05/14/2026
Message from the Pastor
Brothers and Sisters:
People like Daniel and Joseph—and other biblical figures whose lives I hope you are familiar with—are those who know how to answer the fundamental questions: *Who? With what? When? How? For what purpose? Where? Why?* The reason is that they are guided by the Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 states: "Then he answered and spoke to me, saying: 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of hosts.'" They attained excellence because they harbored a specific purpose in their hearts: holiness (read Daniel 1:8 and Genesis 39:1–20).
They attained a "superior spirit" because they turned away from impurity; they sought holiness by guarding their hearts in the fear of God. Let us look at the Word: Psalms 25:12–13 reads, "Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. He will dwell in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land." The psalmist is very clear regarding this fact. If you wish to begin living your life wisely—being elevated and promoted to higher levels of wisdom and understanding—you must uphold this principle: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6). "Wisdom is better than weapons of war." "A single error causes great destruction." (Ecclesiastes 9:18)
Excellence in Christ is wisdom and understanding in action, applied in holiness. Therefore, if we desire to become men and women of faith—and, consequently, men and women of vision—we do not imagine that we are capable of accomplishing anything apart from the Lord; for only *with* the Lord and *in* the Lord can great dreams and visions be attained—in holiness, in wisdom, and in spiritual understanding. It is by being righteous that we can steer our lives toward true success—and even guide others as well. Why is it so necessary to keep this firmly in mind?
Because the wisdom and understanding born of the fear of God will lead us into meditation, enabling us to know who we are in Christ and with what power Christ is at work within us. And it is in that meditation that the Spirit will lead us to contemplate the vision—and, right alongside it, the strategies needed to bring our dreams in Christ to fruition. Enter into intimacy with God, and He will reveal Himself to you—for instance, whether there is someone out there waiting to become your life partner. (It is neither impossible nor far-fetched—okay?) Or He may show you what you must do to mend the relationship you currently have, or grant you the wisdom and understanding to win over your children, your grandchildren, and anyone else who approaches you seeking counsel, support, comfort, or simply the company of someone who reflects Jesus in their life!
