Category Archives: Prophecy

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GOD’S PEACE PROCESS – PART 05

Perfect Peace from a Perfect God
With anxiety and depression on the increase, even in peaceful prosperous nations like Australia, people are spending millions of dollars to find relief. Yet, the best peace, indeed, perfect peace, you can receive for free.
The road to ‘perfect peace’ is found through God’s peace process.
So far, we have learned the following steps to God’s peace process:
1.        Pre-requisite to peace: Make a decision not allow your heart to be troubled or afraid, because Jesus is sending His peace to you (John 14:27).
2.        Peace established: When you say ‘Yes’ to the gospel, you have reconciliation and peace with God (Romans 5:1);
3.        Protective, prevailing peace: God’s peace is like the body guard that keeps your heart and mind safe in Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).
4.        Great peace: As you grow in God’s peace, it will build a protective shield against hurt and offence. When people get offended, they build a ‘Berlin Wall’ around themselves as a prison. With God’s peace, the wall comes crashing down (Psalm 119:165).
As always in God, there is more and more and more. The same applies to his peace process. For in this fifth and final step, you are invited to reach out to God’s ‘perfect peace.’ Once achieved, you will be in an enviable state that cannot be shaken, rocked, dislodged, or distressed.
An example of ‘perfect peace’ is found in Psalm 46:1-3 (KJV):
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah
When you can stay cool, calm and serene while the earth is moving under your feet and mountains are being thrown into the sea, then you have a ‘God-type of peace.’ Since God Himself is a rock, all who build their lives on Him will never be shaken.
So how do we achieve ‘perfect peace?’ The same way that you enter into the heavenly peace process in the first place. By coming unto God and obeying His word.
Regarding perfect peace, we come to Isaiah 26:3-4 (NKJV):
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.4 Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH(JEHOVAH), the Lord, is everlasting strength.
This passage is a great encouragement during times of waiting, uncertainty, even crisis. So let’s see how to apply in one’s life.
Perfect Peace comes when you focus on God
When a fighter pilot wants to attack an opponent, they take their view-finder, locate the target, ‘lock-in on it,’ and then press the button. This is guaranteed to achieve the objective.
We actually do the same thing with God, though with a different motive and outcome. Cutting out the multi-tasking, multi-minded distractions, we put our sole (and soul) focus on the Lord and keep it there. God is the God of Peace (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20); and Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6). As we single-mindedly focus on the Lord, God downloads all the peace we need!
To fulfil the condition of having your mind stayed on God, it involves a few practical things:
1.       Devotional Bible reading: Read the word as part of your daily quiet time – if you don’t have one, its time to get one. Without ‘quiet time,’ you will not enter into God’s peace process and/or be a fruit-bearing disciple of Christ.
2.       Bible study: Take time – short or long – to learn more of the Word;
3.       Meditation: Joshua 1 and Psalm 1 promise that those who meditate on God’s Word will prosper in everything they do. This means to relax, focus on God’s Word, go over the promised verse again and again, putting an accent mark on different aspects. For example, in our key verse, meditation means we think and/or say aloud softly:
•   You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You;
•   You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,because he trusts in You;
•   You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You;
•   A focused mind brings perfect peace;
•   Perfect peace comes from trusting God;
•   God keeps (continually) us in perfect peace;
•   Trusting God is the key to perfect peace.
Repeat this process again and again until you are filled with insight, wisdom, and peace.
With so much emphasis from worldly sources about the benefits of meditation, remember that it is a Biblically-endorsed practice provided you are focusing on the Bible and, most importantly, the God of the Bible.
Perfect peace comes from trusting God
Trusting is something even a child can understand. Yet what we all need to understand is that trusting God is a commandment, it is disarmingly simple, the secret of superlative blessing, and it is the source of unshakeable, perfect, and everlasting peace.
The word ‘trust’ is found 134 times in the Authorised Version.[1] It means the following:
1.     To be totally confident in God;
2.     To draw strength from the Almighty;
3.     Seek refuge in God;
4.     Hand over all control to God;
5.     Let God carry you and your burdens. As one Bible teacher put it: ‘Let God do the heavy lifting.’
Neither I nor anyone I know, after having posted a letter in the bright red postbox, tossed and turned at night worrying that their letter would not arrive at its destination. The reason is that we ‘trust’ Australia Post to be reliable and competent enough to deliver our mail, despite the vast distances of this island continent.
The same thing applies to God: Like the letter to the postbox, we commit all our needs, desires, prayer requests, literally everything to the Almighty. Then we trust God to bring it to past. We stop controlling, worrying, or percolating over the issues – it is in God’s hands so we can, like a slow-cooker in the kitchen, ‘set and forget.’
Focus and trust in God will fast-track you from fear and worry to peace and strength. You will live your life in the LORD, the solid rock, and you will be unshakeable.
Enter in now to God’s peace process and you will have what the world doesn’t know and money cannot buy.


[1] “KJV Search Results for “trust”.” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 8 Jan, 2016. http://www.blueletterbible.orghttps://www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm
Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

ANOTHER LOOK AT DAVID: WHY STUDY I CHRONICLES

Now all theses things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come — I Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)
He is one of the most famous and significant figures in the Bible. The covenant God made with him changed history and paved the way for the coming of the Messiah. He set an example of leadership, worship, and service of God. He was not perfect but so dedicated was he to the Lord that he was called the ‘man after God’s own heart’ (Acts 13:22).
The person in question is David, king of Israel. The book of I Chronicles is primarily about him. Out of love for God he wants to build a temple, but God forbade him because he had shed too much blood. So though his son and successor Solomon will be the temple builder, David will do all the planning and preparation necessary to make the temple possible.
Chronicles was written after the Israelites returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile in the 5th Century BC. It serves as a reminder that God is faithful to those who keep His covenant and put all their trust in him.
HEBREW NAME
Dibere Hayyamim meaning ‘The words or accounts of the days.’ We get the word ‘Chronicles’ from the Latin Vulgate Chronicorum Liber which speak about sacred history of the time of the Judean kings.
AUTHOR
Author is anonymous but Ezra is nominated by the Talmud and makes a good candidate. In any case, the author wrote the book at after the Babylonian exile.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Seed of David who will sit on his throne forever. Christ is simultaneously Son of God and Son of David, thanks to the Davidic Covenant (I Chronicles Chapter 17).
THEME OF I CHRONICLERS
I Chronicles is the official priestly-prophetic account of David’s genealogy and reign.
KEY VERSES
I Chronicles 17:11-14:
And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. 13I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: 14But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.
I Chronicles 29:11:
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
SUMMARY
I and II Chronicles is a single volume in the Hebrew Bible. It speaks of people and events found in II Samuel and I & II Kings.
Here in I Chronicles there is a focus on the royal lineage of David (chapters 1-9), followed by his reign as king of Israel (chapters 10-29). Unlike the other books of Samuel and Kings, there is no mention of Saul’s persecution of David, David’s first 7 years as king in Hebron, the rebellion of Absalom, the wives of David or his adultery with Bathsheba. While Solomon gets credit for building and dedicating the temple, it is David who made it possible with his meticulous preparation.
DISTINCTIVE OF I CHRONICLES
Samuel-Kings                                                                      Chronicles
From Samuel to Cyrus                                                        From Adam to Cyrus
David             at his best and worst                                                David the good king
Kings of Israel & Judah                                                       Kings of Judah alone
Emphasis on all kings: good & evil                                  Emphasis on good Judean kings
Solomon builds the temple                                                            David plans the temple
Response of kings to God’s covenant                               Focuses on faith institutions
OUTLINE OF I CHRONICLES
I.  Royal Lineage of David (1:1-9:44)
A.  Genealogy from Adam to Abraham (1:1-27)
Adam to Noah, Noah to Abraham via the 3 sons of Noah: Ham, Shem, and Japheth
B.  Genealogy from Abraham to Jacob (1:28-54)
The Patriarchs, Esau’s descendants, kings and chiefs of Edom
C.  Genealogy from Jacob to David (2:1-55)
D.  Genealogy from David to the Babylonian Captivity (3:1-24)
E.  Genealogies of the 12 tribes of Israel (4:1-8:40)
12 tribes listed except Dan. Great emphasis on Levites, the lineage of the                   priests, and Aaron.
F.  Genealogy of the returning exiles (9:1-34)
Lists those Israelites who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity
G.  Genealogy of Saul (9:35-44)
II.  David’s Righteous Reign (10:1-29:30)
A.  David Becomes King (10:1-12:40)
Saul’s death, anointing of David, Jerusalem captured, David’s mighty men.
B.  The Ark of Covenant (13:1-17:27)
                       
After a bad start, David brings the Ark to Jerusalem. God makes a covenant with David.
C.  The Military Victories of David (18:1-20:8)
Victories over the Philistines, Zobah, Ammon, Moab, and Syria.
D.  David’s Preparation for Temple (21:1-27:34)
Disastrous Census and material preparation of the temple.
E.  Final Days of David (28:1-29:30)

Briefs Solomon, prepares for the temple, prayer of thanksgiving, Solomon coronated, and David’s death.
Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

7 PILLARS TO UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE: PILLAR Four God Has Called Us to Fearlessness

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go – Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Whose playing in the football match this weekend?
Where will we spend our family holiday?
What kind of cuisine shall we have for dinner tonight?
People give attention to short-term issues of today and tomorrow, but seem to give little thought to the long-term future. Why is this the case? There are several reasons, but one of the key explanations is that people think the future will be unpleasant. If people are struggling to balance their budget or handle their teenage children, how can they cope with the notion that the world is being turned on its head – or going out of business altogether.
If we are going to achieve the worthy goal of becoming ‘future ready,’ we need to understand what the future is about. One means is to keep well informed by reliable, truthful, and balanced news sources.
More importantly, it is important to understand Bible prophecy. Yet amazingly, despite talk of ‘wars and rumours of wars,’ ‘antichrist,’ ‘harlot of Babylon,’ ‘seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments,’ there is a very clear prophetic call from God to His people: ‘Fear not.’
God does not want you to be afraid of anything. The phrase ‘fear not’ is used 63 times in the Bible, ‘be not afraid’ 26 times, and the word ‘peace’ 429 times. The only fear you should have is the ‘fear of the Lord’ (Proverbs 9:10) and it has the divine ability to cancel all other fears.
Read Joshua 1:6-9 and amazingly God commands the man Joshua three times to be ‘strong’ and ‘courageous.’ Despite the fact that he stood at the backdoor of Canaan, where seven nations (another name for people groups) awaited Israel’s invasion. Some of these nations had tall giants and even taller walls. Yet God shows the possibility and necessity of being strong and courageous in the face of all challenges.
In the Book of Joshua, the basis of courage and fearlessness comes from three sources:
1.       A Decision to Hear and Obey God’s Command to be Strong and Courageous;
2.       Putting God’s Word in Your Heart;
3.       The Presence of the Lord;
Yes, the challenge of conquering Canaan is softened greatly by making a decision to be strong and courageous. Yes, strength and courage are a decision you make to obey God and He will do the rest.
The command to be ‘strong and courageous’ is not just for Joshua – it applies to every believer. Twice in the psalms God promises the psalmist that if he will be of good courage, God will strength his heart (Psalm 27:14; 31:14). Preceding the command to be courageous is to ‘wait on the Lord.’
Practically speaking, in order to obey the command is to believe it, affirm it, and confess it.
Second point is to put God’s Word in your heart. This comes from devotion, study, and meditation. With the Word in your heart, faith levels arise. You become more aware and attentive to what God says. From the fullness of your heart, you will be strengthened and encouraged to do what God says.
Finally, understand that God’s presence with you and in you will be a source of tremendous courage. The promises of Scripture are clear: God is with His people. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus says to His great commission obeying disciples that He will be with them always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
How can we forget the reality of the Twenty-Third Psalm, Verse 4:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
David the psalmist had every good reason to fear in the natural. The wilderness where he tended the sheep had wild animals, venomous reptiles, scarcity of water and food, and it was easy to get lost. Yet he says that even in the ‘valley of the shadow of death,’ he will fear not evil. What is the basis of his fearlessness: For you art with me.
When God is with you and for you, no one and nothing can be against you.
It is like the story of the 12 year old student. For him, recess was not a time of fun and games but of torment. Why? Because a 14 year old school yard bully was waiting in the playground to taunt and harass. A dark cloud hung over his head and a knot tightened in his stomach as the bell rang. Yet, the time came when he could go into the playground and the bully could not touch him. Why? Because the student’s 16 year old brother accompanied him there.
If an older brother can keep us safe from schoolyard bullies, how much more will the promised presence of God keep us fearless despite the uncertain and tumultuous times in which we live.
Remember that true courage is not the absence of fear; it is the mastery of fear through the tools God has given us. So if we are to be ‘future-ready,’ hear and respond to God’s wonderful call to fearlessness. It will open all kinds of wonderful doors for you.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

SIX ANNIVERSARIES PART 02

Last month, we looked at two major anniversaries in 2017: the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and 120th Anniversary of Theodor Herzl’s first Zionist congress. This month, we focus on four more anniversaries for this year.
100 Years Ago – Battle of Beersheba 31 October 1917
Exactly 400 years after the Reformation, the Australian Light-horsemen, along with the British, captured the city of Beersheba in the south of Turkish-occupied Palestine. This campaign not only highlighted the great bravery of the Allied troops, but it was the beginning of the end of 400 years of Turkish rule. The British would capture the rest of the country, including Jerusalem in December 1917, were granted a mandate in Palestine by the League of Nations, and all this led to the creation of Israel in 1948.
100 Years Ago – The Balfour Declaration 2 November 1917
A seemingly harmless letter written by the British Foreign Secretary Lord Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild became the foundation stone of international support for the creation of the Jewish state in Palestine. In gratitude for Dr. Chaim Weizman’s contribution to the British war effort, Balfour wrote the following words:
His Majesty’s government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.
Until this letter was issued, the Zionist enterprise battled alone on the international front. Now, it had the backing of the British War Cabinet, and by extension the British Empire. Though it was a great morale booster for the Zionism, by itself it did not confer rights and responsibilities. However, the 1920 San Remo Conference and the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine made the Balfour Declaration the cornerstone of its policy and granted international legitimacy to the Zionist cause. Thus, the Balfour Declaration facilitated the birth of the Jewish state; an unintended consequence was that it stirred up unbridled opposition of the Arabs, which continues to this day. Thus, the Arab-Israeli conflict is the ‘hundred year war.’
70 Years Ago – United Nations Partition Resolution 181 of 29th November 1947
After 30 years in Palestine, Britain informed the newly-created United Nations that it was going to withdraw from the country. The explosive Palestine issue now became the problem of the UN. After several months of deliberation, the General Assembly Resolution 181 of 29 November 1947 voted 33 to 13, with 10 abstentions, to partition western Palestine (to distinguish it was Transjordan, which was eastern Palestine) into Jewish and Arab states. Jerusalem would be under an international regime for 10 years (corpus separatum).
The Jewish community accepted the resolution results. The Arabs rejected the resolution and vowed to strangle the Jewish nation at birth. The security situation in the country deteriorated immediately and alarmingly over the next five months. On the day Israel was born, 14 May 1948, the first Arab-Israel war began.
The partition resolution recognised in principle the creation of the Jewish state. The subsequent war rendered implementation impossible. The borders would be determined on the battlefield.
50 Years Ago – Six Day War of 5-10 June 1967
After 19 years of unstable ceasefire, the third Arab-Israel war erupted on 5 June 1967. In May 1967, pan-Arab nationalist leader and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser ordered a blockade of the Red Sea’s Straits of Tiran at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. This prevented shipping to the Israeli port of Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba. The closure of international waters was considered an act of war. Nasser demanded the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping troops in the Egyptian-held Sinai Peninsula. Then Nasser formed an alliance with Syria and Jordan to confront Israel militarily.
In a pre-emptive air strike, Israel destroyed the three Arab airforces with their planes still on the ground. Having unchallenged skies, Israeli tanks raced through Arab held territory unopposed. The entire Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem with the Old City, were captured with lightning speed. Israel trebled its size in just 6 days. East Jerusalem was annexed to Israel before the end of the month, declared the ‘indivisible’ and ‘eternal’ capital of the State of Israel. ‘Jerusalem is not negotiable’ was their motto and remained so until the Camp David negotiations of 2000. The remainder of land was declared ‘occupied territory’ and, in theory, subject for peace negotiations.
Israel expected a ‘phone call’ from the Arabs, asking for peace talks in order to return the territory it had seized. Instead, in the Sudanese capital of Khatoum on 1 September 1967, the Arabs issued the three ‘No’s:’ No negotiations with Israel. No recognition of Israel. No peace with Israel. The state of war would continue unto this very day, though Egypt and Jordan have since signed peace treaties.
The six anniversaries may be a cause of observation, even celebration in Israel, but will be viewed with disdain by the Arabs. We would do well to remember the injunction to ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love her’ (Psalm 122:6).

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What Can We Do About North Korea?

It’s that time again and the sabres are rattling out of the Hermit Kingdom. We have heard these noises before. North Korea wants to test nuclear weapons, America and the international community confront, there are threats, then deals, things go quiet … until the next provocation. Is this time any different from before? Yes, it is – as if the Cold War never ended.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea, is a communist nation, a Stalinist state of 25 million people. It browbeats it subjects, has drastic food shortages, periodically threatens the South, and has the notorious distinction of being the Number One nation in the world for the persecution of Christians. Despite its official name, North Korea doesn’t have democracy as we know it, does not observe human rights, and is ruled by an erratic, mercurial god-king. The Hermit Kingdom has had only 3 leaders since 1948: Father, son and grandson. The grandson, Kim Jong UN, though educated in Switzerland and only in his mid-30s, wants to prove he is the toughest of all. He had his supportive uncle executed and is accused of having his half-brother Kim Jong-nam assassinated early in 2017 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).  The scenario today is different and very concerning.
North Korea is armed with nuclear weapons, along with the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France, India, Pakistan and Israel. Until now, we could sleep at night knowing that the parties involved were ‘rational.’ Even experts said that North Korea’s only reasons for getting nuclear weapons were to ‘gain respect’ and prevent western-style ‘regime change.’ Leave the regime alone and they will stay in their box.
Things have now changed. Kim Jong Un has openly proclaimed that he wants to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States, Europe, and yes, even Australia. His arms developers have made progress in developing solid-fuel rockets. These can be set up quickly and are harder to detect and destroy. He has promised to have a nuclear test ‘every week,’ which is a major provocation to East Asia and the world. This means Kim has the capability to destroy a western city and that is an intolerable prospect. Without checks and balances of a democratic system, what is to stop North Korea from pressing the button and wrecking havoc?
Though exact numbers are uncertain, it is estimated that North Korea already has 10 to 16 nuclear bombs. Give them another 3-4 years and they could have a total of 100. Kim has threatened to strike the United States and even Australia if it continues with its US alliance, even though Australia has diplomatic relations with North Korea. Let’s not assume that Pyongyang is joking. This is serious stuff. 
So what can we do? 
First, it is important to stay strong. Say what you want about US President Donald Trump, but he projects decisiveness and strength. The President simply cannot allow North Korea to have the ability to threaten an American city. He has ordered the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to the Korea Peninsula. Kim has threatened to sink it but Trump has not blinked. Guided missile subs are also being sent to the region. South Korea and Japan, both American allies, are being offered THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), a missile defence system that can shoot out of the sky incoming missiles. America had tactical nuclear weapons stationed in South Korea in the past and could place them again to ward off the threat from Pyongyang.
Second, it is important to have a united front with allies like those in Asia, Europe, and Australia. Unity is always a powerful motivator and deterrent. This unity is shown by enforcing and even enlarging sanctions against North Korea.
How about a pre-emptive strike against North Korea’s nuclear facilities. This is not recommended, though, as the Trump Administration says, ‘all options are on the table.’ The danger is that Pyongyang is threatening all out war – a threat we should take seriously. In a war 50 million South Koreans would be in harm’s way. America could and would win in an all-out confrontation, but the price is simply too high. That said, the US could still shoot a North Korean missile out of the sky without incurring the same amount of wrath.
Then there is the ‘China card.’ China, more than any other nation, has leverage over North Korea. In the past, this was used a bit but not whole-heartedly. This time, the West needs to make it worth China’s while to stop the North in its nuclear quest. After all, China is raking in the money and war is bad for business. China does not want war and has said so. 
The potential fall of North Korea means North Korean refugees could stream across the Yalu River into China. It also means South Korea and America will be on China’s border. Having their Japanese and South Korean rivals possessing THAAD neutralises their own nuclear umbrella. Even a more unpalatable scenario for China are these two countries seeking to obtain nuclear weapons themselves. 
Thus, China has an incentive now to be effectively involved with stopping North Korea that was not there before. America could offer China a ‘deal’ which is too good to refuse, like a nuclear-free, China-friendly, non-aligned North Korea. Asia likes ‘deals’ and President Trump wrote a best-selling book on the subject. There are some hopeful signs: Chinese President Xi Jinping has already been in touch with President Trump.
The Greatest Weapon of All
Finally, for Christian believers, you have the most potent weapon of all: prayer in the Name of Jesus. Forty percent of South Korea now Christian, with dozens of prayer mountains across that nation. Don’t you think this ‘wall of prayer’ has keep the peace on the Korea Peninsula since 1953 more than anything else? And prayer from the global Body of Christ will have even a greater effect. So let us pray:
    1      For a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis;
    2      For wisdom, calm and clear heads to prevail;
    3      For China’s willing, meaningful, and successful engagement;
    4      That God’s hand to cause the church to grow on both sides of the DMZ.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Vegetable Pancakes: Carrot, Corn, and Zucchini

Vegetable Pancakes: Carrot, Corn, & Zucchini
We discovered this dish years ago and have not looked back. It is so popular that people are helping themselves to the pancakes fresh from the fry-pan before they even makes it to the dining table. A good way of getting your vegetables for the day!
3/4 cup milk
2 Tablespoons plain yogurt
1/2 cup grated cheese
90 grams butter
3 eggs
90g butter, melted and cool
1 cup flour
2 carrots, peeled, grated
2 zucchini, grated
150 grams corn (thawed or canned)
1/4 cup continental parsley, chopped
2/3 cup parmesan cheese.
1.   Stir milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter & eggs together in a large jug.
2.   Place flour in a bowl with a well in the middle. Stir into the flour the milk mixture until it is barely combined.
3.   After grating the zucchini, squeeze out excess liquid. Add it, plus the carrot, corn, parsley and parmesan cheese, to the flour/milk mixture. Stir until combined (don’t over stir). Salt and pepper to taste.
4.   Lightly grease the frying pan. Heat until it is of medium temperature. Add to the hot pan 1/4 cup of batter. Spread mixture with the spatula. Cook until golden, using about 3 minutes on each side. Repeat until the batter is used up. Dry on paper towels.
5.   Enjoy, topped with plain Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
Makes 12 pancakes.

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

DIVISION & DECLINE: WHY STUDY II KINGS

Now all theses things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come — I Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)
It is not a happy story and there is plenty of heartbreak, yet the Book of II Kings is an important part of God’s Word. For in it, we learn the legacy and the lunacy of turning away from the LORD: division, decline, decadence, depravity, and dispersion. II Kings was written is for our benefit, so that we learn from the successes and failures of the people of God.
II Kings is the narrative of the Israelite nation divided into two competing kingdoms: Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Neither of them were faithful to the LORD and the result of such unfaithfulness is the challenge of invasion, conquest, and exile. Yet in the midst of the backsliding and inevitable judgment, there is the scarlet cord of redemption. Though Judah was chastened and exiled, by God’s grace, it returned from exile. Those who returned became known to the world as ‘Jews.’ We also get a front row seat to the stunning and spectacular prophetic ministries of Elijah and Elisha. When the night is darkest, the stars shine brightest.
II Kings begins with Ahaziah, son of Ahab, King of Israel, facing a rebellion from his vassal state of Moab and falling through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria. He sent his servants to inquire of Baal-Zebub, god of Ekron, if he would recover from his injury. The angel of God sent Elijah the prophet to rebuke Ahaziah, asking rhetorically ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’ Because of this affront, Ahaziah would die from his injuries … and he did. His story was a mini-version of the faithlessness we find in the rest of the book.
From this point, II Kings switches from the kingdom of Judah, to the kingdom of Israel, then back. While there were some bright stars in Judah, like Hezekiah and Josiah, for the most part the kings of Judah and of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. The results were frighteningly predictable: eventual yet furious divine judgment. It is like being an eye-witness to a car crash in slow motion. At the end, in Chapter 25, Jehoiachin king of Judah is released from captivity and treated with respect. He represented in proxy the grace that would to extended to his nation under the Persians.
HEBREW NAME
Melechim Beth or II Kings,
AUTHOR
Either the prophet Jeremiah or someone who lived the same time as him.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Christ resembles the ministry of Elisha: grace, hope, peace, and a double-portion of God’s spirit. Elisha did double the recorded miracles that Elijah did.
THEME OF II KINGS
Two backslidden kingdoms colliding towards captivity, with a hint of mercy at the end.
KEY VERSES
For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them; 23Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day — II Kings 17:22-23 (KJV)
And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there — II Kings 23:27 (KJV)
SUMMARY
David’s kingdom was divided into Judah and Israel because his son king Solomon had turned from the LORD. His successors did not learn the lesson, either. Both kingdoms continue to backslide. Judah had only 8 good kings out of 20. Israel had no good kings out of 19.
In the face of this apostasy, God graciously sent his prophets to the divided kingdom. To Israel came the prophetic ministries of Elijah, Elisha, Amos and Hosea. To Judah cam Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk.
Yet despite their sterling ministries, and the noble efforts of Judean kings Hezekiah and Josiah, none of their efforts averted judgment on Israel or Judah. In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom and deported the population to the far reaches of the realm. In their place heathen people were settled in Samaria, of which some evolved into the Samaritans of Jesus’ day. Judah was captured by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. This led to the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s temple.
Mercifully, while some of the best and brightest of Judah were deported to Babylon (including Daniel and his three friends) some of the poorest of the people were left in the land. Unlike the Assyrians, the Babylonians did not transplant foreigners into Judah. Years later under Medo-Persian king Cyrus the Great, the Jews were allowed to return home and a minority did.
Even though Josiah’s reformation was not enough to appease God’s righteous wrath, thank God for the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and ent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins — I John 4:10 (cf Romans 3:25; I John 2:2). What Josiah was unable to do, Jesus does completely, saving us from the wrath to come (I Thessalonians 1:10).
DISTINCTIVES
While both kingdoms did evil, Israel was by far more unstable than Judah. It had heathen shrines with golden calves at Bethel and Dan, established by their first king Jeroboam. Not one of their kings had the courage and conviction to repudiate this reproach on the nation. Furthermore, it had 3 capitals: Shechem, Tirzah, and Samaria. It also had 9 dynasties, all but one created by killing the previous king.
Judah had only one capital: Jerusalem. One dynasty: David’s. One sanctuary: Solomon’s temple. And because of the promise to David of the everlasting dynasty, known as the Davidic Covenant (II Samuel 7; I Chronicles 17), God gave him an heir and Son in Jesus, and a stake in Jerusalem.
Despite the backsliding and well-deserved judgment, God continues to delight in mercy. Two incidents shine out:
1.      Joash: Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, mother of the slain Judean king Ahaziah, usurps the throne in Judah. Her goal was destroy the royal seed of the House of David, which happened to be her own grandchildren. Yet grandson Joash escaped the murderous rampage of his grandmother. Under the guidance of the righteous priest Jehoiada, they managed to coronate Josh as king, age 7, and his barbarous grandmother was slain.
2.      Hezekiah: The Assyrian army had rampaged through the Judean kingdom in 701 BC and was poised to devour Jerusalem as a python to the egg. This was 21 years after the same army conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and deported the inhabitants to Assyria. Hezekiah was king and the His only recourse was God. Thanks to his intercession and the prophetic guidance of Isaiah, God struck the Assyrian army and they withdrew. Jerusalem was saved. This was a fulfilment of God’s promise to David, that he would have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there – I Kings 11:36.
OUTLINE OF II KINGS
I.          The Divided Kingdom (1:1-17:41)
A.  Reign of Ahaziah in Israel 1:1-18
B.  Reign of Jehoram in Israel (2:1-8:15)
During this period, Elijah is translated to heaven. Elisha does multiple miracles: giving the widow oil; predicting and raising up the Shumanmite’s son, healing the deadly pottage, multiplying of loaves, healing of Naaman the Syrian leper, causing the ax-head to float.
C.  Reign of Jehoram in Judah (8:16-24)
D.  Reign of Ahaziah in Judah (8:25-9:29)
Here is the battle against Syria. Jehu is anointed king and he executes fierce                      judgment against king Joram, his mother Jezebel and the house of Ahab.
E.  Reign of Jehu in Israel (9:30-10:36)
F.  Reign of Queen Athaliah in Judah (11:1-16)
G.  Reign of Joash in Judah (11:17-12:21)
H.  Reign of Jehoahaz in Israel (13:1-9)
I.    Reign of Jehoash in Israel 13:10-15)
Elisha dies, a dead man whose corpse touches his bones is raised to life, Israel                 finally gains   victory over Syria.
J.  Reign of Amaziah in Judah (14:1-22)
K.  Reign of Jeroboam II in Israel (14:23-29)
L.  Reign of Azariah in Judah (15:1-7)
M.  Reign of Zechariah in Israel (15:8-12)
N.  Reign of Shallum in Israel (15:13-15)
O.  Reign of Menahem in Israel (15:16-22)
P.  Reign of Pekahiah in Israel (15:23-26)
Q.  Reign of Pekah in Israel (15:27-31)
R.  Reign of Jotham in Judah (15:32-38)
S.  Reign of Ahaz in Judah (16:1-20)
T.  Reign of Hoshea in Israel (17:1-41)
Samaria is captured, Northern Kingdom destroyed, population deported, and foreign transplants settle in their place.
II.  Surviving Kingdom of Judah (18:1-25:30)
A.      Reign of Hezekiah (18:1-20:21)
Assyria unsuccessfully invades Jerusalem, Hezekiah is healed, Babylonian captivity      of Judah is predicted. Hezekiah builds his famous tunnel from the Gihon Spring to     the Pool of Siloam – it is still a tourist site to this day.
B.  Reign of Manasseh (21:1-18)
C.  Reign of Amon (21:19-26)
D.  Reign of Josiah (22:1-23:30)
Josiah is the last righteous king of Judah. He renews the covenant, repairs the                   temple, discovers the Book of the Law (Deuteronomy), repents for Judah, brings                reforms, conducts a Passover.
E.  Reign of Jehoahaz in Judah (23:31-34)
F.  Reign of Jehoiakim (23:35-24:7)
G.  Reign of Jehoiachin (24:8-16)
H.  Reign of Zedekiah (24:17-25:21)
I.  Governorship of Gedaliah (25:22-26)

J.  Release of Jehoiachin in Babylon (25:27-30)
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

7 PILLARS TO UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE: PILLAR 3 -We Have Power Over the Enemy

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do— I Chronicles 12:32
One of the wisest and noblest goals you can have in life is to help yourself, your family, and others to become ‘future-ready.’ Teachers, financial planners, pastors, and parents all have a role to play in this.
The resources are out there but sadly many are simply not ready; indeed, they are in danger of ‘sleepwalking into the future.’ The risk of falling into the ditch becomes all the greater. With so many challenges in our world today, being ‘future-ready’ becomes a necessity, not a luxury, in order to survive and succeed in the days ahead.
So far, we have learned two pillars to understanding the future. Number One is to understand that Bible prophecy is the key. If there is anything to has been given by God to help us be future-ready, this it it. Bible prophecy is God’s early warning service. Number Two tells us to understand that we live in a spiritual world and the enemy, challenges, and solution are equally spiritual. Therefore, investing in your spiritual life becomes the highest priority of all.
The third pillar to understanding the future is this:  We have power of the enemy. Yet, before we exercise such power, we need to know who the enemy is.

Many of us would like to think that we are nice people with no enemies at all. That may be the case, some of the time. Yet the truth is we all have an enemy: in fact, it is the same enemy. This enemy is powerful, vicious, menacing formidable, and deadly. The enemy continues to cause much damage throughout the world. Jesus describes this enemy in John 10:10: He steals, kills, and destroys. Who is this enemy? Revelation 12:9 calls him by four things: 1) The Great Dragon; 2) The Old Serpent; 3) Satan and; 4) Devil.
Ephesians 6:12 describes the nature of the opposition very well.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Two very important points need to be made here. Your real enemies are not people. People are made in the image of God and even the most despicable and vile among them are still people for whom Christ died to save. So quit treating people like an enemy, even if they seem to be and oppose the things you endorse.
Second, we have no choice but to engage in the real enemy – the spiritual one. Fortunately, thanks to the victory of Jesus Christ over Satan and demon powers, we can share in His victory, too. When you understand the power and victory Christ gives, you never need to be defeated and frightened again.
Tools in the Toolbox:
1.       Mighty weapons: Just as military superpowers have the latest and most advanced weaponry, so the Church of Christ has been well-equipped to engage and defeat the forces of darkness. II Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
This passage is telling us that our spiritual weaponry is even more powerful than military hardware. Furthermore, we learn that it defeats the enemy ‘in the mind,’ ‘casting down imaginations’ and bringing ‘every thought to the obedience of Christ.’
A soldier was captured by enemy troops and kept as a prisoner of war for six years. Though he looked thin, anaemic and phlegmatic – a physical pushover – the soldier actually endured and survived captivity. The reason: he had a tough, sound mind. With the weapons God gives, we can also prevail For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind — II Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
You have been given spiritual weapons – therefore use them. However, what are they?
2. The whole armour of God: Ephesians is a remarkable epistle. It tells us of our rich, glorious, and heavenly inheritance in Christ. No rebukes, corrections, judgments, just celestial blessing. Then, at the very end of the epistle, almost like a postscript, the apostle Paul tells us to ‘put on the whole armour of God.’ At first, such advice seems out of place among the lofty principles espoused earlier. Yet, the ‘armour of God exhortation’ is logical and consistent: after all, since we are seated in heavenly places (2:6), remember that the spiritual activity is fuller and more concentration up there than it is down here.
Our spiritual weaponry includes (6:14-17):
1.            Belt of truth around the waist;
2.            Breastplate of righteousness over the chest;
3.            Gospel of peace on the feet;
4.            The shield of faith quenches the fiery darts of the wicked;
5.            Helmet of salvation protects the mind;
6.            Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (the only offensive weapon).
Christ’s two-fold exhortation to ‘watch’ and ‘pray’ (Matthew 26:41) is reiterated here in Ephesians 6:18. ‘Pray always’ with all kinds of prayers in the Spirit; and ‘watch’ with perseverance and supplication for all saints. Victory over the enemy entails watching and praying, especially ‘prayer in the Spirit’ (Jude 20).
3. Resist the devil: Like a weight trainer has to lift the heavy barbells in order to gain strength, so at some point we will have to face and defeat the enemy in order to stand strong. This may sound daunting but it is very simple: Christ defeated the enemy, so can you. Christ is with you always, so you have nothing to fear. The victory has been procured, therefore stand in it.
The Book of James is the ‘Proverbs of the New Testament,’ teaches us to be wise and also how to practically apply our faith. James gives us a simple blueprint for defeating Satan.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Note the simple progression:
A.          Humility (4:6): God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. It will be by God’s grace you win the victory and it comes by humility. This Godly character quality does not mean you put yourself down; instead you merely acknowledge your need and desire for God. Proud people live independently from everything and everyone, including God. The humble do not.
B.          Submit to God (4:7): When you submit to God, you are ‘in Him’ and He is ‘in you.’ Therefore, the upcoming conflict is a partnership with Almighty God, where He is the senior and you are the junior partner.
C.          Resist the devil (4:7): Don’t fear, don’t negotiate, don’t submit – say ‘No’ and keep standing, no matter what. The most amazing thing happens. The big bad devil, rather than terrorise you with his evil, is instead ‘terrorised’ by your steadfastness. He doesn’t merely walk away; he flees!
Essentially, our victory over the evil one is procured through fervent prayer (Ephesians 6:18) and standing on God’s Word (6:17?).
Rather than being dispossessed and disenfranchised, ‘future-ready’ people are spiritually empowered and take control of their lives by exercising power of the (real) enemy. Put these Biblical principles into practice and you will no longer be on sinking sand but well established ‘on the rock’ (Matthew 7:24-25).

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Five Anniversaries in 2017, Part 01

Did you know that the year 2017 has at least 6 major anniversaries? Two are Christian and the other four involve the Jews and Israel. What are they and what do they mean? Here we go …
500 Years Ago – The Protestant Reformation 31 October 1517
Yes, the Reformation will be half a millennium old as of 31 October 2017. The Reformation was when a group of reformers broke from the Pope, the Vatican, and Roman Catholicism. It cut across centuries of tradition and papal control in order to return the church to a more Biblical foundation.
The date October 31st was chosen as ‘Reformation Day’ because it was when Martin Luther (1483-1546) nailed his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. It was a big gamble – his life was at stake – but Luther survived and succeeded.
Luther was not the only reformer. John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Knox also played a major role in the break from Rome. The reformers objected to the following Catholic doctrines:
1.      Sale of indulgences: A payment of money made to the church in order to liberate a loved one stuck in purgatory, an unbiblical halfway house between heaven and hell.
2.      Veneration of Mary and the saints: These all became objects of prayer, rather than in the Personhood and Name of Jesus;
3.      Vicar of Christ: The pope became Christ’s literal representative on earth, something that was not sanctioned in Scripture;
4.      Salvation: This could only be found in the church of Rome, not the gospel, and no where else;
5.      Transubstantiation: The doctrine that the ‘bread’ and ‘cup’ in holy communion are literally the body and blood of Christ.
The Gutenberg printing press helped to distribute God’s Word and other Christian literature in the language of the people, waking them up to Rome’s failings and excesses. As a result of their efforts, Northern Europe became Protestant, the southern part remained Catholic, and the centre of the continent was the buffer zone and battle ground between the two groups. The Thirty Year’s War of 1618-1648 was the devastating result of this church schism.
Some of the key highlights of the Protestant Reformation was sola scriptura and sola fide, meaning that Scripture was recognised as the highest authority for Christian faith and practice. ‘Only faith’ is how we obtain salvation in Christ, not by religious works or the intervention of saintly people. ‘Preaching the Word’ became the centrepiece of the Protestant service. The Reformation led the way to later movements like the rise of evangelicalism and Pentecostalism.
120 Years Ago – The First Zionist Congress 29-31 August 1897
It’d is hard to exaggerate the importance of this convocation in the birth of modern Israel. It was convened by a man named Theodor Herzl, once a thoroughly assimilated European Jew. Herzl was shocked out of his complacency when he experienced first-hand bald-faced virulent anti-Semitism in republican France during the 1895 trial of Alfred Dreyfus. He realised that the Jewish people have a serious problem: they are always a minority wherever they live and subject to arbitrary and regular persecution by the Gentile majority. To Herzl, they only solution to the ‘Jewish Question’ was a Jewish state in Palestine., where they can be a majority, rule their own affairs, and defend themselves like any other nation. Herzl wrote a book in 1896 called The Jewish State, which summarised his philosophy, which became known to the world as Zionism.
There was much Jewish opposition to Zionism, so the congress had to move from Munich to the Municipal Casino in Basel, Switzerland. In a mere 3 days, the congress formed what eventually would be known as the World Zionist Organisation, adopted a national anthem called Hatikvah (‘The Hope,’ which today is Israel’s National Anthem), and wrote the Basel Declaration. The latter stated that the goal of Zionism was to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine and facilitate it through the support of farmers and tradesman.
Stunningly, Herzl wrote in his diary that at Basel, he founded the Jewish state. Within 5 to 50 years, the whole world would see it.
Next time, we will learn about the other 4 anniversaries. To be continued ….

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GOD’S PEACE PROCESS – PART 04 Offended No More

GOD’S PEACE PROCESS – PART 04
Offended No More

Peace is so wonderful because it is so rare. Even in the relatively prosperous western world, many people live troubled, disturbed lives. Often, the problem is not conflict on the outside, but turmoil within.
The only solution is God’s peace process.
So far, we have learned the following steps to God’s peace process:
1.        Pre-requisite to peace: Make a decision not allow your heart to be troubled or afraid, because Jesus is sending His peace to you (John 14:27).
2.        Peace established: When you say ‘Yes’ to the gospel, you have reconciliation and peace with God (Romans 5:1);
3.        Protective, prevailing peace: God’s peace is like the body guard that keeps your heart and mind safe in Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).
The good news is that there is even more to this peace process. Yet in order to appreciate the good news, we need to understand the bad news first.
Bad news:Often, people complain about being ‘hurt.’ The wounds go down very deep and can last a lifetime. The reality is that ‘hurt’ people are often offended people. And often offended people possess a spirit of un-forgiveness, which causes them to be hurt in the first place.
Proverbs 18:19 (KJV): A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
While some cultures, particularly in Asia, take offence with a flourish, it is a dangerous thing to do. It is even unhealthy physically, as well as emotionally and spiritually. When a person takes offence, it is as like building a ‘Berlin Wall’ around themselves. It becomes a self-imposed prison. As long as the offence is kept, the bondage remains, the hurt grows, and the spiritual life put on hold. You become bitter rather than better. God’s peace process is derailed as long as the person remains in a state of offence and un-forgiveness.
Another way to describe offence is ‘stumbling’ (Proverbs 4:19). To be offended is like walking on a pathway, only to stumble, fall down, bruise the knee or even break a leg. One has to choose whether to stay down, remain offended, and be a victim, or get up and be a victor.
Remember, this is a fallen world: bad things happen to good people and good things (temporarily) happen to bad people. Jesus says in Luke 17:1-2 (KJV):
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Being difficult, demanding, and offensive may give a person a temporary rush of energy, get people to fulfil their demands quickly, or even make them feel ‘powerful.’ Yet, that millstone is coming their way and the bottom of the sea gets closer and closer.
The best philosophy: Do not be offensive and do not take offence.
Here is another way to look at it is this: An offensive person is one with plenty of issues – that’s why they are offensive. And they want to spread the misery around. If you take offence, then their problem becomes yours, too. If you remain on God’s peace process, you will have a built in ‘teflon-factor’ that keeps the spirit of the offence from infecting your spirit.
Offences will happen – people can be rude, nasty, and vicious (e.g. the culture war). Yet there is a way to leverage off offensive behaviour so that it becomes the catalyst for promotion, rather than the trip-wire for demotion. So, to progress with God’s peace process, you have to deal with the spirit of offence.
GOOD NEWS: Two-Pronged Remedy Against Offence
1. Forgiveness: So how to we go from a state of hurt and un-forgiveness to a place of victory? First, we need to practice unilateral forgiveness. Even if the offender does not apologise or even recognise their error, it is important to ‘let go’ and ‘forgive.’ Forgiveness is Christianity 101! Ask for God’s grace to do this. Here is an incentive – Jesus says in Mark 11:25-26:
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Some may say: You don’t understand; I have been greatly wronged. No body who has lived long enough misses out on the insults, indignities, rejection, misunderstanding, and injustice of this fallen world. Many become bitter but a few become better. The reason is forgiveness or the lack thereof. If you make a decision to forgive – and you should – let the grace of God see you through. Remember, Jesus forgave His enemies while being nailed to the cross!
What forgiveness does is it releases you from the spirit of offence, demolishes the ‘Berlin Wall’ around your life, cuts the octopus tentacles that the offence wrapped around you, releases you from bondage and you are set free! You are now able to get on with your life.
2. The Word of God: The role of God’s Word in overcoming offence and proceeding with the peace process is indispensable. A wonderful promise is found in the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which is primarily about the word of God.
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them — Psalm 119:165 (KJV)
Note that when you ‘love’ God’s law, meaning, the whole counsel of God, something amazing happens. It detoxes you from offence, causes you to grow spiritually, and bestows ‘great peace.’ How does this happen? Just as any child will properly grow when eating good food and drinking pure drink, so the child of God also grows when they have a regular intake of God’s Word. As they grow and mature, the things that once upset them.
If you want great peace, then ‘love God’s law:’
1.       Read it;
2.       Study it;
3.       Meditate on it;
4.       Do it!
Through forgiveness and God’s Word, you will no longer stranded in the wilderness. Instead, you will mount of with eagles wings and head towards the promised land.

Next time, we will learn about the fifth and final part of God’s peace process.