LIGHT SHINE

Today, I want to go over two strategies that Jesus lays out for believers when witnessing through our actions. He lays out these strategies early in His ministry; both are designed to put our actions above our words first.

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all [who are] in the house. 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jesus identifies the very first mission field as their own home. This could be a spouse, a child, parents, or any other family member. When a believer is in a home, they are the light into the world first shining in that home. This means being proactive in talking about Christ and living for Christ; this will allow those who are not saved to see Christ through your actions and words. The old saying of “Don’t talk politics and religion at the family get together” is a lie from hell. Politics is an offshoot of religion, which, if done correctly, is Christ. We need to be sharing the gospel whenever we have the opportunity.

Now, the second strategy is with others in our area of influence, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and gloify your Father in heaven.” We need to actively be living in such a manner that we are identified as “Christians” before we even open our mouths to share the gospel. This does not mean to be a “ Bible thumper” but rather the worker who is honest, hardworking, and dependable, whose work is recognized by your actions. When someone tells you that they are struggling, you tell them you will be praying for them. Then later, go check on the person. Let your words be few and your actions be louder. Your “yes” must be a “yes” and your “no” be a “no.” Unfortunately, for many in the Christian world, especially the calvanist, people have placed God in a box. Fortunately, He is not something that can be defined inside a box, but He is the “I AM.” This means His approach to pull people to Him with the cross and salvation is unique and personal to each and every sinner. This body of Christ is the necessary tool that He has chosen for such a task. We need to be sharing the gospel, and it starts at home, then moves to those in our area of influence.

Now, a moment of caution, salt must be used for what it was designed to be used for, or salt will lose its “flavor.” I have personally seen “Christians” (only the Lord knows) who have lost their “flavor” and now live in a manner or “witness” in a manner that is not glorifying the King of Kings. They examine ways to be persecuted and say it is for their humility and devotion to God. These so-called religious zealots are only fooling themselves, for the Lord weighs the hearts and minds. Be careful that you do what God has called you to do.

Finally, I will end it on this: it is hardest for us to witness to our family and coworkers, this is because of several fears that are not worth mentioning. We need to be sharing the gospel no matter what. Ask God for the courage and the ability to share. He will provide. He will be right there with you.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A study on the minor prophets. Read it HERE!

Understanding the Twelve

At Mill House Ministries, we recognize that many students of God’s Word examine scripture through studying books of the Bible, topics found within the Bible, sermons, and blogs. However, we wanted to highlight an additional area of study that might help you gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word. We need to be encouraged by what God’s word says; it's where we will receive our strength and wisdom from. However, there is another aspect that, in today’s world, I believe born-again Christians need. This is to be encouraged by the journey of Christians who have come before us. This practice is clearly taught in the book of Hebrews and with sermons recorded in the book of Acts.

For the next several weeks, I plan to dive into the lives of the twelve disciples. I want to share with you who they are, where they came from, their lives, and the impacts they had after Jesus’s ascension. I believe that by studying the individuals chosen by Jesus Himself, we will find personality traits we can resonate with and grow in our faith by seeing how others have walked before us.

I hope that you will find this topic as fascinating as I do, and receive encouragement to hold to the faith by learning from these ordinary men who were called to something much bigger.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

CHOOSING GOD PART III

As promised, we are examining a little deeper regarding truth. How does the born again believer deal with it? Let’s examine an interaction between Jesus, Pilate, and the topic of truth. Not only will this allow us to see the world’s argument against truth, but also to see how God identifies truth with us.

John 18:33-38 “Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews? ” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about me? ” 35 “I’m not a Jew, am I? ” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done? ” 36 “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 “You are a king then? ” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 “What is truth? ” said Pilate. After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no grounds for charging him.”

Let’s set the context, Jesus has been betrayed by Judas, Jesus has allowed Himself to be taken into custody, and ordered that His disciples not be taken into custody. Jesus has already been questioned by the Jewish leadership and is now being questioned by the representative of the world, Pilate. Pilate first starts with identifying who Jesus is, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus is wanting to know the root of why Pilate is asking. This leads to Jesus presenting a conundrum for Pilate; Jesus is King, but not in any place that Pilate has the capability to have any authority. Jesus is identifying that His information is outside of Pilate’s understanding. Jesus is identifying that His source of information is outside of the world. Jesus further identifies that those from His kingdom will understand His information.

Now this is where we need to stop and realize this is application for you and I. If we are His, we will listen to Him. If we listen to Him, we are of the truth. What does this mean? It means two things, first that our relationship with the Lord is more then just reading His word, but is a living relationship. Second, that we will recognize His truth and have the ability to announce it to others. The world will reject this and us, John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.”

Pilate exemplifies the world rejecting Jesus’ truth by responding with, “What is truth?” Pilate is making the age old argument that we can never know. Many today say such things when Bible topics are too hard to understand, or too sensitive because the world hates us. Be of good courage and declare the truth.

Ultimately, this leads you and I to one basic and fundamental priority. Being keepers of the truth. This might sound vague and undefined but it is not. This is where the Christians’ living relationship with the Son of God comes to life. Truth does not change, but the scenario onto how it is given might. Examine Philip with the Ethiopian or Peter and John in the temple or even Jude the brother of Jesus. Each declared the same truth, but to a different scenario and in the manner that it was needed. What do I mean by this? If we are in God’s Word daily and abiding in Him, we have the capacity to wield truth in the manner that God requires and calls us to. This is why you and I must abide daily with Him. 2026 needs to be the year we abide with the Lord in such a manner that makes wielding truth natural as the born again, spirit-minded people we are. Let’s be about what God has called us to do and share the truth with anyone who is willing to listen.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

How can we find joy in trials? Find out HERE!

A Christian’s Character

Before the new year began, we discussed how big an impact a small change can make. We had discussed that when Abram became Abraham and Sarai became Sarah, it changed the meanings behind their names. This is true for everyone; one decision can make us a new creation. Placing our faith in Jesus Christ for our salvation makes us new. But how should we act now that we are a new creation? There are many scripture verses that describe the behaviors of a believer; however, today I want to discuss the characteristics found in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

“13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.”

These are five characteristics that every believer should have, especially as we are going into 2026. Let’s begin with the first characteristic, “watch”. When you look at the Greek word for this, it is G1127 which means “to keep awake that is watch (literally or figuratively); be vigilant wake, be watch (ful)”. Based on this we can already see that a born-again believer is called to be alert. But what does this mean? It means that we need to be diving into God’s word, so that when His word becomes true, we are aware and can use Scripture to point out Biblical events to others, which stems from the root word that G1127 comes from. G58, “to gather; properly the town square (as a place of public resort); by implication a market or thoroughfare”. We see that not only are Christians meant to be vigilant to the events occurring, but we are also called to share with everyone the implications of the events.

Next we have “stand fast in the faith”. This definition comes from G4739, which means “to be stationary that is (figuratively) to persevere”. Our faith is under attack more and more each day, but this does not mean that we give up. In fact, a true born-again believer will hold on ever tighter to the guidance and words of our Holy Savior, Jesus Christ. We cannot allow false teachings to continue; we need to be standing up for what God’s word says.

The third characteristic is to “be brave”, in some translations it will appear as “act like men” or “quit you like men”. To be honest, the phrase “quit you like men” seemed out of the ordinary for me, so I had to look into what this phrase would mean. Using this phrase would be an appeal for maturity and steadfastness, so in this passage of scripture, we can deduce that Paul is encouraging the believers in Corinth to be brave and hold to their resolve, much like soldiers in battle. We cannot allow our convictions of God’s word to waver.

Fourth, we are called to “be strong”, if you look at G2901, you see that we are called to increase in vigor. We need to continue to grow in our understanding of God because that is where our strength comes from. We cannot tell others to rely on Christ if we are not living in such a way that those around us know we follow Jesus.

Finally, we are called to do all things with love. There is no denying that the previous four characteristics give imagery of a battle, and in fact all Christians are in a battle to bring people to Christ. Our faith is attacked daily, but how should we respond? If you follow Paul’s words, it should be with love. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Now, in today’s world we have a messed up definition of love. Many, including some pastors, will tell you that to show others love, we should not point out their sins. That if we love them, we need to accept them as they are. This is not the love that is being talked about here. True scripture backed love is to continue to point out the truth to others. To be alert to God’s word so we can show them the truth. To be standing up for our faith and not wavering whenever life gets hard, this is how we show that we are set apart. To be brave and grow in God’s word, to share God’s grace through our actions. To be strong in our faith, so we can show that God provides and cares for those who are His.

Ironically, when I began this post I referenced back to the change from Abramham and Sarah. In that post, the change was adding the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet into the fifth place of Abram and Sarai’s names. I do not think it is any coincidence that Paul chooses five characeristics for the believers in Corinth (and today) to focus on. Afterall, the meaning behind the number five is grace. When we have these characteristics, we are showing God’s grace to the world.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

CHOOSING GOD PART II

This week, we talk about the final pillar, the way of understanding. The good news is that this is not something unattainable, a metaphorical promise self-diagnosed and defined, but rather the reliable, structured, consistent denominator seen throughout the world. There are things that we will not understand about scripture. Sometimes, God will have you go through a process to learn the answer. That process is contingent upon your pursuit of understanding. Look at Proverbs 25:2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

Our understanding is reliant upon His good grace and our pursuit. We need to take courage in what we are taught by the Lord, and what His word says, 2 Timothy 2:1-2, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” To understand God’s word, we must be in His word. We must know His word, so that His understanding will flow through us.

Take the apostles, for example. Their understanding came after spending time with the word. Now, when you read John 14 through17, we can clearly see that God will not leave us as orphans and has not left us as orphans. The believer is Spirit-filled and is a newborn creation in Christ; this is paramount to having understanding, Proverbs 26:7, “Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.” Those who are not saved cannot understand. They have no ears to hear, they have no eyes to see, they have no mind to understand the things that are of God. The parables were designed for them, but the revelation of God’s word was designed for you and I who are saved. This is why, when you listen to a pastor, a podcaster, or whatever… you must know if they are saved and have the Holy Spirit. Too many Christians today are led astray based on the colorful words of wolves in sheep's clothing, the blind leading the blind. There are many who claim to know the way, and yet, our Lord and Savior said that narrow is the way. Is this a contradiction? No, but rather the cold, hard truth that many today who claim to be Bible experts are not saved. Thus, they do not have understanding. You, as a born-again believer, must pursue understanding; a relationship with the Lord is that way. Everything is contingent upon that. A brand new believer who knows nothing about the word of God is more adept at understanding than the spiritually dead Bible professor in seminary.

In conclusion, understanding comes from the Lord, and in His wonderful design, the formula for understanding comes through a healthy relationship with Him and living your life as He saw fit. You see, to attain understanding, one must only acknowledge the need for it and study God’s word; He will do the rest.

Next week, we will go a little deeper to understand the spirit of truth and how it works across all these pillars.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Prayer Request for 2026

As 2026 starts, Mill House Ministries wants to request your assistance. We need your prayers. Our weekly blog could not continue if not for the ever loving grace of God and His amazing hand. Our aim has not changed, our mission is simple. To apply Titus 2:11-15, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works. 15 Proclaim these things; encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

In 2026, we would ask for three prayer requests. First, that God would work in our lives so that we can personally grow. Psalm 1:2 “Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.” Second, that we would learn how to bring what God is teaching us to you. Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.” Third, that we would be wise to know the season and have the discernment to speak as needed. Proverbs 12:18 “There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

We are very excited for this coming year. God is on the move and this year is no different, we need to be telling the good news of Jesus Christ, and tell as many people to be ready for the soon rapture of the Church.

Seek the truth, and encourage one another,

Alex

CHOOSING GOD

I want to take the next two weeks and start a mini series as 2026 begins. This is not a “new year” style post, but more of a post on beginnings. I want us to examine what the future holds for us and what we need to be doing. I want to remind us to choose God.

This might sound strange to you or even out of the norm for Mill House Ministries, but let me help walk you through my logic. Too many people are claiming to be believers in Jesus Christ who are not saved. Too many people claim to know Jesus, but have idolatry in their hearts. Too many people are focused on their own religious aspirations, rather then pursuing a Holy and Righteous living. We need to stop and choose do something that, when broken to its foundational truth, is to choose God. Choose His truth, choose His way, and His understanding.

On these three pillars we can venture forward and see that there is truly a future and a hope. Let’s begin by looking at His truth. John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.” His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, is here ministering to us and helping us see His truth. This is why we can stand proudly in the Lord and seek His will, knowing that He will guide us. His truth is with us. His truth is not only there to guide us, but it is also preserving us for the future. John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The Post-Modern era believes that truth is relative, however, we all know that this is simply not the case. There is a foundational truth that cannot be altered, changed, or even infringed upon. That truth is Jesus Christ.

We can know His truth, but what about the way we are to go with the future? When the Church was first in its infancy, believers in the Messiah were called “Those of the Way” this came from Jesus’ famous quote of John 14:6 “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is the way, He is our everything, He is exactly what we need at all times and in all situations. Now some might say this seems to be esoteric, designed for the theologian and Bible scholar. God, understanding this, brought His Word to us so that we can understand. Let’s examine “the Way” in practical application. Let’s look at Proverbs 1:2-7 “For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings; 3 for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity; 4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man 5 let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance 6 for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” God has provided His Word to help guide us so that we can have that very help in the smallest details of our life! That needs to be a huge reassurance for you and us, that the Maker of the universe loves us enough to make a “Life Manual” for you and I!

Now what does this do for us with the final pillar? Well, you will have to wait until next week to find out!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A look back at the overview of the book of Daniel! Read it HERE!

New Year’s Challenge

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new year. Around the world, many are looking forward to what will come and making resolutions for what they would like to complete in the coming year. Today, I want to issue a challenge to our readers for the coming year.

After our study on the meanings of the gems found in the High Priest’s garment, I hope you saw that there is nothing insignificant in God’s word. He has a purpose and a plan for every annotation that is in the Bible. So for our readers, this year I want to challenge you and myself to dig deeper into God’s word. Allow yourself to go on the rabbit trails that seem as if they will lead to nothing, simply to see what God has waiting for you to figure out. Research topics deeper, find new meanings in previous studies, and just spend this year soaking in God’s word.

The greatest mistake a born-again Christian can make is not to seek God fully. Do not allow your Bible study to become just a check in the box. Instead, allow God’s word to fully envelope you. Spend time listening to sermons from more than just your pastor. Read commentaries, but compare what they are saying directly to God’s word. Be like the Bereans in Acts who listened to the apostles but took everything back to what God’s word says. Throwout any idea that cannot be backed by scripture.

If you take this approach, I can guarantee that your walk with God will not become another resolution that is cast aside as the year goes on. If you seek God’s word, the more alive it will become and the more you will want to spend learning about our amazing Savior!

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

New Year Advice

In a few days, we will be having a new year. I want to take a moment and give some wonderful advice that was given to me several years ago. Start the year off right! Take time and pray in the new year. You will already be up late, so take a moment and ask the Lord to help you learn more about Him. Jeremiah 29:13 “And you will seek Me and find [Me,] when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Take time starting on day one to be in His Word, Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed [is] the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.”

Finally, be actively searching for what God is doing in the World and in your own life. Understand the times we live in and what is the best approach to glorify God and be about His Work, 1 Chronicles 12:32 “of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;”

If we did just these simple steps this year, 2026 could be a year of revival and growth with the Lord. No matter what happens, let us be eager in His Word and seek ways to give Him the glory He deserves.

Happy New Year from Mill House Ministries.

Re-Post Friday

Finding joy in trials. Read it HERE!

A Simple Change

Today is Christmas Eve, and many will be discussing Jesus’s birth and the salvation that comes from Him. While this is very much needed, I recently learned something regarding Abraham, Sarah, and God’s grace. The section of scripture that we will be looking at today comes from two verses.

“5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.”

Genesis 17:5

“15 Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.”

Genesis 17:15

These verses may seem strange to discuss when so many others are focusing on Jesus, which is what we should be doing. However, many don’t realize that Jesus is found even in these two verses, and it comes from a simple change. In these two verses, we see Abram become Abraham, and Sarai become Sarah. Unless you understand the biblical meaning behind the numbers, you wouldn’t see God’s grace in this change. In both names, the fifth letter is changed, and ironically, it is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet that is added; in English it is “H” but in Hebrew it is “HEH”.

Why is this important? It is because of what the number five represents. In Hebrew, every number has a meaning associated with it. If you followed along with our study on gems, you know that other things also have meaning associated with them. In this case, the number five represents “grace”. Have you caught on yet? In these verses, God is already declaring His grace is needed to change humanity. To prove this, look at the meaning behind “Abram”, “Abraham”, “Sarai”, and “Sarah”. Abram means “a barren man”, and Abraham means “the father of many nations”. Sarai means “contentious”, and Sarah means “princess.”

Look how significant a simple change is! So, for this Christmas season, I ask you, have you made a simple but impactful change in your life? Have you accepted that Jesus came to earth fully man and fully God, that He was born of a virgin, that He lived a perfect life, that He was crucified and died for your sins? If you can accept this, you too will receive God’s grace and be made into something brand new.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

The Word Became Flesh

Today, we are talking about Christmas, but most likely not the Christmas lesson you are expecting. Let’s examine the true meaning of the season we celebrate and how this is only part one of a Christmas season yet to come!

We know that Jesus’s ancestry/lineage/bloodline is discussed in Matthew and Luke. However, for the purposes of today’s study, we are examining His Godhood and what that means in the context of Christmas.

John 1:1-2 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.”

Jesus Christ is 100% God. He claimed to be God, and if anyone tries to persuade you otherwise, they are horribly mistaken.

We know that Jesus is God. We know that God is Jesus, but what does it mean about Christmas? God, who is infinite and boundless, added on. How does one do such a thing? Mathematics is the simplest way to do this: use the infinity symbol, place an addition sign, and a one. God became more. Yet, we can examine the Hebrew and see something remarkable is at work.

John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The Word, being Jesus, became flesh and dwelt among us. The word “Dwelt” is the Greek word Skenoo, which is a direct translation of the Hebrew word Tabernacle. Allow me the opportunity to lay out a few interesting things before going to my final point of today's post.

We have to examine the ancient tax season to get a clue. Luke 2:1-6 “And it came to pass in those days [that] a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.” Caesar never would have people move across the empire during the winter months. This would have been too dangerous and defeated the purpose of why the census was happening. This was being done for taxes. The best time in ancient times to do taxes was at the end of the harvest, when sales had just occurred and the year's labor was at an end.

We also know it was in early fall or late summer, based on the shepherd’s location. Luke 2:8-16 “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “And this [will be] the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.” If it were during the winter months, they would not have the animals in the elements in the rainy season, but they would have been packed into the manger. The shepherds are in the fields, and the weather is still rather pleasant. This also provides clues for us in understanding the time.

We also know that nine months prior is about the time of the Feast of Dedication, or what we know as Hanukkah. Now, how ironic is it that the Feast of Lights is when the light of the world would show up? Nevertheless, Feast of Tabernacles I believe provides us the best arguement for a time frame of Jesus coming to earth. For this, we need to go to Leviticus 23:34-36: “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month [shall be] the Feast of Tabernacles [for] seven days to the LORD. 35 ‘On the first day [there shall be] a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work [on it.] 36 ‘[For] seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It [is] a sacred assembly, [and] you shall do no customary work [on it.]” When you cross-compare this to John 1:14, you see a remarkable clue in the words that Jesus “Dwelt” among us. I would make an argument that Jesus was born on or during the Feast of Tabernacles. Now, what does this mean for the reason of the season? It means all the more we should celebrate what Christmas is! It is Immanuel, God with us. It is an incredible moment for us to proclaim the workings of God doing what we all thought was impossible for those who did not deserve it.

Should we celebrate Christmas in late September? Yes! And also celebrate it on December 25th? YES! I am reminded of the Feast of Hanukkah and that it was not one of the written feasts given to Israel in the Torah. And yet Jesus observed it. God is not without observing blessings when we try. Salvation is through Christ alone and His work, but post-salvation, we should be doing everything we can to please and honor Him. Christmas is that time of the year. God is an incredible God; Christmas is a time for us to recognize what He did and the foreshadowing of His ultimate Tabernacle when He reigns for 1,000 years, as described in Revelation 20. If this has not intrigued you enough, I would encourage you to examine two classic Christmas songs, “Joy To The World” and “Oh Come Oh Come Immanuel”. Both are very responsive to the post today, revealing truths of what Christ will do one day. Christmas is a time of celebration, but Christmas is only part of the festival; we still have to have Jesus dwell among us again!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A look back into our Basics Study of the Old Testament. Read it HERE!

Treasure Unsealed

Today I want to provide a quick reference to some rather remarkable Biblical truth that we have at our fingertips. But first, I want to show the prophecy detailing the events we are living in now. Let’s go to Daniel 12:4 “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” Here we see that Daniel is confused about what he is seeing and is asking for more knowledge. I want to emphasize that it is never wrong to ask the Lord what He means when studying His Word and even His creation. Many Biblical truths and scientific breakthroughs have come about because someone asked the Lord.

Daniel is told that the future prophecies discussed in chapter 12 will be fulfilled for a future generation; they are there for a group that will come. Many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase. Some have taken this to think of travel or knowledge in the academic world. However, when we look at the context, we can clearly see that the prophecy is identifying Biblical knowledge. People would go to and fro examining God’s Word. This Word is sealed until a certain time. I believe this time is quickly coming and is finally here.

Is it by any chance that in 1947, the biggest Biblical treasure trove ever found was unearthed? And right before the biggest prophetic sign in the world is brought forth with the rebirth of the Israeli nation? I think not! Some will call this a coincidence; I would call this a clue. God is pointing us to His Word and is even providing the material needed to better understand within the context of what we are reading.

What does this mean for you and I? It means we need to be studying God’s 66 books. We need to examine what archeological findings uncover, we need to examine the scientific truths discovered, and see exactly what God is telling us. We live in unprecedented times; let us not squander them on the trivial, but let us keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ. The world will tell you we live in dark times, but for us who are saved, our hope is in the Lord and His soon rapture to take us home. Let’s be good sons and daughters and be about our Heavenly Father’s work until we are called home.

If you are not saved or unsure, now is the perfect time to ask God to help you fix this. Ask Him into your heart, ask for forgiveness for your sins, ask Him to be the King of your soul, and ask Him to finish a good work in you. I promise you nothing will be the same. The heavens will rejoice, and Mill House Ministries will be here to help you. Contact us, and we will be happy to help you on this new adventure with Jesus Christ.

Until next week, remember that God is a magnificent God and King, He loves you and I enough to give us a heads up/alert of the treasure trove of Biblical truth that was sealed until this time for you and I. His love letter to the world has hidden treasure that has been set aside for our generation; let us not squander it but rather hold on to it.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Today’s lesson might seem simple or even childish to many, but it is something most Christians struggle with. When God says, “Trust me,” what do we do? In Abraham and Sarah’s day, this very scenario was played out. Now, most pastors and scholars will review this and discuss the promise of Jesus Christ coming from the bloodline of Isaac. However, I want to focus on something rather different. Let’s read Genesis 18 with the mindset of not knowing what is coming. Examine the difference between Abraham and Sarah.

Genesis 18:1-15 “Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw [them,] he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 4 “Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 “And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.” They said, “Do as you have said.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead [it] and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave [it] to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. 8 So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set [it] before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate. 9 Then they said to him, “Where [is] Sarah your wife?” So he said, “Here, in the tent.” 10 And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which [was] behind him.) 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; [and] Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13 And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear [a child,] since I am old?’ 14 “Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied [it,] saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”

Abraham immediately sees the three and recognizes that one of them is the Messiah in a pre-incarnate form. We would call this a Christophany. In the discussion, we see that Abraham and Sarah are promised a son. Sarah, who is listening from inside the tent, laughs. Now, many will jump to accuse her of a lack of faith; however, I would remind the reader of what Hebrews 11:11 says about Sarah’s faith. “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” Now what does this mean for you and I? It means that God gives grace, and even in our weakness, He can make incredible advances for the Kingdom of God. She laughed at the idea, but months later she would be laughing with joy, holding her very own son, Isaac.

This is important for us to understand that God gives grace and can still use us for His glory. Sarah had a moment of weakness, then lied about it, yet by the end of her story, she would bear a son who would have a lineage leading to the Messiah Himself.

This is incredible for you and I! We have a God who not only cares but provides grace for you and I. Let us not take that for granted. As we will see next time, God’s grace does have its limits. There are times He will declare it is judgment time. Next time, we will discuss Sodom and Gomorrah.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Understanding who the author of the book of James is. Read it HERE!

A Precious Gem Part VIII

Today, we have reached the end of our study on the different gems found in the priestly garments. While we will be discussing the last three gems, we will also review the meaning behind each gem.

“20 and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold settings.”

Exodus 28:20

Let us look at the beryl stone. For this stone, I am not going to give the Hebrew definition of the word. That is because the word for this stone is H8658, which simply means the beryl stone. This stone is known for its beauty and variety of colors, which range from green to blue-green, and is a mineral composed of beryllium, aluminum, cyclosilicate, and is often associated with other gemstones such as emerald and aquamarine, which are varieties of beryl. Apart from being one of the stones mentioned in New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:20, we also see the beryl stone mentioned in Ezekiel 1:16 and Daniel 10:6. These verses depict instances in which man sees either a vision of God’s glory or an angel. Based on its use in these verses, I believe that the meaning behind this stone is that of clarity. Its recurring presence in visions and descriptions of heavenly realms underscores its symbolic role as a representation of God's glory and purity. The use of beryl in the High Priest's breastplate and the foundations of the New Jerusalem further emphasize its significance in the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

The second stone in this row is the onyx stone. Since this stone occurred earlier in the text we have been studying, I have already discussed it, but I will give a brief reminder of what the stone could mean. In Exodus 28:9, we have the third mention of onyx, but the first one that gives us a clue as to what the stone is used for. The high priest is meant to place these engraved stones upon his shoulders as a memorial. Based on its placement, there is the belief that the onyx stone represents strength and endurance. The high priest carried the tribes' names upon his shoulders, reminding God of his covenant with them, while also reminding the Jews that the covenant between them and God is not carried by them but by God’s sustaining power.

Now we will look at our last stone, the jasper. The Hebrew word for this stone is H3471, which simply means “jasper”. So, just like the beryl stone, we need to look at context in scripture to understand its meaning. H3471 is only used three times in scripture, the first being in Exodus 28:20, then it is not used again until Revelation 21:11 and Revelation 21:18-19 where we see the construction of New Jerusalem taking place. It is for this reason, that many believe that the jasper stone represents fulfillment and communication. Having jasper in the New Jerusalem encourages believers to look forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, while assuring them of the certainty of God's promises and the future reality of dwelling in His glorious presence. This stone, therefore, becomes a symbol of hope and assurance for the faithful, reflecting the eternal beauty and perfection of God's kingdom.

Now that we have finished looking at each of the stones found in scripture, I believe that it is important to go back and remember what we have learned. The stones we have discussed have been: ruby, topaz, emerald, turquoise, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. When we look at them in this order, presented in Exodus 28:17-20, we see that these stones are calling the high priest to remember: wisdom and virtue, protection and divine favor, renewal and restoration, authority, promise, purity and steadfast, divine authority and the eternal covenant, strength, stability, and protection, clarity of thought and insight, clarity, strength and endurance, and fulfillment.

When looking at the stones, it is clear that God has a purpose, and when we, as believers, follow His direction, we can look forward to the promises that He has given us, as well as the fulfillment of the promises that He has to Israel.

I hope that you have enjoyed this study; I certainly did. It is a wonderful reminder that God’s word is alive, and if we dig deeper into His word, we will learn more about our Savior. I would encourage you to dive into God’s Word and see what incredible truths are hidden in plain sight. Our Bible studies need not be mundane and boring, glossing over texts. They should be pursued with the utmost vigor and intensity to learn as much as we can of our Lord and Savior. Believers should do this for several reasons. First, like the stones, they will teach us who God is; second, like the stones, they will remind us in hard times who God is. Finally, like the stones, when we know the truth of God’s Word and outwardly show it, we can declare to others God’s awesomeness, His love, and His pure generosity to those who are His. We each have the opportunity and need only cry out to Jesus to go on this incredible adventure. So next time you see these stones or read about them, I hope this study reminds you of God’s truth.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex