JESUS CHRIST (Revelation 1:12-16 NKJV)
• His hair represents wisdom.
• His eyes are omniscient. He knows and sees all things.
• His feet, as brass, are a symbol of judgment.
• His voice, like many waters, speaks of supreme authority, perhaps like the deafening roar we hear at Niagara Falls, except with a clear, unmistakable message.
• His countenance is the Shekinah glory of God.
• He calms our fears.
• He brings us life.
• He is the living Lord, resurrected from the grave, ascended to Heaven, and now at the right hand of the Father.
• He is the coming Lord as He will appear one day.

Beauty for Ashes

There are moments in life when everything feels reduced to ashes—dreams burned, strength gone, hope fading in the quiet battles no one else sees. But even there… God is not absent.

The promise of beauty for ashes is not just poetic—it is divine exchange.

As written in Book of Isaiah 61:3, He gives beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness.

What the world sees as broken, God sees as the beginning of restoration.
What feels like an ending… Heaven calls a transformation.

Ashes speak of loss—but beauty speaks of redemption.
Ashes mark what was—but beauty reveals what God is doing now.

If you are walking through fire, hold on.
God does not waste pain. He refines it. He reshapes it. He restores it.

You are not forgotten.
You are not finished.

Out of the ashes…
He is creating something radiant, something eternal, something filled with His glory.

You will rise.
MJ

1 Adam has life on earth, and I created a garden in Eden in the east, that he should observe the testament and keep the command.
2 I made the heavens open to him, that he should see the angels singing the song of victory, and the gloomless light.
3 And he was continuously in paradise, and the devil understood that I want to create another world, because Adam was lord on earth, to rule and control it.
4 The devil is the evil spirit of the lower places, †as a fugitive he made, he made Sotona from the heavens&† as his name was Satomail, 5 thus he became different from the angels, but his nature did not change his intelligence as far as his understanding of righteous and sinful things.
6 And he understood his condemnation and the sin which he had sinned before, therefore he conceived thought against Adam, in such form he entered and seduced Eva, but did not touch Adam. 7 But I cursed ignorance, but what I had blessed previously, those I did not curse, I cursed not man, nor the earth, 8 nor other creatures, but man’s evil fruit, and his works.
After Adam’s sin God sends him away into the earth ‘whence I took thee’, but does not wish to ruin him for all years to come. (2 Enoch 31:1-8)

Healing for anxiety
23 April 2026
‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.’
1 Peter 5:7 NIV

Paul wrote: ‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand’ (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). Jesus said: ‘Don’t worry about these things, saying, “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need’ (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT).

Instead of meditating on our problems, we need to meditate on how good and loving our God really is. When we keep our minds on our problems, we create anxiety. But when we keep our minds on the promises of God, we get infused with His peace. So allow the promises of God to heal your soul of worry and stress by focusing on His goodness and willingness to show Himself strong on your behalf. ‘The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him’ (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT).

Our heavenly Father loves us dearly and already knows everything we need. When we take hold of that truth, fear and doubt fall by the wayside. Confession: ‘I don’t give in to needless worry. I pray about problems rather than complain about them. God hears my prayers, and I thank Him for all He has provided for me. I experience God’s peace because I know He hears me and has already answered my prayers in Christ.’

https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. . . . But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Jeremiah 29:4–5, 7
If that was true for God’s exiles in Babylon, it would seem to be even more true for Christian exiles in this very “Babylon-like” world. What, then, shall we do?

We should do the ordinary things that need to be done: build houses; live in them; plant gardens. This does not contaminate you if you do it all for the real King and not just for eye service as men-pleasers.

Seek the welfare of the place where God has sent you. Think of yourself as sent there by God for His glory. Because you are.

Pray to the Lord on behalf of your city. Ask for great and good things to happen for the city. Ask that they happen by God’s power and for His glory. Never lose sight of the ultimate good that the city needs a thousand times more than it needs material prosperity. Christians care about all suffering — especially eternal suffering. That’s the greatest danger every city faces.

But neither God nor His people are indifferent to the health and safety and prosperity and freedom of the city. We all want these things, and Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). In fact, the Lord says in Jeremiah that loving your city is a way of loving yourself: “In its welfare you will find your welfare.”

This does not mean we give up our exile orientation. Peter says that Christians are “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11) and Paul says “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). In fact, we will do most good for this world by keeping a steadfast freedom from its beguiling attractions. We will serve our city best by getting our values from “the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). We will do our city most good by calling as many of its citizens as we can to be citizens of “the Jerusalem above” (Galatians 4:26).

So, let’s live — let’s do so much good (1 Peter 2:12) — that the natives will want to meet our King."

(Solid Joys April 23 - Excerpt from How Exiles Serve the City - John Piper)
https://www.desiringgod.org/solid-joys/seek-your-citys-good

THE FIRST 15.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

Isaiah 6:3

Throughout Scripture we see a powerful principle exemplified: when God is seen for who he truly is, the natural response of the seer is full and absolute devotion. When God reveals his glory, love, power, holiness, and splendor, the seer responds with absolute commitment and worship. I believe that God would reveal himself to us today in simple but mighty ways. I believe that he longs for us to see him as he truly is, and that his chief desire is our devotion. May we see God face-to-face today and be forever changed by a fresh revelation of this God who would give up everything for relationship with us.

Isaiah 6 exemplifies both a vision of God and a response of devotion. Isaiah has an open vision of the majesty of God in heaven. He sees God on his throne and hears angels declaring his holiness and splendor by saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3). And in response to this vision Isaiah 6:8 says, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.'” Isaiah responds to seeing God with full devotion.

God doesn’t ask for your devotion the way man does. He doesn’t offer you ultimatums or transactionally based benefits if you will love him. Devotion to him is meant to be the natural response of seeing God for who he is, because he is inherently worthy of every bit of devotion we can bring to him. He is worthy of our allegiance because he is the King of Kings. He is worthy of our obedience because his will is both knowable and perfect. He is worthy of our worship because he is the almighty God to whom all creation offers ceaseless praise. And he is worthy of our heart because he is the God of love and mercy who has created us for relationship with him.

Too often we mistake God’s mercy and grace as opportunities to go our own way and come back to him as we please or when we need something. Too often we treat his love as an opiate for our problems rather than the foundation on which we devote our lives in humble submission to him. God is patient. He is kind. He will never force or manipulate us into loving him. But his patience, kindness, and gentleness do not change the fact that he is King of kings, Lord of lords, and Creator of all, and that he is worthy and deserving of our ceaseless devotion.

Run to meet your God in the secret place today. Look upon his face and see him for both the loving and majestic God he is. He longs to reveal his nature to you. He longs for you to search out the depths of him and be awed by his wonder and mystery. Spend time in prayer meeting with your loving heavenly Father and responding to his nature with your love, worship, and devotion.

1. Meditate on the majesty, holiness, and love of God. Allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide you into a direct encounter with the living God. Ask God to reveal his nearness, holiness and love to you in a fresh way.

2. Spend time giving him thanks for who he is. Worship him through thanksgiving.

3. Now offer God your total devotion in response to who he is. Commit to following his leadership and living your life in total obedience to him through the help of the Holy Spirit.

May your life be an example of a believer in love with God. May you offer God all the love, obedience, and devotion you can. All God desires is your heart. He longs to have all of you. He is completely relationship focused and completely lovesick for you. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” God will help you live your life in commitment to him if you allow him to. Receive the strength of the Lord and respond to his love with your devotion today.

Extended Reading: Isaiah 44

THE 28 FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS.
28 Beleifs # 24

CHRIST'S MINISTRY IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle that the Lord set up and not humans. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. At His ascension, He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and, began His intercessory ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.

NEED TO KNOW.
THE JUDGMENT IN HEAVEN HAS BEGUN.

The Bible reveals a solemn and powerful scene taking place right now in heaven—a judgment where every life is reviewed before God.

Daniel was given a vision of this moment:
“I beheld till the thrones were cast down… the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9–10)

“Unto 2300 days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:14)
Just as the earthly sanctuary was cleansed on the Day of Atonement—a day of judgment—so Christ has entered the Most Holy Place in 1844 to commence the final work of judgment.

This is not symbolic only. Scripture is clear:
“He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness…” (Acts 17:31)

And how does God judge?
“The dead were judged… according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 20:12)

Heaven keeps a record:
“A book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord.” (Malachi 3:16)

And this judgment begins with those who profess His name:
“Judgment must begin at the house of God.” (1 Peter 4:17)

Every life is examined:
“God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
“Every idle word… they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36)
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

But here is the hope:
“We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)

Right now, Jesus is ministering for us.

This means we are not alone in the judgment—Christ stands as our representative. But He does not stand to excuse or cover unrepented sin. His work is to present those who have truly repented and overcome through His power.

If any sin remains on the record—unconfessed, unforsaken—when our name comes up in judgment, we are found without a covering.

But this work will not go on forever. A moment is coming when every case is decided:
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still… and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.” (Revelation 22:11)

And then:
“Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12)

Names are either retained or removed:
“He that overcometh… I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.” (Revelation 3:5)

This is why the final message to the world is:
“Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” (Revelation 14:6–7)

There is no Purgatory, no second chances. Now is the time to repent, surrender fully to Christ, and have your sins blotted out while mercy still pleads on your behalf.

* The judgment is real.
* The books are open.
* Christ is your Advocate.

Now is the time to stand faithful before Him.

DID YOU KNOW?
THE PATTERN OF PRAYER
Matthew 6:9–13

When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He did not give them a long, complicated formula. Instead, He gave them a simple yet profound model—the Lord’s Prayer.

This prayer is not just something to recite. It is a pattern for living, a guide that shapes how we relate to God, to others, and even to our daily needs.

Let us walk through this prayer slowly and allow it to transform our hearts.

The prayer begins with relationship.

Jesus teaches us to say, “Our Father.” This reminds us that God is not distant—He is personal, loving, and near. He is not just a father, but our Father. We belong to Him, and we pray as His children.

But notice the next phrase: “hallowed be Your name.”
We are invited into intimacy, but also into reverence.

God is close, yet holy. Loving, yet worthy of awe.

When you pray, do you come casually, or do you pause to honor the holiness of God?

Before we bring our requests, Jesus teaches us to align our hearts with God’s purpose.

This part of the prayer is about surrender.

We are saying:
“Lord, let Your plans—not mine—prevail.”
“Let Your rule take over my life, my family, my decisions.”

This is not always easy. We often want control. But true peace comes when we trust God’s will above our own.

Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God’s will?

Now we come to dependence.

God cares about our daily needs—food, provision, strength, even the small things we sometimes overlook.

Notice the word “daily.”
God invites us to trust Him one day at a time.

He does not promise everything for tomorrow, but He promises enough for today.

Are you worrying about the future instead of trusting God for today?

This part of the prayer speaks of grace and forgiveness.

We all fall short. We all need God’s mercy. And He freely gives it.

But Jesus adds something challenging:
“As we also have forgiven…”

We cannot receive forgiveness while holding onto bitterness.

Forgiveness is not easy—it is a choice. But it is also a freedom. When we forgive, we release the burden from our hearts.

Is there someone you need to forgive today?

Here we see our need for guidance and protection.

Life is full of temptations and struggles. We cannot overcome them by our own strength.

So we pray:
“Lord, guide my steps.”
“Protect my heart.”
“Rescue me from what seeks to harm me.”

God is not only our provider—He is our protector.

Are you relying on your strength, or asking God to lead you daily?

The prayer ends with praise.

We begin with God, and we end with God.

This reminds us that everything belongs to Him—our lives, our prayers, our victories.

When we praise, we shift our focus from our problems to His power.

Do your prayers end with trust and worship?

The Lord’s Prayer is more than words—it is a lifestyle:
A life rooted in relationship with the Father
A heart surrendered to His will
A spirit dependent on His provision
A soul cleansed by forgiveness
A walk guided and protected by Him
A life that ends in praise

Do not rush through this prayer.

Pray it slowly. Live it daily. Let it shape your heart.

Because when we pray the way Jesus taught, we don’t just speak to God—

We are changed by Him.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for inviting us into Your presence.
Teach us to honor Your name, to seek Your will, and to trust You daily.
Forgive us, Lord, and help us forgive others.
Lead us away from temptation and protect us from evil.
May our lives bring You glory, now and forever.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DID YOU KNOW?
THE PATTERN OF PRAYER
Matthew 6:9–13

When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He did not give them a long, complicated formula. Instead, He gave them a simple yet profound model—the Lord’s Prayer.

This prayer is not just something to recite. It is a pattern for living, a guide that shapes how we relate to God, to others, and even to our daily needs.

Let us walk through this prayer slowly and allow it to transform our hearts.

The prayer begins with relationship.

Jesus teaches us to say, “Our Father.” This reminds us that God is not distant—He is personal, loving, and near. He is not just a father, but our Father. We belong to Him, and we pray as His children.

But notice the next phrase: “hallowed be Your name.”
We are invited into intimacy, but also into reverence.

God is close, yet holy. Loving, yet worthy of awe.

When you pray, do you come casually, or do you pause to honor the holiness of God?

Before we bring our requests, Jesus teaches us to align our hearts with God’s purpose.

This part of the prayer is about surrender.

We are saying:
“Lord, let Your plans—not mine—prevail.”
“Let Your rule take over my life, my family, my decisions.”

This is not always easy. We often want control. But true peace comes when we trust God’s will above our own.

Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God’s will?

Now we come to dependence.

God cares about our daily needs—food, provision, strength, even the small things we sometimes overlook.

Notice the word “daily.”
God invites us to trust Him one day at a time.

He does not promise everything for tomorrow, but He promises enough for today.

Are you worrying about the future instead of trusting God for today?

This part of the prayer speaks of grace and forgiveness.

We all fall short. We all need God’s mercy. And He freely gives it.

But Jesus adds something challenging:
“As we also have forgiven…”

We cannot receive forgiveness while holding onto bitterness.

Forgiveness is not easy—it is a choice. But it is also a freedom. When we forgive, we release the burden from our hearts.

Is there someone you need to forgive today?

Here we see our need for guidance and protection.

Life is full of temptations and struggles. We cannot overcome them by our own strength.

So we pray:
“Lord, guide my steps.”
“Protect my heart.”
“Rescue me from what seeks to harm me.”

God is not only our provider—He is our protector.

Are you relying on your strength, or asking God to lead you daily?

The prayer ends with praise.

We begin with God, and we end with God.

This reminds us that everything belongs to Him—our lives, our prayers, our victories.

When we praise, we shift our focus from our problems to His power.

Do your prayers end with trust and worship?

The Lord’s Prayer is more than words—it is a lifestyle:
A life rooted in relationship with the Father
A heart surrendered to His will
A spirit dependent on His provision
A soul cleansed by forgiveness
A walk guided and protected by Him
A life that ends in praise

Do not rush through this prayer.

Pray it slowly. Live it daily. Let it shape your heart.

Because when we pray the way Jesus taught, we don’t just speak to God—

We are changed by Him.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for inviting us into Your presence.
Teach us to honor Your name, to seek Your will, and to trust You daily.
Forgive us, Lord, and help us forgive others.
Lead us away from temptation and protect us from evil.
May our lives bring You glory, now and forever.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.