Calvary Temple

Scripture References: [youversion]Mark 11:22-24[/youversion]

In I Samuel Chapter 4, the leaders of Israel suffered a crushing defeat and wrongly assumed that bringing the Ark of the Covenant into battle would guarantee victory. Instead of seeking God's guidance or repenting, they treated the Ark as a magical object rather than a symbol of God's presence. Their misplaced faith led to disaster—the Philistines defeated them and captured the Ark, the sacred vessel that represented God's covenant and presence with Israel. In Chapters 5–6, the Philistines placed the captured Ark in the temple of their god Dagon, only to witness Dagon fall before it and be destroyed. God's power brought plagues upon the Philistines until they returned the Ark to Israel with guilt offerings, acknowledging His supremacy. Yet, even some of the Israelites were punished when they failed to show proper reverence, reminding us all that God's holiness must never be treated casually or superstitiously. This story reveals powerful truths: God alone is supreme over all idols, His power is independent of human strength, and His holiness demands respect. He exposes false worship and shows that His purpose is always to make Himself known among all nations. Today, believers are called to examine their own “idols”—anything they trust more than God—and remember that His presence now dwells within them through the Holy Spirit, not in objects or rituals, but in hearts fully devoted to Him.

Isaiah 29:13–14 reveals God's rebuke of those who honor Him outwardly but lack true devotion. In response, He promises to perform a “marvelous work and a wonder,” which Dake interprets as the gospel of Jesus Christ—teaching, preaching, healing, and transforming lives. This divine work amazed some but offended others, as human wisdom clashed with God's truth. Paul reinforces this in 1 Corinthians 1:18–21, declaring that the message of the cross seems foolish to the world but is God's power to those who believe. The gospel divides humanity—it is life to believers and death to rejecters, as 2 Corinthians 2:14–17 describes believers as carrying the “sweet savor” of Christ wherever they go. Each person must ask: Do I reflect the fragrance of Christ, or the emptiness of worldly wisdom? Finally, 1 Peter 5:1–4 urges church leaders to faithfully “feed the flock of God,” serving with humility and sincerity, not for personal gain. The main work of the church is not social programs or popular trends, but preaching the gospel—the true “marvelous work” of God. Those who remain faithful in this calling will receive a crown of glory when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears.

Join us for a study through the Gospel of the Apostle John, continuing with John 1:14-51. We continue with the prologue, uncovering the beautiful way John describes the eternal existence and divinity of Christ.

Society often sends men mixed messages—expecting them to provide, lead and protect, yet labeling those same traits as toxic. Scripture shows that God gave men responsibility as a blessing, not a burden. Even when figures like Adam, Moses, and Peter failed, God still used them, proving that true manhood means trusting Him, embracing responsibility, and leading with sacrificial love.Fear of being judged by others can cause paralyzing fear and insecurity but through prayer and God's grace and provision, we can be assured that uses men and women alike—even in their weakness and failures, and does not require perfection. God's grace is sufficient, and He accepts sincere offerings regardless of flaws.Fear, passivity, and isolation hold people back, but God gives power, love, and a sound mind. Brotherhood, prayer, and perseverance strengthen us, while Scripture in Revelation 2:19-25 warns against tolerating the spirit of Jezebel—false authority and manipulation. In all, God calls His people to courage, faithfulness, and steadfastness in their calling until His return.

Today's Society sends mixed messages about masculinity—expecting men to lead, provide, and protect, while also labeling those traits as “toxic.” This leaves many men fearful, passive, and unsure of their role. But from the beginning, God gave men responsibility (Genesis 2:15). Work, protection, and stewardship were intended as blessings, not punishments. Avoiding these roles causes harm in broken families and confusion in society. Adam, Moses, Gideon, Saul, and Peter all struggled with fear and responsibility. Yet God still used them, showing that fear of failure, or even adject failure does not disqualify a man from being used for God's purpose. Men are not called to carry manhood alone—God equips them with strength and grace. Through Christ's sacrifice, men are redeemed, restored, and clothed in righteousness. True manhood means embracing responsibility, trusting God, and leading with love and sacrifice. In Christ, fear is replaced with courage and purpose.

Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, showing them that his suffering actually advanced the gospel. Even while imprisoned, the message of Christ spread, and believers grew bolder in their faith. Though some preached with wrong motives, Paul rejoiced that Christ was proclaimed.He admitted he longed to be with Christ but chose to remain for the sake of others' growth and joy. His life reminded believers to live with a Christ-centered purpose, to face death with hope, and to keep serving others while they remained.The message was reflected in the lives of two faithful saints who recently passed. Each, in different ways, advanced the gospel. Their loss reminded believers that God, in His sovereignty, could bring good even from sorrow, working all things for His glory.

Join us for a study through the Gospel of the Apostle John, beginning with John 1:1-13. We start with the prologue, uncovering the beautiful way John describes the eternal existence and divinity of Christ.

Isaiah condemned Israel's priests and prophets for their corruption, drunkenness, and mockery of God's word. Though God gave them simple, repeated truths (“line upon line, precept upon precept”) that even a simple child could grasp, they rejected His word. Instead of rest and refreshing, their refusal brought judgment through foreign invasion. In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus offers that same rest—now fulfilled in Him. Where Israel's leaders scorned simplicity, Christ invites all to come, take His easy yoke, and learn from Him. God's truth is simple yet powerful, and rejecting it brings ruin, but receiving it brings rest, growth, and eternal life.

In 1 Samuel 16:13–24, we see a dramatic “transfer” of spirits. Samuel anoints David, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him in power. At the same time, because of King Saul's ongoing disobedience, God allows a troubling spirit to torment him.David, known both for his skill in music and now for being anointed by God, is called to play for Saul. Each time David played, Saul's troubled mind found relief, and the spirit that oppressed him departed. This reminds us that God's Spirit brings strength, and that music—especially when offered in His presence—can be a healing balm for anxious, restless, or burdened hearts today.Psalm 150 calls all creation to praise the Lord everywhere and with every instrument. Worship not only glorifies God but also strengthens and uplifts our own spirits. Just as David's harp brought calm to Saul, anointed praise and music can bring peace to troubled minds in our own lives.In seasons of mental struggle, praise becomes a pathway to peace. Whether through song, music, or simple words of gratitude, worship can lift us from heaviness to hope, reminding us that God still meets us in our deepest needs.

The Apostle John, devoted his ministry and writings to revealing Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of God made flesh, who came to bring life and light to all people. In his Gospel, John presents Christ's invitation as broad and unrestricted—“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). There is no distinction of race, class, or background limits…it's God's love and our belief. In his epistles, John emphasizes that God's love is the foundation of faith and fellowship, urging believers to walk in truth and love as evidence of truly knowing Christ. John's work consistently testifies that the invitation of Christ is open to all, without partiality, and leads to eternal fellowship with God. Finally, in the book of Revelation, John portrays Christ as the risen Lord who still calls individuals to Himself. His appeal is both urgent and personal, offering spiritual riches to all who will come: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Revelation 3:18).

The beautiful passage of scripture in Psalm 46 declares that God is our “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” grounding us in His unshakable presence, no matter the chaos around us. Matthew 17:20 teaches that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. Jesus said that the disciples were unbelieving, possibly because what they saw in the young boy caused them to lose sight that faith's power lies not in their strength, but in God's. They doubted that THEY could deliver him. I think we share in this skepticism. But, together, these passages remind us that when we take shelter in God's steadfastness, even the smallest genuine trust in Him can unleash His limitless power in our lives.

Join us for a study through the brief but weighty book of Jude, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant against growing apostasy in the church.

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul reflects on his past achievements and religious credentials, ultimately counting them as garbage compared to the worth of knowing Christ. His deep desire is to share in Christ's sufferings and to attain resurrection life, even if it means enduring hardship. This reveals to us that rejoicing isn't rooted in comfort or success but in the deeper joy of being found in Christ—of knowing Him and becoming like Him, even through suffering. Yet, Paul was also the author of Philippians 4:4 which issues a clear command: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” And, it's sobering to know that this instruction comes not from a place of ease and comfort, but from a prison cell in a deliberate act of faith. Christian joy is not escapism. It's a discipline rooted deep in knowing Christ, trusting His worth above all else, and believing that His presence is enough—even when life is difficult. Rejoicing in hard times is possible because our joy is anchored not in outcomes, but in the person of Jesus Himself.

Judges 13 introduces the story of Samson's birth. The Israelites once again do evil in God's sight, leading to 40 years of oppression by the Philistines. In response, God sends an angel to a barren woman—the wife of Manoah—telling her she will have a son who will begin to deliver Israel. The angel instructs her to raise the child as a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth, abstaining from wine and unclean food, and never cutting his hair. Manoah prays for guidance, and when the angel appears again, both parents receive instructions. The chapter ends with God fulfilling His promise—the woman gives birth to Samson, and God's Spirit begins to stir in him.This reminds us that even in times of spiritual decline, God's plans are still unfolding. He can use unexpected people and circumstances to bring about deliverance. It also highlights the importance of consecration—setting our lives apart for God's purposes. Like Samson's parents, we are called to seek God's guidance in raising the next generation, trusting that He equips us when we ask. Today, it challenges us to live intentionally, knowing that God can do great things through lives fully surrendered to Him.

Lately, we've found ourselves pouring time and care into restoring, maintaining, and updating our church building. We can't say for certain what we're preparing for—only that there's a deep sense that we must. That this is a faithful act of readiness.Interestingly, some of us are doing the same at home—repairing, reorganizing, renewing. It's as if God is stirring hearts to get things in order, both in His house and in ours.The Bible speaks often about God opening doors for His people. The Apostle Paul mentions several such doors—opportunities to preach, to go, to serve. But these divine doors aren't limited to ministry in the traditional sense. Sometimes they lead us into healing, into deeper relationships, or into new callings we couldn't have imagined.In Revelation 3:7–8, Jesus speaks to the church in Philadelphia and says, “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” He reminds us that He alone holds the keys—that when He opens something, no power on earth can close it. That promise still stands. When God opens a door, whether it's for ministry, growth, or change, it remains open by His authority and grace.Whatever the purpose behind this season of preparation, we believe it's no accident. The important thing is that we are able to see the doors God opens—and be ready to walk through them in faith when the time comes.

Join us at Calvary Temple of Campbell, CA, for Sunday morning Prayer, Worship & Communion. July 6th, 2025

The comparison of these two prayers, Nehemiah 9 led by the Levites and Mattthew 6, taught by Jesus, teaches us very similar attitudes of prayer. They include the importance of our complete dependence upon God—for daily needs. They both teach us to highlight God's faithfulness to us in times past, the need for us to confess our sin, and certainly the requirement by God for humility when we come before him. And they both show us the blessed hope we have in God to live in this world, according to His will.

In Luke 9:28–36, we read the awe-inspiring account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. In this moment, Jesus gave His disciples a powerful, visual revelation—an "illustrated sermon"—to affirm truths they had been struggling to grasp.As they watched in wonder, Jesus' face shone like the sun and His clothing became dazzling white. The prophets Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him, and the voice of God spoke from the cloud, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”This divine encounter was not only a revelation of Jesus' glory—it was a profound encouragement meant to strengthen the disciples' faith in preparation for the suffering to come. It reminded them (and reminds us) that Jesus is the radiant bridge between heaven and humanity.

In Luke 9:49, the disciples complained to Jesus that some people were casting out demons in Jesus' name but, they weren't closely following them, so the disciples told them to stop it. The disciples didn't like their ‘new' ways of doing things, because it wasn't the way they were doing it. Jesus' response may have surprised them when he said, in essence, leave them alone. Don't stop them, because if they aren't blatantly against us, meaning, “on the Jesus team,” then Jesus, and his disciples, should count them as for them—on the Jesus team! How meaningful for us in the body of Christ today. We see many different approaches in ministering for the Lord; different doctrines, different methods. But is the core message the same—Jesus Christ is the risen Son of God and our soon coming King? If so, leave them alone and let God be their judge. It's a hard lesson.

Today we continue to discuss our church's statement of faith and the scriptural support for our basic doctrinal positions. We also compare and contrast these statements with the Pentecostal Church of God statement of faith from which our church's statement of faith borrows.

Today we discuss our church's statement of faith and the scriptural support for our basic doctrinal positions. We also compare and contrast these statements with the Pentecostal Church of God statement of faith from which our church's statement of faith borrows.

Joshua 3 and 4 recount the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, where God stops the river's flow to allow the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. These chapters highlight God's faithfulness, mighty hand of power, and guidance, demonstrating that He makes a way when His people step out in faith, just like the Levites had to first step into the water before God performed the miracle on their behalf. For Christians today, this passage serves as a reminder to trust God during uncertain times and to remember His past faithfulness as a source of strength. The memorial stones set up in Joshua 4 symbolize the importance of passing down testimonies of God's work to future generations. Thank God for the personal spiritual memorial stones that we can look back upon and about which we can teach our children!

God's divine purpose is not always made known to us. It wasn't to Abraham. He saw only small pieces of the puzzle, but the whole scene was not revealed to him—not even in his lifetime. How could he be the blessing to all families on the earth when he had only one kid—at 100 years old?? Yet, he didn't see that he and his one child of promise would be directly responsible for the coming Messiah, who would surely be a blessing to all families on the earth. And, since we are spiritual offspring of Abraham, and we believe in the Messiah, we have the same blessing as Abraham did!

Ever felt unworthy of God's love, salvation, healing? In I Kings Chapter 13 we read the story of an unnamed prophet chosen by God to deliver a very strong message to the wicked king Jeroboam. The message said that God would destroy the altars to the king's false gods and idols, and that the human ashes on top of the altar would be poured out in front of Jeroboam as a sign of the authenticity of the prophecy. The king became so angry that he stuck out his arm and shouted to his soldiers to seize the prophet, and when he did, God sent judgment and withered his hand and froze his arm in the outstretched position. The king had the audacity to ask the prophet, whom he was just about to have killed, to intercede in prayer to his God on his behalf and ask him to restore his hand and arm…and God chose to answer the prophet's prayer on behalf of Jeroboam. Sometimes, even saints do wrong or make bad choices. We have a God who set up a system of intercession—we as saints intercede for the lost, the Holy Spirit intercedes with groanings for us, and Jesus intercedes for all to the Father.

In the familiar story in Mark 11:12-14 Jesus demonstrated to his disciples the need for believers to bear good fruit…it was representative of the Jewish leaders who had all the right trappings to appear outwardly righteous, but inside, were barren and void. Later, in Verse 20 when the disciples commented about the fig tree being withered according to Jesus word, Jesus taught them about their own authority and responsibility, to speak instructions to their mountain, to be removed from their path. While this is very, very hard for some of us to grasp, it's Jesus' own words. ANd, what a beautiful time of speaking to our mountains we had!

Have you ever felt like you were going to perish? So did the disciples in Matthew 8:23-27. They were in the thick of a terrible storm, and their small boat was quickly filling up with water. They were surely aware of the miracles that Jesus, asleep in the stern of the boat, had previously performed but here, in this moment, they feared for their own safety. While Jesus challenged them about their lack of faith, we can be comforted to know that he immediately recognized their fear and calmed the storm they were in. He saved them from peril and in doing so, built their faith and confidence in his deity, the One who speaks to the wind and the waves and they obey Him!

Jesus didn't say that he would merely bring about resurrection, or CAUSE the resurrection to happen, both of which are true, but he said, I AM THE RESURRECTION—and the life. He was deity over death and deity over resurrection. Resurrection from the dead and eternal life in fellowship with God are so are EMBODIED in Jesus and they can be found ONLY through RELATIONSHIP through faith in Him. Jesus echoed the covenant of old found in Deuteronomy 28:6, Blessed will you be in your coming in and in your going out when he said in John 10:9, I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. He truly is the resurrection and the life!

Today we are looking at Exodus 12 to review the plague of Passover of the Death Angel, and how God made a way to spare the Israelites from death. In addition, we will watch a video by David Guzik, centering on present-day Communion, and how it is related to the Passover—namely, Jesus Christ being our Passover Lamb!

Join us for guest evangelist Juanita Canavesio's study in 2 Kings 13:14 titled "How Much of God's Victory Do We Want? - There is a Whole Lot More!"

Join us for a study of Isaiah 6, where Isaiah encounters the Lord and is purified and commissioned to deliver a message to the people of Judah regarding the Babylonian captivity that will be repeated again by Christ during the Roman captivity. God has a heart for the people of Israel, but as the Word says, whom He loves, He chastens. The message was that the people wouldn't see with the eyes, hear with their ears, or understand with their hearts (both in Isaiah's time, and again in Christs'), yet a remnant would arise who would embrace their Lord and Messiah.

Join us for our Sunday morning service, October 20, 2024, as we welcome an old friend of Calvary Temple - Juanita Canavesio.

In II Corinthians 3:18 the Bible says that we are being transformed into Christ's image. Many men of old walked with God and found favor with God; Enoch, Noah, Abraham. We also must mature in the things of Christ the very same way the Children of Israel did—by doing his commandments, full immersion in his word, walking with him and, by loving one another. The Psalmist said the man whose delight is in the law of the lord is blessed and on his law he meditates day and night. Sometimes the walk gets hard, and our faith will be tried and tested, but if we stay immersed in him, stay in love with him and with each other, he will produce a Christlikeness and maturity in us that we, and He will recognize.

The writer of Hebrews 6:1-6 stresses the importance of knowing well the “elementary doctrines” of Christ. Because if we haven't mastered these, we cannot move on to more mature matters in Christ. Specifically,· Repentance from dead works· Faith toward God· Instructions about baptisms· The laying on of hands· The resurrection of the dead· Eternal Judgment The instruction is that we must grow up in Christ, because it's impossible to restore those to repentance who have tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, tasted the goodness of the word of God, and the powers of the age to come and then deny God and fall away. Advice we must heed.

Both anointing and adornment were used symbolically to designate or identify people or things which had been set aside for service unto the Lord. In Exodus 30:22-33 God told Moses to make a special anointing oil that would mark the temple furnishings and the priests as belonging to the service of the Lord. In Psalm 149:4 and Isaiah 61:10, the bible says that God takes pleasure in his people and he adorns the humble with salvation and robes of righteousness and that those godly traits look just like a priestly headdress that a bridegroom adorns himself with, and sparkling jewels that a bride adorns herself with for her wedding day. We are anointed for the Lord's service by the Holy Spirit and adorned with his godliness.

Pastor Debbie shares a personal testimony of trusting God's word, and God's grace and mercy in healing, as well as an old song that reminds us that there is peace in the midst of the storm, in the shelter of His arms.

Join us as we discuss the ‘mission statement' for Calvary Temple Church of Campbell, CA – to be effective for Kingdom Purpose. To fervently seek the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to enable us to minister the Word of God with boldness and bravery, and to simultaneously soften, open and draw the hearts of the lost unto salvation.

Today we welcome our missionaries to Mexico Skip & Darin Kincaid of GuateMex Vision. https://guatemex.org

In John 16:7, Jesus that it was to the disciples' advantage that He go away and return to the Father so that the Holy Spirit could come, and that when He comes, he will convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment. In John 14:12, Jesus said, truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works He did, but greater works than these would they do, because I go to the Father. Both of these verses makes it clear that the coming of the Holy Spirit would cover the sin problem, righteousness and judgment problems, and equip believers to do these greater works of which Jesus spoke. It's essential that we are ready to share the gospel so that the Holy. Spirit can convict of sin, and that we are equipped to do the greater works!

In I Samuel 16:1 The Lord said to Samuel, How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? FILL YOUR HORN WITH OIL, AND GO. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, FOR I HAVE PROVIDED MYSELF A KING AMONG HIS SONS. And in Verse 4 we read, And Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. And of course, Samuel reviewed all the sons of Jesse, but the anointed one, God's chosen one, wasn't among the expected ones. So, Jesse sent for his youngest son, David, and it was he whom God had chosen to be king and he whom Samuel anointed with his full horn of oil. The importance and the meaning of this to us, of having our spiritual horn full of oil, can't be missed. Everything we do depends upon the oil of anointing to be upon us. To defend against sin, satan, hardships, etc. We need it like it was when Moses anointed Aaron for the priesthood and the anointing oil ran down his face, his beard, and his robes. Oh God, anoint us anew with your precious Holy Spirit and let it run all over us! In Jesus' Name!

Deuteronomy 20 is God's law book on war. He laid out concessions for those who shouldn't go to battle, including those who were fearful and might spread their fear to other soldiers, and how to handle the cities outside of the Promised Land by offering them peace! But inside the Promised Land, things were very different! God said not to leave alive anything that breathed, so that they couldn't spread their evil ways of idolatry and sins against God. The blessings were all-inclusive for staying within the bounds of the Promised Land covenant—even to the blessing of their children for a thousand generations. God is so faithful! And to the church of Jesus Christ, he says that the very gates of Hell will not prevail against us. Amen!

What's in your spiritual bank account? Matthew 6:19-21 instructs us Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Have you focused on establishing a good bank account of imperishables from which our heavenly banker can make withdrawals? Do you invest in service to the Lord and others? Being faithful and having faith in God, even when things are hard? God is so faithful to bless us on this earth, but we must also keep our spiritual account well-funded! Matthew 10:42 says, And, whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water will by no means lose his reward. I want to bank some good rewards, don't you?

In Isaiah 42:8 God declares his name. I am the LORD Jehovah; that is my name and my glory I will not give to another, neither my praise to a graven image. In verse 13 he is the mighty warrior, great in battle; Jehovah is his name! What a mighty God we serve. There is no comparison of our God Jehovah, mighty warrior, great in battle, with any other so-called, self-proclaimed ‘god.' We must always be mindful of whom it is that we serve!

Many scriptures identify Jesus as the Son of God. In Luke 1 the angel Gabriel told Mary that this child will be called holy, the Son of God. In Luke 3:21 God spoke at Jesus' baptism and said, This, is my beloved Son, in whom I'm well pleased. But, in Luke 4:21, when Jesus read from Isaiah 61, the people in Jesus' home town could only recognize him as the carpenter's son, not the Son of God. Satan also challenged Jesus' identity as the Son of God, but Jesus overcame every challenge using the Word of God. We must recognize him as the Divine Son of God, sent to earth on a Divine Assignment from his Father. I'm so thankful that Jesus accepted his assignment as the will of his Father. In John 10:11, Jesus said I am the Good Shepherd and I lay down my for the sheep. What an assignment for the Son of God.

In Malachi chapter 3:1, God introduces us to the Messenger of the New Covenant in whom we delight. This covenant was a greater covenant than that which had been handed-down to the Levites in laws and stories, but which they strayed away from. This new covenant would be about personal relationship with the Messenger of the Covenant and would solve the sin problem once and for all.This passage covers both the first advent of Christ as the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and the second coming—which we believe is very soon to happen, when Jesus will sit in judgment as the refiner and purifier. His first coming forces people to decide what to do about God. The second coming will bring judgment and justice to those who reject it, and eternal blessing to those who hear it and accept it. The question is, have you heard and accepted His salvation plan?

God requires holiness and respect for his name from those in the priesthood and those who minister to God and the people. In I Samuel 2 Eli, the priest's sons began to treat the offerings that the people would bring to sacrifice to the Lord with contempt by literally taking by force, the most and the best parts of the animals for themselves. But God took the lives of the two sons in one day. Again, in Malachi 2, God had a sobering message for the priesthood because of their deep levels of corruption, in that they were offering polluted food on the altar of God by offering blind, lame and sick animals to sacrifice to desecrate his name. God said he would not accept an offering from dirty hands. He cursed their blessings and their children. I Peter 2:9 says that those who come to him are spiritual houses, and a holy priesthood and we offer spiritual sacrifices—which have been made acceptable to God through Jesus Christ's blood sacrifice. It still matters that we bring holy and pure spiritual sacrifices before the Lord. He'll not accept offerings from dirty hands.

James 1:17 tells us that Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Some gifts come with seemingly flawed aspects. Parents are sometimes imperfect, yet they make us feel loved. Pastors, teachers and churches are often flawed, yet we come to know the love of Christ, the word of God and Christian fellowship through them. Daniel and his three friends were the cream of the crop in Judah; well-studied in the laws of God, able servers in the temple. But when they were taken into captivity in Babylon, they were forced to serve in the pagan king's court and then slated to be killed. But God answered prayer in a miraculous way, and Daniel thanked God for his gift of mercy and prayed, To you, Oh God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might and have made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter. Let's be thankful for the good and perfect gifts from God.

Jesus gave us some very specific things that must occur in order to be his disciple. In Luke 14:26, 27, 33, Jesus listed three things he requires. 1. We must hate all others—hate is defined in Genesis 29:30-31 as, loving others less than we love Jesus, 2. We must bear our own cross of self-denial, described in Mark 8:34-38 as laying down our self-determination and taking up his will for our lives, 3. We must be willing to renounce all that we have, defined in Luke 5:4-11 as leaving all this world has to offer to follow Jesus. These may seem hard to do, but Jesus said if we can't do these things, we're not worthy to be his disciples. Have you had a come to Jesus meeting?

Let the church say, Amen, Amen! God has spoken, so let the church say, Amen! Nehemiah 8:5-8 tells how, newly released from terrible bondage under Babylonian captivity, the people of Judah regathered to Jerusalem and set forth rebuilding the temple. Nehemiah, the governor, declares the day to be a holy day, and that the people should no longer be in mourning, but they should rejoice in the Lord, for the joy of the Lord is their strength. So, Ezra read the Book of the Law, and the Levites interpreted the words he read, so that all the people understood the words they heard. And Verse 6 says: And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, Amen, Amen! Lifting their hands and bowing their faces to the ground, worshipping God. When the word of the Lord is spoken, either by the Holy Spirit or written in His book, Let the church say, Amen, Amen!

Sometimes, things are just not as they appear…or sound. This was the case in Ezra 3:10-13. The onlookers and listeners couldn't tell whether the sounds they heard were rejoicing or mourning. Some of the people were shouting with joy because they were delivered from Babylonian captivity and because the temple at Jerusalem was being rebuilt. But others, the elders, were mourning because they'd seen the glory of the former temple and they knew that the new one wouldn't compare with the old one. They were mourning what had been lost. Our country may be in this exact situation at this time of our presidential election. Some people may be rejoicing, but some may be mourning, and it may be difficult to tell the difference. But, the good news is that God remains in full control. Just as he did in Genesis, when he used the rain and flood to cleanse the earth of all things ungodly. But he used that exact same rain and flood to lift up Noah and his family—a remnant of believers—above the devastation. Stay in prayer!

These words are true and trustworthy—that's what Jesus said of his own words in Revelation 22:6. Just before his ascension to Heaven to be with his Father, Jesus told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit to come to them. Again, this wasn't new news, because, as Jesus said, they'd heard it from him. In the book of John, Jesus reassured the disciples, whom he'd called friends to remember what he'd said, because his words would keep them safe from falling away from their faith. We've heard it from Him, whose words are true and trustworthy.