a reason) was the cause of many illnesses as a teenager. Think of DNA as a very unique computer program system that gives you specific results and outcomes. It’s like writing this blog with words to give the readers an understanding as to why I believe God exists. If I were to say, “Velo eisstx I odG veeileb ot em,” it would take you some time to decipher these words. But, all DNA in living complex organisms have specific words that are clear and can be easily read as, “I believe God exists to love me.” All DNA is specifically copied from one generation to the next without any change in genetic composition, because you’re not going to see a lion mating a deer.
Since I’m not a scientist or an expert in DNA, I’m going to direct you to some websites I found very helpful in understanding some vital questions about you and I:
Where did I come from?
What is the meaning of life?
What is my purpose in life?
What is my destiny?
Can science help me understand about God?
Helpful Websites and Videos:
www.youtube.com/user/ CMIcreationstation
I will be honest, you did NOT come from a chemical soup with no meaning and purpose in life, but made in God’s wonderful image. No matter how deformed you may look or unwanted by society, God sees you as His wonderful creation. What humans see as a defect, God sees perfection. People discard and ignore the undesirables in our society, but Jesus sees them for who they are – part of His family. God gives us in our mind our consciousness to understand morality. He has given us the ability to choose between right and wrong. This free will has been imbedded in human history since the creation of man and woman. We have the ability to choose between love or hate, procreation or purposeful rejection of sex, to give blood, and to move out of our comfortable lives. Many Christian organizations such as World Vision, Compassion International, Youth With A Mission, Red Cross and local Christian churches go to foreign lands and help those in tragedy and feed many undesirable people groups. People have tendencies to reject the weak, but God’s chosen people will sacrifice their own lives to serve the weak and poor like Mother Theresa. No other creature in creation can do and have a moral objective of life. You and I are so unique, that every single human being has a special fingerprint from God. No human being has an exact duplicate of their own fingerprint – not even identical twins. Your unique fingerprint makes you special and your free will gives you the independence to choose your own destiny. I know God exists because His destiny for my life is greater than my own expectations. I know God exists because through science, we can all see His amazing fingerprint. I know God exists because His love for all humans is manifested through your love.
1 John 4:19 (ESV) We love because he first loved us.
This is one of the most difficult passages to obey because this requires our heart to believe and walk in it. Our feelings get in the way when we don’t understand why things happen the way they do. Or, when relationships don’t work out, or you don’t get the job you want or your hectic schedule seems to keep you from doing what you want seems to NOT work together for the "good."
Why God would allow pain and suffering or when conflicts at work keeps us up at nights. Or when marriage life is starting to become more of a chore than “marriage.” Even having children and doing all that you can for your child seems to take a life burden. You love them and God gave them to you but when life is out of control or busy, it seems that you can’t see how God can work things out for the “good.”
You have to ask yourself what is “good” and who defines it?
When we define “good” it doesn’t seem to look or hope the way we want that “good” to look. To be honest most people don’t really know what that “good” is. I think that is the issue in most cases. It is we ourselves that define what “good” is and that “good” doesn't always work out the way we hope and it seems like it’s beyond our control. For many of us, this "goodness" that we create on our own, seems to break apart when life conflicts come our way.
This is the reason why God first tells us in order for that “good” to be “good” we must “love God.” Jesus’ first two commandments are for us to “Love Him” with all our hearts, soul, and mind” (Luke 10:27).
God wants to give us the “good” but He requires us to “Love Him” beyond anything else.
When Eunice brought up her article (Something to Consider: Does the Bible contradict itself?) on Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother …, he cannot be my disciple” the word “hate” had a unique understanding. She wrote, “.. the strong word choice here was deliberate and used on a comparative basis in order to show just how great the difference must be between our devotion to Jesus and our devotion to to everyone and everything else.”
So when God is saying “Love Him” or setting a devotion to Him beyond all else first means for us to prioritize God first. Meaning that when you set God as first before you do anything else or that when life issues come your way, you seek Him first and ask God about all your concerns.
It means for us to talk to Him first before talking to others about life issues. In order for us to know what “good” is we have to speak to the one who is the giver of all that we know to be true and “good.” When we do this and give devotion to Him then what we thought was our own “good” is nothing in comparison to what God’s “goodness” is for us.
We can only see possibly one step ahead of us but God sees a 100 feet in the front, back and the side. We can only see what we see but God sees us in all different directions. And this is where we have to “trust” in God who sees us in all our direction of life.
This is why when scripture tells us “And we ‘know’ that for those who love God…” the word “know” means that we have a relationship with God on a daily basis. Without the relationship we will not know how “all” things can work together for “good." God not only shows us what "good" is for us but He also sees the "greater good" 100 feet in front, back and the side of us. Things we cannot see, He will see for us when our devotion is given to Him.
So God will turn and make something “good” from the “bad” situations of our lives when we walk in that “trust” in Him through a relationship that does not waiver but steadfast. We must do our part in loving God first and He will surely make everything work out according to His purpose and plan for you.
Even if you're rushing off to work, school or whatever you're doing, take a time and spend a few moments with the Lord. Prioritize Him first and you will witness the “goodness” of His work in you.
Blessings,
Pastor Joseph
What is Fasting?
It will be helpful to begin our discussion by providing a definition for fasting. What is fasting? Fasting refers to the practice of intentionally and willingly refraining/abstaining from food, beverages, or both for a determined amount of time to instead focus on, work towards, or achieve a desired result, outcome, or goal.
What is not included in the biblical definition or meaning of “fasting”?
The call to Biblical fasting is not about refraining from using the internet, social media, television, video games, electronic devices or any other sort of entertainment, routine, or fun activity. Escaping, refraining, or abstaining from these other things for a period may be helpful to one’s spiritual health and growth, however this is not the same as the call to biblical fasting; these actions are in the biblical category that include the call to “deny” self (Luke 9:23; Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24) and the call to “lay aside every weight” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
May we not make the mistake of confusing the meaning of biblical fasting with the meaning of these other actions or spiritual disciplines. Biblical fasting specifically involves the abstaining from food and beverages; these other acts of self-denial are also very important and can be helpful additions to or work in conjunction with the practice of biblical fasting, but they must not be defined as the discipline of biblical fasting.
If you are led by the Lord to also deny yourself from music, television, social media, or any other thing, then let it be specifically a refraining from those types of entertainment and activities that are not of God. The Bible teaches us that: “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything” (1st Corinthians 6:12). Ungodly entertainment and activity distract and deter our hearts and minds away from the Lord and they prevent us from being sensitive to or even hearing clearly from the Lord. Especially while participating in a time of fasting led by the Lord, the type of entertainment that we enjoy, read, listen, watch, and participate in should be about and honoring to the Lord ( The goal is not to tune the world out or turn the world off, but to cultivate and nurture an environment in your life and activity that enables you to better hear from the Lord, through His word and through prayer. The Bible, Christian worship/praise songs, Christian books, etc.. are important resources to utilize to grow and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. May we be reminded: “ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)”
What are Four Main Types of Fasting found in Bible?
(Please Note: it is recommended that you please seek a medical professional/physician if you are uncertain about starting a fasting journey)
1. Full/Complete/Comprehensive Fasting
This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from both food and beverages for a prolonged amount of time (for days or weeks). This fast includes no foods or beverages.
Biblical Examples : Nehemiah 1:4 // Ester 4:1-17 // 1st Samuel 31:13 // 2nd Samuel 12:15-23 // 1st Chronicles 10:12 // Luke 2:36-38 // Acts 9:9-19 // Acts 13:1-3 // Acts 14:19-23
For those who are medically healthy and able to participate in a Full Fast (from all foods and all beverages), this is the suggested plan for fasting. The only beverage that may be allowed (if needed) is water; it is NOT biblical fasting or a biblical approach to drink any other fluid or beverage or mixture besides plain and clean water.
2. Partial/Selective/Specific Fasting
This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from specific/certain types of food and beverages for a determined amount of time (for days or weeks). This fast includes only vegetables and water , but no other foods or beverages.
Biblical Examples : Daniel 1:8-21 // Daniel 10:2-3
For those who are beginners to fasting, those who are still nursing, those who have severe medical conditions, or those who have dietary restrictions, or those who are elderly, this Partial Fast is the suggested or recommended plan for fasting; this is a lighter strenuous course for fasting. The only beverage that may be allowed is water; it is NOT biblical fasting or a biblical approach to drink any other fluid or beverage or mixture besides plain and clean water.
To provide more specific guidance regarding the Daniel Fast : All meats and animal products are prohibited (meat, eggs, fish, dairy, etc), as are sweeteners prohibited (any added sugar, natural sweeteners like honey or agave, etc), no caffeine, no alcohol, no solid fats, no yeast, no additives, and no processed foods. The Daniel Fast generally includes vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, seeds, nuts, and water.
3. Intermittent/Alternating/Occasional Fasting
This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from both food and beverages for a determined amount of time each day or for specific days out of the week. Intermittent fasting , for example, includes consuming one meal a day.
Biblical Examples : 1st Samuel 7:6 // 2nd Samuel 1:11-12 // Judges 20:26 // Luke 18:12 // Acts 10:30
Please note : the portion size for this one meal per day must be the typical and regular portion size that you would normally eat for that meal. Water is the only beverage that is recommended for this fasting plan.
4. Supernatural/ Miraculous Fasting
This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from all foods, beverages, and water for a prolonged amount of time ( for weeks ). This fast includes no foods, water, or beverages.
Biblical Examples : Deuteronomy 9:9 // 1st Kings 19:8 // Matthew 4:1-2
(Please Note: this type of fasting is NOT being recommended)
What are some reasons for Fasting?
There are two main reasons why people may decide to practice fasting. People may practice fasting for religious (spiritual) reasons/purposes or for non-religious (non-spiritual) reasons/purposes. An example of a non-religious reason why people may practice fasting is to seek after physical health benefits: weight loss, body detoxification/cleansing, etc. However, in this article we will discuss the practice of fasting for religious (spiritual) reasons/purposes. Many people practice fasting for religious reasons; however, for a follow of Christ, it is very important for us to approach fasting from a Biblical perspective by going to the Bible to help us understand and participate in this spiritual discipline and practice in a way that brings honor, praise, and glory to the Lord.
The practice of fasting in the Bible is often accompanied by prayer and is usually associated with times of worship ( Luke 2:36-38 ), mourning (2nd Samuel 1:11-12; Nehemiah 1:4; Ester 4:1-3; Joel 2:12-17), repentance (1st Samuel 7:6; Daniel 9:1-19; Jonah 3:1-10), deep spiritual need (2nd Samuel 12:15-23; Psalm 69:10; Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29; Acts 9:9) or seeking the Lord for wisdom/guidance/direction/strength/confirmation regarding an important decision, situation, event, or journey (Ezra 8:21-23; Ester 4:4-17, Matthew 4:1-2; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:19-23)
Should believers practice Fasting Today?
To help us in our journey to gain a better understanding about Biblical Fasting, a very critical point must be introduced into our discussion. In Matthew 6:5-15 , Jesus gives instructions for praying in a way that brings honor, praise, and glory to the Lord. In this passage, Jesus uses a specific phrase that is so instrumental and vital to our understanding of this entire portion of Scripture regarding prayer; Jesus uses the phrase “ when you pray ” three times (in verse 5, verse 6, and again in verse 7). Jesus did not say ‘If you pray’ or ‘just in case you pray’ or any other phrase such as these, but instead he said: “ when you pray ” . By using this phrase, Jesus is teaching us that prayer should be an expected, a normal and a regular part of our life as followers of Christ; a life of prayer is not to be rare and optional in the life of a believer.
This idea is not new or foreign to the teachings of Jesus, it was included in what is known as his ‘Sermon on the Mount’ (Matthew 5, 6 and 7); In this teaching, Jesus also uses the phrase “ when you give ” twice (Matthew 6:1-4) and “ when you fast ” twice (Matthew 6:16-18). The healthy practice of giving, prayer and fasting should be an expected, a normal and a regular reality and discipline in the life of a follower of Christ. Jesus gives instructions, helps us understand, and provides us with guidance on how we must exercise these lifestyle spiritual disciplines in a way that brings honor, praise, and glory to the Lord.
When should we Fast?
Fasting is not to be viewed as a rare occurrence or an optional practice in the life of a believer in Christ. An awesome portion of Scripture that points to the necessity of the spiritual discipline of fasting in the life of the believer is found in Matthew 9:14-17; the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast ?” (Emphasis added). Whether these men knew it or not, they were making a very insightful and perspective observation; as they watched, examined, and studied the behavior and lifestyle of the disciples that were devoted followers of Jesus, they noticed and realized that Jesus’ disciples did not engage in the spiritual discipline of fasting at all. Jesus’ response to them was a lesson for them and is a very important reminder for us today as well. Jesus replied: “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast ” (emphasis added). Jesus’ disciples had no need for fasting because He (the Christ, God present in human form) was physically there with them and all they needed was physically present, available, and accessible within and through Christ.
A parallel account of this event is found in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 2:18-22) where Jesus’ reply to the same question was made even clearer : “ Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast . The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day ” (emphasis added). Therefore, Jesus prepared and provided them with the understanding that when He would no longer be physically present with them, then and only then will they have need for the spiritual discipline of fasting as a regular and normal part of their life and ministry.
We find a third account of this event in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 5:33-39) and we find another observation regarding the disciples of John the Baptist. Luke 5:33-34 says: “ And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink. And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days ” (emphasis added). They were coming to examine and investigate to see if Jesus was the true Messiah and the one that John the Baptist had been preparing them for. It appears that the disciples of John the Baptist (who along with John the Baptist had been awaiting and preparing for the arrival of Christ’s 1st Coming) were taught that fasting was to be an expected, a regular and a normal part of their life and lifestyles. May I be so bold as to suggest that we (The disciples of Christ of today ) should have lives and lifestyles where we “ fast often and offer prayers ” as we await and prepare to meet the Lord, Christ, and King at His 2nd Coming.
What is the Main Purpose of Biblical Fasting?
The Bible teaches that: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2). Furthermore, the Bible explains that: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25). Left only to ourselves, with our plans, our will, our way, etc.. (without God) leads only to wrong decisions, harm, destruction, and death. We are all called by Scripture to: “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord , and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8) . When we hear the admonition and warning to “turn away from evil”, we rarely realize or receive the understanding that in God’s sight: engaging in our own decisions without Him, our activities without Him, our deeds without him, our plans without Him, our ideas without Him, our will with Him, and refusing to “acknowledge him” in all our ways is seen by God as ‘sin’ and as “evil.” The spiritual discipline of prayer is so beneficial in helping us navigate through our decisions; but we must not forget that God has also given us the spiritual gift of fasting to equip and prepare us as well.
The main purpose for participating in the spiritual discipline and practice of biblical fasting is for it to be an act of complete surrender to Lord and humbling of self to seek after the Lord’s heart, His thoughts, His mind, His purposes, His perspective, His will, and His plan in any situation and through any circumstance. The Bible teaches us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1st Peter 5:5; 2nd Samuel 22:28). We must always remember the Lord’s declaration, He proclaims: “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
The Bible teaches us that “ Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do” (1st Corinthians 8:8). Therefore, fasting is not a way for us to earn or pay for anything from God. Fasting is not about trying to manipulate or control God. Fasting will not make God to do anything that is outside of His will or His character. Biblical Fasting is about surrender, being changed by God and coming into agreement with God’s plan; it is about being spiritually prepared, equipped and empowered to carry out your role in His divine plan and purposes. The spiritual discipline of Fasting is a gift from the Lord; He has given us this as way to help us in becoming spiritual prepared/positioned, in humbling ourselves, focusing our attention on the Lord, enhancing our sensitivity to spiritual truths/realities for any situation, and empowering us to come into agreement with God’s Will with the right motives and perspectives from the heart. (Ex: Ezra 8:21-23; Psalm 35:13; Romans 6:12; Romans 8:12-17)
How should we be Fasting?
Jesus teaches us that when we fast, it can be a challenging journey, but it should not be viewed by the believer as a burden or duty. Fasting is a privilege that we get to experience and participate in as a form of worship in spirit and in truth to the Lord. In the passage that we discussed above (Matthew 6:16-18), Jesus explains to us that we must not let how we practice the discipline of fasting be physically or outwardly obvious in such a way that it shows any attention seeking behavior or is being done to “be seen by others”. We are not called to fasting so that we can get approval, recognition, respect, or praise from other people. Also, Jesus teaches us that when we fast , we must do so in such a way that it is honoring and pleasing in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. We must be mindful of the motive and condition of our hearts and let that be reflective in the quality care that we have for ourselves (both inwardly and outwardly) during our time of fasting. God will reward those who practice fasting in a biblical way that honors Him and brings glory to His Name.
We invest a significant amount of time each day on the activity of eating and drinking. We spend a considerable amount of time making choices about food and beverages, in the purchasing, moving, deciding, planning, preparing, sharing, enjoying, distributing, partaking, eating, drinking, packing, storing, and everything else that is involved with activity of eating and drinking. Biblical Fasting provides us with the opportunity to redirect and use our desire to satisfy our physical hunger as a catalyst or internal heart cry to choose instead to satisfy our spiritual hunger and desire for the Lord. Instead of receiving your physical energy and strength from eating and drinking, chose instead to seek spiritual energy and strength from the Lord.
Moses teaches us about the Lord, reminding us by saying: “ And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord ” (Deuteronomy 5:3). Moreover, Jesus proclaims that: “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). The act of fasting is a physical, mental and a spiritual journey. During your time of fasting, instead of choosing to fill up your stomach with food and beverages, you will choose instead to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-21) and fill up on the Word of God (Colossians 3:16-17). The goal is to focus and seek the Lord when your physical body feels hungry. Jesus reminds us that we are to “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41). Do not surrender or cave into the temptation of the physical food, but instead enjoy and consume more of the spiritual food/nourishment that flows from God’s word. When you fast , physical hunger can be overcome and satisfied by letting your spiritual hunger be satisfied and fulfilled in the Lord.
When you fast, prayer is key and plays an important role in helping you remain faithful, strengthened, and consistent with the decision and conviction that Lord impresses upon your heart before, during and after your time of fasting. The spiritual disciplines of both Prayer and Fasting are especially amazing when practiced together. Biblical fasting helps to focus our prayers, cultivate an undivided heart/mind, strengthen our confidence/faith in God and intensify our determination to seek the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Biblical fasting helps to renew our reliance and dependance upon the Lord and His Word. Jesus reminds us to: “ ...seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
May we never forget: “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
May we proclaim with the Lord Jesus: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34).
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1st Corinthians 10:31).
At all times, but especially during the time of fasting, may we be mindful to rely on Christ to fulfill all our needs, now and forevermore. Amen (Philippians 4:19 ).
What is the will of God for you?
What is the will of God for you in this season of life or what is the will of God for your work, relationship, finance, and so on? Especially when you have to make a decision or plan things out in life. Many believers are wanting to know what is the will of God for me ?
We know what Jesus said about the greatest commands or two great obedience we must do, “Love God and love your neighbor” ( Matthew 22:34-40 ). We also know the desire of God, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” ( John 3:16 ). We also know that God has given every follower of Jesus the “Great Commission” or the highest priority of assignment above all other assignments, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” ( Matthew 28:18 ).
What then is the will of God?
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
So, another way of saying this is, “Not everyone who says, ‘Jesus, Jesus,’ will enter the God’s kingdom but the one who ‘does’ or ‘obey’s’ the will of God , desire, or plan of God will enter heaven.” There is much to unpack just within this one verse and in the entirety of 21-23, because these same people have also prophesied in Jesus name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name (v. 22) but will not enter the kingdom of heaven. These people did supernatural works in Jesus’ name, yet Jesus himself says, “And then will declare to them, ‘I never knew you ; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (v. 23) and continues with, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).
The word, “knew you” means a deep relationship or intimate relationship, meaning these people did miracles under Jesus’ name, but they didn’t have a deep relationship with God. Jesus’ will is for us to have a deep relationship with Him above ALL else and Jesus knows you personally when you “obey” His words. When you “obey” His words, then your house will be built upon the rock.
The parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21:28-32 , gives us a clear picture of what it means to do the will of God.
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘ I will not ,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went . 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘ I go , sir,’ but did not go . 31 Which of the two did the will of his father ?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him .
This is a very powerful illustration of the will of God. The Father gives the first son a command “ go and work in the vineyard ” but like many of us in the beginning, we don’t follow God’s command initially like loving God with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength as Jesus commanded. So, the first son says, “ I will not ” which means he is rejecting God’s Words and rebelling against God. In essence, he is sinning against God.
What is very interesting is in Matthew 4:17, Jesus comes on the scene and delivers his first message to the Jews, declaring, “ Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The word “ repent” means “ change of mind ” and the first son eventually repented before his father and “ went ” meaning he eventually “ obeyed ” his father’s word.
Many of us associate the word “repent” with being “sorry” and because of guilt or shame, or that we sin (rebellion against God), we “repent” and we “repent” each time we sin, but God is not asking us to say, “sorry,” He is wanting us to change our mind.
Why? and What is the difference?
When we apologize or say sorry, it impacts one particular behavior or instance, but when we “repent,” or “change our mind,” our entire perspective of all sins changes direction. Our projection and direction of our soul (identity) heads towards heaven and the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome all obstacles when we truly change our course of direction. Remember, what controls all of our body, including our emotions is our mind. When we just say, “sorry” or “apologize” we will just face another or different issues, and it becomes an unending cycle of saying, “I’m sorry.” We don’t overcome or change, but “change of mind” takes us on a new perspective because our mind is headed in a new direction.
When we “ change our mind ” we’re able to move our entire mind towards the light. We were projected towards darkness, but with the true heart of “repentance” God helps us turn to the light “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Changing our mind helps us to see the mind of Christ, which would in turn help us see God’s truth. This is how repentance works, by changing our mind, we change the direction of our walk, and as more steps are taken towards God, we see more of Him. The more we see God, and as we walk closer to Him, we can hear God’s voice clearly.
Thus verse 30 makes sense about the condition of our heart in doing God’s will, “And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘ I go , sir,’ but did not go .” The other son clearly did not move or obey on the father’s command. In other words, we can say with our lips, I believe in Jesus and even read the bible, but don’t actually follow or do what God says, then we will never understand the will of God. Moreover, James 1:22 tells us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Once we “change our mind” through God’s working in our hearts, we desire and want to seek, follow and obey His words. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” ( 1 John 5:14 ).
The only way we can know God’s Will is for us to repent to God and have the confidence and assurance through our prayers that heaven will hear us.
So, in closing of knowing God’s Will
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Repentance will change the course of your direction, and it will change your life. Once you begin your journey of obedience to His will through God’s Words, you will hear His voice and you will have freedom to do His will.
Palm
Sunday to Resurrection Sunday is called Passion Week or Holy Week. Each
day leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, “Good Friday” and to Christ Resurrection
is very important for all followers of Jesus.
During this week, every step, action, and Words of Christ is important to know why Jesus did what He had planned before the foundation of the world. Reflecting upon “Passion Week” helps our own identity with God and our search for meaning and purpose in life because everyone suffers and every person will go through emotions that reflect those sufferings and challenges in life.
In the King James Bible, “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days,
…” (Acts 1:3), in another word “his passion” means “his
suffering.” Jesus, who is God intentionally and with a willing heart, was willing to suffer for our iniquities, our gross immorality, injustice, wickedness and our rebellion against God. Jesus was passionate to fulfill God’s plan and to die for the sins of this world, and He took “our sins” upon His own shoulders to save us and to give us the free gift of salvation for those who would accept it. When we think of the word “passion” we connect it to a very strong emotion, a strong focus and determination to finish and to complete the task. In Latin “passio” refers to an “enduring suffering” and “Passion Week” encompasses both the strong emotion and suffering of Christ.
Each day of the “Passion Week” directs us to Jesus’ passion (his emotions) to fulfill His suffering on the Cross. It is this journey of suffering of Jesus on the cross helps us to understand our own suffering. It is when we connect with Jesus’ journey, we understand
this scripture: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
On Resurrection Sunday, we end the suffering, because Jesus rose from the dead to give us life and victory. Praise the Lord! We now have victory over sin and death, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly ” (John 10:10). My friends, the devil only wants to keep you under depression and darkness, but Jesus came to give us life and to conquer over our sin. We no longer need to live in spiritual suffering and walk this journey by ourselves because “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Isn’t this the good and greatest news ever told! When we accept Christ with a true repentance, we no longer need to walk this journey by ourselves, but with Jesus who will be our friend and will never leave you nor forsake you.
This is why we need to take the time out of our busy lives and process and contemplate Jesus’ emotions and suffering during the “Passion Week.” When you take the time and investment to understand Jesus’ emotions and His suffering, this will help you reflect on your own emotions and sufferings in life. Let’s be honest with ourselves, every person will go through testing, challenges and certain levels of suffering in life and it is very depressing to walk this journey in mind and heart by ourselves. When we walk by our own emotions, we will fall with no one to give us a lending hand, but Jesus has already walked this journey and now gives us the victory path for us to walk across.
Questions to Consider:
• Can your emotions and suffering be surrendered to Jesus?
• How do you allow The Holy Spirit to take control and give you victory over our sins?
• What would this victory look like in your daily life?
May you be blessed and take each journey of emotions to be captive to Jesus.
Passion Week Bible Reading “Following His Emotions” Palm Sunday: Jesus Enters Jerusalem
• Matthew 21:1
• Mark 11:1
• Luke 19:29
• John 12:12
Monday
• Matthew 21:12
• Mark 11:22
• Luke 19:45
Tuesday
• Mathew 21:20
• Mark 11:20
• Luke 20:36
• John 12:20
Wednesday
• Jesus prepares for last supper
• Judas and Sanhedrin prepare for Jesus’ arrest
Thursday
• Matthew 26:1
• Mark 14:1
• Luke 22:1
Friday “The Trials of Jesus”
• Matthew 26:1
• Mark 14:53
• Luke 22:54
• John 18:13
Saturday
• Mathew 27:66
Sunday “Jesus Rises from the Dead”
• Matthew 28:1
• Mark 16:1
• Luke 24:1
• John 20:1
What is a prophetic music ministry?
Why do churches do praise before the message or sermon?
1 Chronicles 25:1
David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals .
And in verse 2, list the names and, “Asharelah, sons of Asaph, under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king.” Through verse 4 and 5, it continues with names of those in service for the king and then in verse 6, “They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God.”
For many years, I have read through scripture multiple times, but this time, God’s words captured my attention to the revelation that the musicians can serve in prophecy “ with
lyres, with harps, and with cymbals.”
Other versions illustrate the following:
- NIV “the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by”
- KJV “who should prophesy with”
- NASB "who were to prophesy with”
- NLT “to proclaim God's messages to the accompaniment of”
This is all “in the house of the Lord” for “the service of the house of God.” And, “in the house of the Lord” we are all to manifest our hearts in worship “who prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving
and praise to the Lord” (verse 3). Our heart attitude to prophesy is with thanksgiving and praises for the service of the house of God.
What is the difference between “Prophe c y” and “Prophe s y?”
When I think of prophe c y (Noun: A prediction of a future happening), God wants us to prophe s y (Verb: To state that something will happen in the future). 1 Corinthians 14:1 reminds us, “. . . earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”
To get a basic understanding of “Prophe c y” is a “message from God” and “Prophe s y” is to “proclaim a message from God” and the one who does or says it is a “prophet.” With that said, we have to keep in mind, since the Bible is complete, it is imperative to understand that God knows the past, present, and future. Any authoritative word about the future is already stated in the Word of God and man is to be His spokesperson, interpreting His Word properly.
2 Peter 1:21
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
We have to keep a solid reminder that “The Bible IS the Final and Complete Revelation from God.” No man can predict what God had already spoken through His word. God is the creator and distributor of time of past, present, and future. It is our responsibility to decode what God has already encoded.
So, what does prophecy mean for today? The New Testament gives us a good picture and manifestation of this spiritual gift.
1 Corinthians 14:3 ( Amplified Bible )
But [on the other hand] the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification [to promote their spiritual growth] and [speaks words of] encouragement [to uphold and advise them concerning the matters of God] and [speaks words of] consolation [to compassionately comfort them].
So, what does all this mean, and how does “prophecy" relate to musical instruments? Let’s begin with few questions to help us process these revelations.
- How can we edify and promote spiritual growth through songs and musical instruments while giving thanks and praise to the Lord?
- How can we give encouragement and compassionately comfort others accompanied by musical instruments?
- How can we proclaim God's messages to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God?
David is a good example of a prophet (Acts 2:29-31), who was filled with the Holy Spirit and wrote much of Psalms foretelling of the coming Messiah. David prophesied through Psalms and music: Psalm 2, 16, 22, 34, 69, and 110.
1 Chronicles 25:1-8 explains that David and the chiefs of the service set apart three family groups of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with lyres, harps, and with cymbals (verse 1). They prophesied with musical instruments. In other words, they wrote songs to proclaim God’s messages.
In 1 Chronicles 25:1 the word “prophesy” (Hebrew “naba” pronounced “naw-baw”) is a verb meaning “ under influence of the divine spirit
.” In other words to speak or sing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
So for those who are in a praise team or are Christian singers and musicians, this shows that “prophecy” is not always “a message from God” but under the influence of the Holy Spirit to sing songs and use instruments in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord.
What is very interesting is that this task of organizing and setting apart by David and the chiefs took much time and effort in developing the prophetic music ministry within the temple. The Hebrew word “sar” meaning chiefs, captains, rulers, governors, and leaders were mostly of military personnel. Praise and giving thanks through prophetic music were so important that even a king and his military generals were assigned and set apart for the house of worship. Who said, you can’t swing a sword and play the soft and peaceful lyre? Surely, David was a mighty warrior, and their leaders thought otherwise.
The prophetic music ministry was a well-planned and intentional strategic effort. This was of high importance to be “in the house of the Lord” for “the service of the house of God.” If this was very important to David then it meant that this prophetic music ministry was also important to God.
Why? Why was this prophetic music ministry so important to David?
David viewed this prophetic music ministry as meant to be used with instruments and songs that praise and gave thanks to the Lord as a key vital life to the entire nation of Israel . The spiritual vitality of the temple required this prophetic music ministry. This made sense as to why many “who were skillful” was chosen and “trained in singing to the Lord” (1 Chron. 25:7). Even those who are “small and great, young and old alike, the teacher as well as the student, cast lots for their duties to worship in the house of the Lord.
- So, then the question would be, are churches today through praise giving thanks proclaiming God’s message?
- Are our songs proclaiming the gospel?
- Can Christian musicians today have the ability to play prophetically on their instruments in such a way as to release the anointing to the people?
"The prophetic musician sees further than the task of music because it is a ministry requiring knowledge beyond the physical task of playing notes in the right order. It is a music of divine appointment to comfort, encourage, strengthen, confront and stir people to higher goals, or take us to another level of worship" (Excerpt from "The Musician" by Kerry Wright).
In Closure
Now, I have a greater understanding as to why churches do praise and then a message in the house of the Lord. This is the prophetic music ministry and worship of the church in which leaders (small and great, young and old), sing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and proclaiming God’s messages.
Then the following passages started to be more clear:
1 Samuel 10:5-6
5 After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim, where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying. 6 Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.
Now, even a harp played by David to drive the evil spirit away soothed King Saul’s soul, “Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well” (1 Samuel 16:16).
13 And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the Lord who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 14 And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. 15 But now bring me a musician .” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him (2 Kings 3:13-15).
After the musicians played, then Elisha prophesied about the “dry streambed full of pools” (2 Kings 3:16) and that “He will also give the Moabites into your hand” (verse 18).
This all started to make sense as to why music and singing were a major part of worship in the temple during David’s reign along with all small and great, young and old. David brought up, “. . . 4,000 shall offer praises to the Lord with the instruments that I have made for praise” (1 Chronicles 23:5). David was so passionate about this ministry that he even made his own musical instruments for the house of the Lord.
In essence, prophetic music ministry is prophesying through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is more than our natural talent and abilities. This is about our surrender to God so that the Holy Spirit can release His Spirit to proclaim God's messages to the accompaniment of lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. Under the divine inspiration and the revelation of His words, God will release His fulfilled purpose and the presence of Jesus will become a blessed reality. The prophetic music ministry will edify our spiritual growth, singing and using lyre, harp, and cymbals will encourage our souls, and His words will comfort us in the house of the Lord.
King Hezekiah Restores the Temple Worship
2 Chronicles 29:25-30
25 And he stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres, according to the commandment of David and of Gad the king's seer and of Nathan the prophet, for the commandment was from the Lord through his prophets. 26 The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 Then Hezekiah commanded that the burnt offering be offered on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song to the Lord began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. 28 The whole assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded. All this continued until the burnt offering was finished. 29 When the offering was finished, the king and all who were present with him bowed themselves and worshiped. 30 And Hezekiah the king and the officials commanded the Levites to sing praises to the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped.
May the spiritual vitality of the church come back to the House of God and edify, encourage and comfort all who seek our savior, Jesus. Amen and Amen.