Footsteps to Zion

In the Bible, we are told of stories of many kings – some good, some evil. We are told of their strengths and also their weaknesses. And though we may not recall all their names and where they came from, what we will probably remember are the lessons we learn from their battles – particularly, why some kings won and why some lost. One story worthy to note is the story of the king who was meant to win a battle and came so close to winning it, but in the end, because of a seemingly small mistake, still lost it. This king is King Joash of Israel. During his reign, a time came when he was about to be attacked by the Syrian army. He was so desperate that he came weeping before a prophet of God, Elisha. “…Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, ‘O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!’” (2 Kings 13:14) King Joash seemed to know the Prophet Elisha well, even calling him “father.” However, despite having close rela...

One of the names of the Lord is “ Jehovah Jireh ” which means " God sees our need and He will provide ." Truly, all of us have needs whether it be in a natural or spiritual sense. But in all of our needs, God is surely able to provide. Matthew 6:33 states that if we put first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all our needs will be met. And God supplies not just according to what we desire, but according to the riches of His glory (Philippians 4:19)! Elijah was a mighty prophet of God who came to know God very well as his faithful “ Jehovah Jireh .” As we take a closer look at the life of the prophet Elijah, we can witness God’s power to provide for His people: Provision through the ravens: God provides when we obey. “ Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. ” (1 Kings 17:3-4) God spoke this pro...

A “promise” is an assurance that one will do or give something. Have you ever experienced waiting for something promised to you to be fulfilled? What if it will take 45 years for that promise to come to pass? Will you be willing to wait that long? Caleb was a man of God who was able to do exactly that. God promised to give him Mount Hebron as an inheritance but he had to wait 45 years before it finally became his. Mount Hebron was a mountain in Canaan, the land that God promised to the Israelites. But before they could possess Canaan, they needed to face enemies who were dwelling in that land. To conquer Mount Hebron itself, they needed to defeat the descendants of Anak - strong giants whom the people feared. Caleb first saw Mount Hebron when he was sent by Moses to spy out Canaan with 11 others. After spying the land, 10 of them got so afraid of the enemies they discouraged the Israelites from conquering Canaan. But Caleb was not one of the 10. He had a very different respon...

Based on the Message of Rev. Seth Baluyot Shining forth God’s Light We were taught in Science class that the light of the moon does not come from the moon itself. Its light is but a reflection of the light coming from the sun. This is also mentioned in the Bible in Isaiah 30:26 which says, “Moreover the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun…” Interestingly, this scientific fact actually conveys a spiritual truth. Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” However, in another instance, Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” In the first verse, He said He is the light while in the other verse He said that we, Christians, are the light. We know for a fact that Jesus was not confused nor contradicting Himself here. His two statements are both true! He is just like the sun while we are just like the moon. J...