Standing on the promises of God (Ezekiel 34:25-31) by Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce

Weekly message: Standing on the promises of God (Ezekiel 34:25-31)

By Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical Precepts & Gospel music

May30, 2021

     What are the promises of God to Israel today? and to us who believe in the Lord our God? According to Ezekiel 34:25-31 the Lord’s promises to Israel, and to those who received the new covenant through the blood of Jesus, regardless Jews or gentiles who delight in the Lord, His promises have been revealed to us generation to generation and it’s trustworthy. We shall stand on the promises of God and believe that there will be showers of blessing, precious reviving and season’s refreshing come down from above.

What are the promises of God to Israel and His chosen races? There are six promises as follows,   

1)      The Lord said, “I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild beasts so that they may live in the desert and sleep in the forests in safety.” (Ezekiel34”25)

2)      The Lord said, “I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.”(Ezekiel34:25)

3)      The Lord said, “The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.” (Ezekiel34:26-27)

4)      The Lord said, “They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.” (Ezekiel34:28)

5)      The Lord said, “I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. Then, they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord.” (Ezekiel34:29-30)

6)      The Lord said, “You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.” (Ezekiel34:31).

   The Lord rebirth of the nation Israel, yet, He agented Mount Seir, and  He said, “Son of man, set your face against the Mount Seir…This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “I am against you, Mount Seir, and  I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a desolate waste. I will turn your towns into ruins and you will be desolate. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel35:2-4). Mount Seir is the mountainous region SW of the Dead Sea where the Edomites lived. (See introduction to Obadiah and Ezek.25:12-14) Edom joined with the Babylonians in 587 in killing Jewish refugees (Ezek.35:5) and grabbing some of the land.(Ezek.35;10). The Lord against Mount Seir because of their proud, for they claimed that first, “these two nations (Israel and Judah) and countries will be ours and we will take possession of them,” even though the Lord was there.” (Ezek35:10) second, “they have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.” (Ezek35:27)  The Lord judged Mount Seir, because the Lord has heard all the contemptible things they have said against the mountains of Israel.(Ezek.35:12). The Lord treated Mount Seir in accordance with the anger and jealousy they showed in their hatred of Israel and said, “You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: while the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. Because you rejoiced when the inheritance of the house of Israel became desolate, that is how I will treat you. You will be desolate, O Mount Seir, you and all of Edom. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel35:13-15). The Lord’s favor, promises and the covenant of peace to Israel and Judah are unshakeable, unchangeable and indescribable.  

The Lord’s unchangeable covenant of love to Israel also affirmed in Jeremiah 29: 10-14, it says, “ This is what the Lord says: “ when seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to the place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will see me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity…” (Jeremiah29:10-14).  There were 3023 Jews who had been taken to Babylon in 597 to exhort them to live as normal a life as possible, to await God’s deliverance after seventy years and to disregard false prophets such as Ahab and Zedekiah.    

    The Lord’s blessings of security and His protection are also found in the psalmist. The Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” The Lord is refuge and fortress to those who trust in Him. The Lord affirmed, “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling even the Lord, who is my refuge. Then no harm will befall you no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. ” (Psalm91:3-16)        

Today, salvation is opening to all the people regardless Jews or Gentiles in this generation. It’s important to believe in the Lord our God through the Messiah Christ, Jesus. For Jesus said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew26:28) “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians11:25). Y’shua’s blood was shed for us to preserve us for everlasting life. All the believers are heir together with Jesus to receive the showers of blessings from everlasting Father; “He has given us His very great and precious promises.” (2Pet.1:4). We shall stand on the promises of God our savior.

   My friends, start to believe in Christ Jesus and confess your sins, and ask Jesus to come into your heart to be your savior. And read the words of God day by day, you will find rest on the promises of God according to Ezekiel 34:25-31. The Lord’s promises to Israel, and to those who received the new covenant through the blood of Jesus, regardless Jews or gentiles who delight in the Lord, His promises and the covenant of peace are unshakable.    

 

    

     Bibliography,

        

      King James, The Holy Bible, Cleveland, OH: The world publishing company

   

      Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV).Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 

     

Rise above it (Eph.4:29, 5:4-8-9 Isa. 40:31, Ecclesiastes3:11) By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

 Weekly message: Rise above it (Eph.4:29, 5:4-8-9 Isa. 40:31, Ecclesiastes3:11)

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical precepts & Gospel music

May23, 2021

 

 

  Rise above it when there is a flood in your life or a flood in your house. As Isa.40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run, and not be weary and shall walk and not faint.”   How to rise above it? It’s not in worrying over the storm or crises, but in waiting upon the Savior that we are able to rise. And trust His providence, His divine power and His divine plan. And pray that God delivers us from discouragement, frustration with His Spirit within us, His mighty arms beneath us, and His angels surround us, His supply reserved for us; lift us to victory through Christ. Ultimately, give God thanks and praise, for He has made everything beautiful in His time.

God created humans with two eyes, two ears, but one mouth, which means, God delights us to see more, listen more, but gossip less. Christians shall practice to see no one, but Jesus, listen to the Words of God rather than the voice of the world. Gossip less, but talk Gospel and praise God more. Apostle Paul urged the saints in Ephesus,

1) Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs so that it may benefit those who listen.

2) Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person, such a man is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

3) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

4) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, Live as children of light. For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (Eph.4:29; 5:4-5, 8-9).

 How to overcome and rise above all consequences, and conflicts in your life?

1)      First, by practicing quietness, rest, and the meditation of the Word of God.

2)      Second, be filled with the Spirit; speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. (Eph.5:18-19)

3)      Third, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of your Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph.5:21).

4)      Fourth, believe it that God will make everything beautiful in His time, be patient, be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. And delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Ps.37:4,7)    

Bibliography,

        

      King James, The Holy Bible, Cleveland, OH: The world publishing company

   

      Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV).Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.

 

 

 

Have your life led anyone to the Lord? By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

 Weekly Message: Have your life led anyone to the Lord? By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical Precepts & Gospel music                      May 15, 2021

 

My friends, have you been a good Christians and led someone’s life to the Lord? Have you been good mothers-in-law or good daughters-in-law impact your family and lead grandchildren to the Lord? and fear of the Lord? In Old Testament Ruth, whose grandson was King David became a worshipper of the Lord through the influence of Naomi. Had Naomi, a believer in the Lord, been a less lovable character or a less attractive worshipper, Ruth would not have been led to the Lord.  Let us discover Naomi and Ruth, the King David’s grandmother.  

The events of the book of Ruth occurred during the period of the judges (the latter part of the twelfth century B.C.) the date about 1000 B.C. author unknown, some scholars suggested Samuel was the one wrote the book of Ruth. The book provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary, though godly, people during the turbulent period of the Judges. It shows an oasis of faithfulness in an age marked by idolatry and unfaithfulness.

 Because of a local famine, Elimelech (means my God is King) took his wife Naomi (means pleasant, lovely) and his two sons, appropriately named Mahlon and Kilion, to visit temporarily in nearby Moab Ephrathites. A designation for inhabitants of Bethlehem. (1Sam17:12). Elimelech, Naomi’s husanband died, and she was left with her two sons, they married Moabite women, one name Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. Although such mixed marriages were not specifically forbidden in the Mosaic law, condemnation is implied in the restrictions placed on the offspring (Deut.23:3). Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law,                                                     

“Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show kindness to you, as  you have shown to you dead and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest  in the home of another husband .” (Ruth1:8-9)

 The Naomi’s prayer that the Lord (lit., Yahweh, the covenant name of God with Israel; would show His faithful, covenant-keeping love to these two Moabite widows. Twist, Naomi said to two daughters- in-law,                                                                                                              

“Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husband? Return home, my daughters, I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me-even if I had a husband  tonight and then gave birth to sons would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain  unmarried for them? No, my daughters, it is more bitter for me than for you,because the Lord’s hand has gone out against me!” (Ruth1:11-13)

 Then, one of daughter-in-law named, Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but another daughter-in-law named, Ruth clung to her and replied,          

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Where  you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separated you and me.” (Ruth1:16-18)

Ruth’s commitments to her vow, and showed that Gentiles could believe in the true God. She emphasized, “You people will be my people, and your God will be my God…” Ruth’s leaving meant final severance from her nation and her religion. She followed her mother-in-law Naomi’s faith, a formula invoking divine punishment, the addition of ever so severely indicating the worst possible consequences if Ruth were not true to her vow. “May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, it anything but death separated you and me.” So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning. Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz. The lineage of Boaz, Elimelech’s relative, is traced to Perez, a son of Judah, in 4:18-22, Boaz was a man of standing, a phrase meaning that he possessed the finest of qualities. 

Boaz meets Ruth

 Ruth asked her mother-in-law, “let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi permitted her, so Ruth began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters, in the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.  When Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “the Lord be with you!” Boaz met Ruth, had found favor in her, and said, “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel,” under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”  (Ruth2:12).

Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours?” Naomi suggested her wash and perfume herself, and then go down to the threshing floor, when Boaz lies down after he has finished eating and drinking. Go and uncover his feet and lie down. Ruth did everything what her mother-in-law told her to do.

Boaz discovered a woman lying at his feet. “Who are you?” he said. “ I am your servant Ruth, Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman –redeemer.”

Boaz agreed and said, “The Lord bless you, my daughter, this kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier. You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character… “(Ruth3:9-11).

 “Spread the corner of your garment over me”, Ruth said, as a pledge that he would marry her. This expression is used of God’s relation to Israel in Ezek.16:8.The reason for Ruth’s request is that Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer. The responsibilities of the kinsman redeemer included 1) redeeming family property that had changed ownership, and 2) marrying a childless widow to raise up children in her dead husband’s name. According to the law of levirate marriage, when there was no brother to raise up children in the name of the deceased, the responsibility was extended to the next of kin. Ruth’s action was in accord with this law, which required the initiative of the widow in seeking the marriage (Deut.25:5,7-10). Ruth was indicating that night her desire to have Boaz, who had given evidence of willingness to perform the duties of kinsman-redeemer.

Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. And the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi; “praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth” (Ruth4:14-15). Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son.” and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth4:16-17).

Theological view 

   The book of Ruth, gives a partial lineage of David, and thus of Christ, and shows that Gentile blood was in the line of the One who became the Savior for all mankind. Ruth illustrates that Gentiles could believe in the true God. Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, serves as a beautiful type of Christ, in that he was a blood relative (Rom.1:3; Heb.2:14); he had the price with which to purchase the forfeited inheritance (1 Pet.1:18-19). He was willing to redeem (Heb.10:7). The book is a moving example of the sovereignty of God in caring for His people. (Ruth2:12).  

Implication/ application

1). A godly parents who have faith in the Lord as Naomi, can greatly impact next young generation, even gentiles could believe in the true God as Ruth. 

2). Ruth’s commitment of vow and faithfulness to her mother-in-law, led her to the Lord and gained the favor and blessings. She became a grandmother of King David, who was a heart of God’s own heart worshipper.       

2). Keeping trust in the Lord even in the darkness hours. Christians’ victory and blessings comes from the Lord.  As Apostle Paul said, “ But Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him, For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2Corinthians2:14-15)

3). Practicing godliness, love and faithfulness and reverence before God, God will enable you to find the favor in people’s eyesight. “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.(2Corinthians3:5-6)

 

 

   Bibliography,

   King James, The Holy Bible, Cleveland, OH: The world publishing company

   Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV).Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.

 

Life is more important than food (Matthew 6:25-34) By Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce

Weekly message:  Life is more important than food (Matthew 6:25-34)

By Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                      

Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical precepts & Gospel Music             

 May 2, 2021

Life is more important than food and the body more important than clothes. We have moved to a new rental house since Oct. 2019, my husband and I loved this house and yard. Nature, plants, flowers, and many beautiful species such as Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Tufted Titmouse, Rubin, Blue Jay, and Pigeons come by our front yard daily, seeking the food. God created animals had same life principles as humans. That is God was seeking godly offspring, male with female as a family to be multiplied, and be fruitful.                                                                          

One day early morning, while I was praying, I heard a Woodpecker banged my roof persistently, and made a noise sound aggressively. I saw Woodpeckers male and female earnestly sought food to feed its baby. I understood that a little Woodpecker needed the food, so I ran to the store, bought a package of peanuts, and displayed them on a small plate in the front yard.  I saw the Woodpeckers come back, ate, and fed its baby. Now, the Woodpecker knocks the roof every day since then. Every time, it knocks the roof; I will bring the peanuts out. I have compassion for the birds; will God Father has compassion on us too?  The Woodpecker knows how to knock the roof in order to get food for its baby. Will humans know how to knock on the door in order to get the daily bread for family? As Christians, how to knock the door? By prayer, for Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt.7:7-8).   

Jesus assured His disciples in the Matthew 6:25-34 said,

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you be worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do no labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself, each day has enough trouble of its own.

My friends, your life is important in God Father’s eyesight, your body is the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit indwells in you. No matter how worse the scenario is in your circumstance, keep knocking on the door. Do not be anxious about everything, but everything by prayer, petition, present your requests to God, God transcends all understanding will guard your heart, and your mind in Christ. Do not intend to hurt yourself, nor destroy your body. Your name is written on the palm of His hand. God will provide all your needs in His time. Jesus had demonstrated powerful miracles, two fishes and five loaves to feed five thousand people, will He not continue to approve who He was, is, and is to come? Will God Father not continue vindicate His only Son Jesus is Messiah Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever more? Change your mentality, and lift up your needs, sickness, health, family, job, incomes, and all the consequences to God. Keep seeking His kingdom and righteousness first, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need. You will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8). “Faith is being sure what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. If anyone says to this mountain go through yourself into the sea and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, it will be yours.”  (Heb.11:23-24). The Woodpecker banged my roof persistently; finally, it gained my attention and brought peanuts to feed its baby. In the same way, when a Child of God prays without ceasing, will God Father not answer the prayer and provide all the needs? In all things give thanks, the Lord is full of compassion; He will provide all your needs in His time. For He is Yahweh yireh, meaning, “the Lord will see to it”, and on the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.(Gen.22:14).  

Bibliography,

         

      King James, The Holy Bible, Cleveland, OH: The world publishing company

      Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV).Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.