Wise was the Samaritan woman! She went to fetch water just when the Living Water was beside Jacob's well. The biblical patriarchs dug wells of natural water where their descendants quenched their thirst. In the New Testament, these springs symbolize Jesus, the Living Water, who makes whoever accepts Him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4.14). The woman let God guide her by asking the right questions to discover the Truth. Christ is the Truth we need to know in order to please the Father. Believe and pray!

Inside everyone there is a desire to see God's work on behalf of the afflicted. You don't have to climb mountains or spend hours crying out to the Lord. He answers through the Word. Everyone would be successful if they believed in the Gospel - the Good News: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Romans 1.16). What will your attitude be?

There was a great religious controversy in those days - that the Son of God came to Earth to save people from eternal damnation, caused by Adam's sin. Some believed in prayer on a certain mountain in Samaria; others said that Jerusalem was the place to worship God. In fact, wherever we are, we can seek God to receive His guidance. We find Him in the Word. He is omnipresent!

The heart of man is the temple of the Holy Spirit, where we serve Him with love and loyalty. We must live what we learn from the Lord, and not become disoriented and desperate. We have to abandon our religious childhood and move on to the adult life of true faith in God; after all, we have grown up and no longer have to act like children (Luke 7.32). The way out of problems is to act according to the Word!

It doesn't matter if you're in Israel or anywhere else. The important thing is to keep your heart clean by confessing your mistakes and with the forgiveness of Heaven. It is time for true worshippers to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). When you feel touched by the Word, cry out to the Lord about that revelation and don't forget to take hold of the information you've gained from the reading. The right answer will give you victory!

The Samaritans insisted that God should be worshipped on Mount Gerizim, and the Jews said that the appropriate place was Jerusalem. However, as the biblical writings did not reveal this, we must forget such things and carry out our worship as the Savior said: in spirit and in truth. The Old Testament points to the facts of the New Covenant. That's why avoiding religious rituals is a good thing!

We have a hill to climb - the presence of God. This place is not physical, but where we find God's promises for our lives. Whenever reading the Scriptures reveals something to you, meditate on it until faith arises in your heart. Pray, and God will give you understanding.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares

             The good that Jesus did to the Samaritan woman led her to confess that Christ was special, a prophet, and He didn't deny it. In the same way, we will see people from every corner of the world taking part in God's glory and being healed of their ailments. Those who love the Lord can start praying that the promised great revival will come, and that divine power will bring all sorts of blessings and make the saved successful in their faith!

           God's servants can and must be filled with the Holy Spirit and thrive on the gifts given by Him. In this way, their testimonies will reach those who hear them. The Church of the first century, created by the apostles, joined the Lord in the mission of giving the Bread of Life to the lost. As a result, it became strong in its faith in Christ, and new converts joined the apostles to continue the task assigned to Christians as the Most High had planned (Acts 2:42-47). You can be part of this work!

           The only way to preach the Word successfully is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then, when we open our mouths, we will see the lost stunned, confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior. This is entirely possible; all we have to do is believe. God expects much more from us than we think we can give. That's why we have to stand up only for the work of the Most High, which needs to be known by everyone.

           Christians must be taught to practice the gifts of the Spirit, bearing witness to the Truth and rejecting sin. In this way, they will be instruments of the Lord, bringing the world to the feet of Christ. Many who claim to be saved are unaware of the responsibility that lies on their shoulders: to lead their families and other lost people to Jesus. Allow God to use your life in this time of blessing?

           If the congregation is in the presence of the heavenly Father, it will be involved with Him in such a way that the most hardened sinner will be speechless, but the grace and love of God will lead him to declare that the Lord is among us, as Paul said: And thus the secrets of his heart area revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you (1 Corinthians 14:25).

           People need to be taught that they don't go to church just to receive blessings, but to learn the Word in order to bring the knowledge of the Lord to everyone. Then they will receive Jesus into their lives and will be made children of God. The Church of Christ must have a variety of spiritual gifts, so that people enter and never think of leaving. Don't ever let the devil destroy your ministry, but stand firm in Christ and become a blessing.

             Jesus' return is fastly approaching, and millions will be lost without seeing the power of God at work on their behalf. They won't be able to be sure that the work comes from the Most High. Therefore, it is necessary to put an end to doubt, get right with God and start living according to what the Scriptures prescribe. If the wicked see the Almighty at work, they will turn to Him. Believe in the One who made you in His image and likeness and receive eternal salvation. God is faithful to forgive your transgressions. Believe!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

          When a person hears so many people speaking and acting outside the Word, they can't bear to pay attention to it at first. However, as time goes by, they don't even pay attention to these matters anymore and, without realizing it, they begin to think about what they have heard wrong and even approve of some aberrations. The Father declares: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil (1 Peter 3:12).

           The Samaritan woman said she didn't have a husband, but omitted to mention that she was with someone. She had been married five times, but as the days went by, many difficult situations arose, and her dreams of being a happy mother of a family disappeared. There is no sin in getting married, as long as it is in the Lord. The Word gives the following recommendation through Paul: A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married whomever to whom she wishes, only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:39).

           In our culture, the decision to unite in marriage rests with the bride and groom. However, in countries where this is handled by the parents, sometimes the girl meets her future husband only ten minutes before the ceremony. It is interesting to note that divorce is not common in these nations, because couples respect their parents until death and are happy.

           If you ask an Indian woman, for example, if she is happy with the husband she met just before getting married, she will say yes, and this way of proceeding is passed on to new generations. Each people have its own culture, so you can't condemn those who act in this way. Christians, on the other hand, have the Word of God as a rule for their actions.

           Jesus approved of the Samaritan woman's sincerity when she revealed that the person she was living with was not her husband, since she had not joined herself to him according to the Scriptures. The Bible says that the authorities of the civil government can perform the marriage of a man and a woman, because they have been ordained by God. In addition, the Lord’s minister has the power to perform the ceremony (Romans 13:1-4). Always follow what the Word prescribes and live in peace!

           The woman left the Master with His disciples and went into town to tell everyone that she had found the Messiah (John 4.28-30). Since she had credibility, even if many didn't consider her so - due to the fact that she went to fetch water from the well at midday, instead of in the morning when married women of good repute went - the men of the town followed her to where Christ was. Anyone who has an encounter with Jesus changes their mind about Him!

          The Savior also explained that the person who lived with her as if he were her husband was not. A popular saying in Brazil goes: “A friend with faith is married”, but God directs it this way: Marriage is honorable among all and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13.4).

       In Christ, with love,

       R. R. Soares

           There's nothing better than walking in the Truth. That way, you don't have to invent facts that might embarrass you if you are questioned by some authority about facts you have seen or practiced. The Samaritan woman was standing before the supreme Authority of the Universe, the Word Creator of all things both in Heaven and on Earth (John 1.1-14). She would have done herself a great disservice if she hadn't understood the time of the Lord's visitation! Let's remember that Jesus felt the desire to pass through Samaria just to make that woman know the Good! 

           When Christians act outside the biblical pattern, they don't show the joy of salvation and often find themselves in trouble and need. Something that should never happen to any child of God is to become depressed. As long as Jesus takes the place of Lord in your life, you will live in the fullness of joy of God's blessed presence (Psalm 16.11). Cultivate communion with your heavenly Father and you will live happily!

           As a Samaritan, she didn't have faith in the Most High. Most Samaritans were descended from the children of Israel left in Samaria since Shalmaneser, the Assyrian king who defeated the northern kingdom, sent other peoples to occupy the ten tribes in 726 B.C. Since they had some of the Law of Moses, they were waiting for the Messiah of whom the prophets spoke. In her conversation with the Master, this woman showed that she had some understanding of the Law.

           Gradually, her “chance” meeting with Jesus made her understand that it was her lucky day, for she soon saw and felt that the One Awaited by the Nations was standing before her. What a privilege! The Samaritans didn't even think about it. She, who lived far from God, understood God's plan to change her life and continued the conversation. There was the wisest Being in the universe and a woman who was trying to understand what was happening to herself. Christ helped her find the Truth!

           The Lord told her to go and call her husband, and she made no excuses, saying that he was working or traveling. No doubt, being a prophet, He would deny her if she tried to deceive Him. She acknowledged: I have no husband. Never lie to God's envoy, because the conversation could stop at that point. Now, it's good to open your heart to the Lord, because He is the Truth. He who covers his transgressions will never prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy (Proverbs 28.13).

           It pleased the Master to hear her tell the truth, so the conversation continued. Anyone who sins and lies in order not to be reprimanded makes a much bigger mistake. They don't know that God will help them solve their problems. Jesus said that she had spoken well, and that would lead Him to help her. How many people, when they come before the Most High, are not sincere and miss the chance to solve their dilemmas?

           That was the Samaritan woman's great moment, for she was standing before the Life capable of delivering her from eternal death. By praising her for telling the truth, Jesus implies that she sometimes spoke out of turn. The Bible says: For by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12.37).

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

              While reading the Bible, you need to meditate on what caught your attention. This is how God gives His testimony to those who are zealous in learning to obey Him and do good. Whoever wants to be blameless in their way of being must understand the Word, so that the enemy has no way of touching them. We have been perfected by the Scriptures as we have followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit!

           The Master spoke about the family that begins with the marriage of a man and a woman, who have not yet known one another intimately: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? (Matthew 19.5). Parents shouldn't keep asking their son or daughter how their marriage is going in order to “improve” their relationship. The Lord commands us to leave our father and mother; therefore, the new body that is formed will be cared for by the Most High!

           In marriage, God creates a spiritual body for the spouses, and the family begins. But modern life teaches differently, so the Lord is no longer present in the lives of newly formed couples. Now, the rebellious must prepare themselves to bear the responsibility, for He has spoken about it: “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3.3). The heavenly Father will only walk with those who obey Him (Matthew 7.21-23)!

           This resistance to the principles of God's Word happens in the world and has been celebrated as if it were the freedom acquired by children when, still immature, they go to university and no longer submit to paternal authority. The Bible makes the result clear: For the LORD God of Israel, says that he hates divorce (Malachi 2.16a). Don't love what God forbids!

           The Samaritan woman had been married five times, but then she decided not to tell society about her personal life and moved in with a man. In her mind, this might not have made the slightest difference, but Jesus showed her otherwise. So, in front of Him, she acknowledged her situation. One day, you will stand before the Lord and what will you say?

           I know of a case where a family got so involved in a couple's life that they taught their daughter to find another husband, in blatant disregard for the Lord's teachings. This is the height of betrayal. If all those involved do not repent, they will be excluded from life in heaven (Luke 17:3). Never play with your eternal happiness. God is faithful to forgive sins!

           When Christ said, “Go, call your husband and come here,” He was reaffirming holiness and faithfulness to the law of the heavenly Father. Those who rebel against the Scriptures, changing their conduct over time, without persevering in the divine doctrine, will not be saved: “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). You can't touch what the Lord has said unless you don't care about the outcome!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

           Jesus felt the need to go through Samaria, and the result of His going there proved that He had a plan. You see, when we feel that God is sending us somewhere, we have to follow that order, because some work will be done there. The end of Christ's passage through the ancient northern kingdom made many people in that part of the Promised Land understand that He is Omniscient and brings everyone equally to the Father (John 4.39-42).

           That Samaritan woman was not well-liked for her way of life: after being married five times, she was now living in fornication. Now, this attitude of singles or widowers coming together as if they were married is condemned by the Scriptures, and whoever lives this way will die eternally (Revelation 21:8). So don't let the devil deceive you, but seek divine forgiveness and get officially married in church or at the registry office!

           In Brazil, there is a fad that will lead many people to Hell: signing a civil contract that has nothing to do with marriage and, therefore, there is no approval from God for it. The lost don't see the problem, but those who fear the Lord know that both adultery and fornication will lead their practitioners to eternal torment. But in Christ, there is forgiveness and sanctification!

           Jesus knew the lady's situation and began the conversation by asking her for water. She found this strange and asked why He had asked her, because the Jews didn't communicate with the Samaritans. The Master answered her question as follows: If you knew the gift of God and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink’, you would have asked Him and He would give you living water (John 4.10). That was the start of the dialog!

           The evangelist needs to initiate the conversation, but always using good premises. The Samaritan woman didn't know Who was in front of her, but since she felt comfortable with the Master's words, she questioned His initial request. The woman felt uncomfortable and, without understanding what she was supposed to say, replied that the well was deep and Jesus wouldn't have a vessel to draw the water. At this, the Master's answer puzzled her even more!

           How good it would be if all the saved had divine wisdom, which can be received when they cry out to the Father, as James taught: And if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally, and without reproach; and it will be given to him (James 1.5). It doesn't matter who you've been up to now; God will forgive you and make you into the person He wants you to be. Then those who listen to you will also be successful.

           When she realized that the Living Water would quench her thirst for the Truth, the woman came to her senses and asked the Lord for it. She needed it to fill the void in her soul forever. This is the blessing that everyone should seek from the Father. That way, they will never again suffer when they hear anything. Believe: the Living Water is meant for you too!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

         In the biblical view, Israel is the center of the world. When God leads His people home, all who come from the west will be like trembling birds, for the restoration of Israel will have taken place. This event will shake those who have mixed with the world's culture and its liberal and distorted philosophical doctrines. It will make them understand what Israel represents in the world context.

           The prophecy was given for the future—our time. All will come like doves from the east, a place of mysticism and violence against those who rejected Jesus. The doves and their religious rituals will tremble before what the Lord will do in the time of the restoration of Truth. They, who were like wanderers, resting anywhere for survival, will return to their homes!

         The promises won by Abraham are intended for the remnant who will inhabit them, showing that the Lord's goodness has not run out, and therefore they were preserved by divine command. All will come to God as little birds do, deprived of the hope of returning home. However, knowing that the One who was despised is with them, they will pour themselves out in His presence and be received as beloved children!

         Egypt will no longer be a place of dishonor for the people of God, because the seemingly endless night will have passed. Then, those who have awakened from the great sleep will gather their tattered dreams and turn to the One who made them neighbors of the great love reserved by the Lord to give them in the last days. It is time for Joseph to decipher before Pharaoh the mysteries kept by the Almighty.

        It is beautiful to see the Egyptians arriving like little birds, seeking shelter in the Creator of the opportunities that will be shown to them. He Himself took refuge in the land of the Nile and, of course, wants to pay the bill for the refuge He received. There is nothing to fear or do, only to recognize that this was done by the Lord and is marvelous in our eyes (Mark 12.11). The cup of water they gave Him will be returned with all sorts of blessings in the heavenly places!

          From the East, those from the land of Assyria will also come like a dove tired of doing what it should not do and, therefore, suffered greatly. The houses prepared for them will be their dwelling places. They are also precious in the eyes of the Lord and, therefore, they will be well received. This is the work that the Almighty will do in our days, when His hands will act with power and wisdom, so that no one will be missing from the great congregation!

         The Lord is tremendous in His eternal plans. Men who refuse them will only experience severe and indescribable pains. The great moment has come for all to recognize that the divine will must be accepted as He determined. To God be the glory and praise! Not one of the words of the Almighty has failed. Let us praise the heavenly Father with love!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares

          What a time of blessing this is when we can walk after the Lord? This is available to anyone who decides that it is impossible to walk without Jesus, who declared: I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing (John 15:5). In expressing Himself in this way, Christ knew that there would be days when many would be tested and found wanting, but if they sought Him, they would find Him and be renewed before Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

          Having the Lord walking ahead of us is all we need. He will break down the wall and shatter the bronze gates, unbreakable by the strength of man. The work will be so perfect that we will be like those who dream and we will give God true praise and gratitude for having opened the way for us. In this way, we will arrive wherever God's hand and His holy heart lead us. We will be sanctified by God's action!

           It's good to know that God will roar like a lion and prevent the enemy from deceiving us and keeping us from the Father's gaze. We will walk after the Lord and, with a clear path, we will reach the target. We need to be supported by the Almighty in order to confess that we are more than conquerors. There is nothing better than obtaining the help of the Most High. He will do the work if we only follow Him by faith!

        The children of the West, positioned to the west of Jerusalem, which symbolizes the Church of Jesus, welcome all those called by Him to be part of the invincible heavenly army. Respecting the One who has already proven His great love for humanity is one of the reasons why we can be sure of reaching the place He has determined. We speak God's will and we will hear it from Him on the Last Day: Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34).

         Those who went after the sins of the East will sanctify themselves to follow the Man of War. Even though everything shows that we won't get there because we've done or failed to do something, let's remember that the Lord's mercies are renewed every morning (Lamentations 3.22.23). So don't stand around mourning your mistake, but confess it to the One who forgives and does not cast the past in your face (Isaiah 43:25; 1 John 1:8). Come into the Lord's presence now and resolve your situation!

           Look at what God has declared in the Scriptures. He will never fail to keep His promises. Get right with the Father and walk in His footsteps. The Lord will help you along the way, as He did with Elijah, giving you bread to sustain you, until your part in the divine work comes to an end, and that at the end of your days (1 Kings 19:4-8). It's time for you to pray and believe the Word, for It is powerful!

           Make the children of the West tremble under the hand of the Lord, who is upon you again. Your sins have been forgiven, your heart has been washed in the blood of Christ and now, with your confession of repentance, you are being sanctified for greater works. The Holy Spirit will lead you with prudence and decency in holy innocence!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

There are translations that try to alleviate an apparent contradiction in the biblical passage under study, as the philosopher Martin Buber proposed: I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim.  (yes, I must). For I am God, and not man. The Word does not change, even if man despises it. The Lord did not destroy Ephraim, but let Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, destroy Samaria - capital of the kingdom of Israel - and take the best of the people to Nineveh and other parts of his empire.

In Samaria, only those without a profession or education remained. Sometime later, Shalmaneser sent people from various kingdoms to live in the Promised Land, and intermarriages took place. The result was a mixture of races and religions, which only worsened the situation of the previously prosperous kingdom of Israel. From the succession of misfortunes experienced by God's people, we learn that turning the saved away from faith in Christ can lead them to the worst places in the spiritual realm!

Hosea wrote the highlighted verse around 200 years before this sad event. The Israelites were the heirs of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but because they had left the worship of the Lord and followed demons, they were left destitute by God. Undoubtedly, at Jesus' return to earth, we will see a multitude trying to go to Glory, but being sent to the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21.8).

If it were possible, we should spend our resources to prevent people from heading for eternal perdition (Mark 9:44,46,48). The Savior's return will be glorious for those who have persevered in keeping the commandments and acting righteously in the Father's eyes; on the other hand, it will be sad for those who have not gone up with the Lord. Get ready to live abundantly and in holiness from now on!

Christ will not return to destroy, but to take us to the Kingdom of Heaven, from where we will never leave (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). The invitation has already been given, and the work necessary to save those who believe in the Son and receive Him as Savior and Lord has been done since the day He left the realm of death and rose for our justification (Romans 4:25). Never let yourself be led astray by the devil, who deceives you all the time by saying that God is good and that's why He won't leave anyone in hell!

It was not the Most High who destroyed Ephraim, but the people themselves with their idolatry and other sins. The warning will never be lifted, but there are people blinded by demons, who every day give themselves over to prostitution and other sinful practices. We don't understand why they do this. It is known that, just as Samaria did not seek God to be cleansed of their sins, millions of people will not be saved. Be ready!

The Lord is God and not man, so he will not fight against anyone. The King of kings will rescue those who have accepted him as their Savior and persevered in that decision (John 1.12). How sad it will be to see so many asking for help, crying out for forgiveness, while today they won't even accept a prayer and declare that they don't need God. Mercy!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares

          It was difficult for the Lord to let His people be taken captive no longer by Egypt, but by a people worse than Pharaoh's subjects: the Assyrians, known for their wickedness against their opponents. Although we come from Adam and then Noah, hatred between men comes from the devil. Why, for example, would anyone destroy the peace that reigns between a married couple? Human beings are evil, that's why they need to be born again!

           When God's people act wrongly and offer worship to demons, as the Northern kingdom did, they are about to be dominated by the adversary, who will show them how much it costs to ask for his favor by practicing that which attacks the Lord's holiness. Ephraim would never have been handed over to the enemy if they hadn't sinned. Whoever walks in the presence of God is never touched by evil (1 John 5:18).

           The Lord asks Israel the same question, meaning part of the people who fought with Him and prevailed. Later, those of the kingdom of Judah, faithful to the house of David, did the same as those of the Northern kingdom, so they were delivered into the hands of the Babylonians (2 Kings 22:16,17). The voice of prophecy speaks of two peoples who could have been the Lord’s crown, but went into slavery.

           In our day, too, we see many giving themselves over to iniquity. The parents were saved and sanctified, but instead of the children remaining steadfast, they let themselves be carried away by sin. Those who forsake the Lord will not fare well, for they are committing two sins that demand punishment, as Jeremiah said: For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns - broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2.13). Meditate on that!

           The Most High said to the inhabitants of the northern kingdom: The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His anger and His wrath (Deuteronomy 29.23). We must live in holiness!

           God sent the same declaration to Zeboiim, another city destroyed in the same phenomenon that put an end to Sodom and Gomorrah. The Northern kingdom would also be destroyed and, as for its people, no one would know the whereabouts of their descendants. Don't play games with the Lord, because all the divine warnings about sin will happen to those who leave the path of good to follow the path of sin. Before it's too late, repent!

           The Almighty, who is immutable (Malachi 3.6), says clearly: My heart is churns within Me. He warns: My sympathy is stirred. That's why anyone who doesn't repent of their transgressions and continues to act like the people in those four cities will know throughout eternity that they didn't do the right thing. Watch out!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

            The Northern kingdom was at the height of its prosperity, but with it came idleness and God's judgment. The Most High doesn't bless us with all sorts of blessings to act like the lost. They don't consider the Lord, they don't love His work and they live harming His servants. They will certainly not enter the Kingdom of love. Those who prosper under the anointing of Heaven, but do nothing in favor of those who do not have the divine fear to be saved, are stealing from the Lord!

           The world can become increasingly difficult because of those who disobey God and fail to enjoy the true life brought by Christ. We will be the witnesses of the heavenly Father's deeds on behalf of the lost; after all, by looking at us, they will see how good it is to walk with the Lord. If they can't trust a member of the divine family, how dare they believe in the Most High as the true Creator?

           The sword that would fall on the Northern kingdom was the spiritual action that would bring justice to those who trusted in God and show that refusing to listen to the Lord sentences a person to eternal damnation. Ephraim boasted about the bars on his gates, believing that he would never be defeated by his enemies. However, God said that these locks, in which the people relied so much, would be consumed in the twinkling of an eye. Be alert and pray!

           Relying on the work of man is the same as saying you don't need God (Jeremiah 17:5). When the enemy comes, what seems to give you security will be nothing in the face of his attack. In fact, even the most terrible bombs, considered invincible, cannot withstand the slightest blow from the Almighty. Never stand on the protection built by human beings. The Lord is the only insurmountable!

           Man's sword is destructive, but when it symbolizes the spiritual sword, nothing can stand. Man does not know what he is playing with when he mocks spiritual forces. No one will stand before God's judgment on human actions. God's decisions will weigh heavily on the world, which does not recognize His sovereignty. Let the Lord prepare you for life here and in eternity.

           Even the famous, strong and challenging earthly works will be destroyed. Jesus said that the sturdiest buildings, boasted as man's masterpieces, will not stand; everything will fall to the ground: And Jesus answered and said to him: Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down (Mark 13:2).

           There is a mature resolution made by the Lord regarding everything that is built in the world: nothing will remain. People will despair when they see the fulfillment of the Almighty's declarations. Man does not have the structure to contemplate everything that will happen to this generation. But here's the truth: everything God tells us will happen. We must stand firm on the Word, to be found blameless!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

           The kingdom of Israel did not want to remain free, so they heard from the prophet that they would not return to Egypt, where they had been enslaved for more than 400 years (Exodus 12.40). Those who are quick to listen must have liked this news; however, God completed the statement by saying that they would be subjugated by Assyria, the powerful empire of the East that dominated for 13 centuries. The reason: they were making the biggest mistake, despising the Source of life and happiness!

           The fact that people don't convert weighs heavily on the Lord's decisions. You see, He sent His only Son to save us (John 3:16), and this process had several developments until the Savior was born. Jesus went everywhere, preaching and using His Name to set sinners free, heal the sick and deliver the oppressed (Acts 10.38). He died, went to Hell and took from the devil the authority with which he oppressed us and rose (Ephesians 4.8-10). Now it's believe and live!

           Christ didn't defeat the devil using physical force, but by pulling from him the evils we would suffer and, after having done what was necessary, He was made alive - reconnected to God. He left with the keys to death and Hell, taking captivity captive (Revelation 1:17,18). Today, we are free from the suffering and so we are not afraid to face the devil, because he can no longer touch us. The fearful and timid need to stand up in the Name of Jesus and assert their rights!

           The same should apply to those who rebel against the plan of salvation and sanctification. Perhaps the person who abandons the Lord will not be captive to the same sin, but will return to the hands of the enemy in “other lands”, suffering greater misery. When someone refuses to turn to God, they give in to the temptations of the evil one and do what he says (Luke 9:23). Beware, Satan changes his offers to maintain his dominance!

           In Egypt, the children of Israel had no rights, but in the hands of the Assyrians, they would suffer more. In fact, man was born to be free, to choose the place where he will live and produce the goods that will facilitate his life and his service to the Lord. Leaving the Lord's hand means putting yourself under the will of someone who is your equal, but thinks they are superior. There is only peace and security in the power of God. Believe and strive to please Him!

           Our King wants us to serve Him in love; to this end, He has committed the Word that no evil shall befall us (Psalm 91). Everyone should measure themselves by the way they live, without the accusation of conscience, with the Holy Spirit leading them step by step. Be wise and you will be victorious in this life and in eternity. God is with those who serve Him in love and with all their heart (Psalm 1.1-3). Your choice will determine the kind of person you will be!

           Turn to the Lord! That will be your best decision. Walking in eternal righteousness will fulfill you fully, without stumbling. Have you ever had one? Tell God what it was, and He will help you to walk by His side again, and no evil force will overpower you. How about praying now and making things right with the Most High? (Jeremiah 29.13).

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

           There was no reason for Ephraim to complain about the Most High. With wisdom and love, God drew the inhabitants of Samaria to the Truth. When they felt under some yoke that brought them discomfort, they saw the Almighty taking action and freeing them from that burden. The Lord uses this method to turn us away from sin and put us on the path to happiness. Always trust in God, who never loses a battle!

           Why did the children of the ten tribes complain about the Most High if they didn't follow His commands? Without keeping God's commandments, man cannot ask the Lord to fulfill His promises. Obeying the heavenly Father is a requirement for Him to work (John 14:21). Even if we desire divine operations on our behalf, if we don't do the least of things, the angels in heaven won't be able to act on our behalf under God's orders. He who does not love is not loved!

           The Most High knows how to bring us back to Him when we make decisions that will harm us. If we don't walk with God again, we will never be blessed. Those who let the devil rule their lives are mistaken. The enemy is evil and will never act differently. Anyone who feels distant from the Father should pray to know how to proceed (Isaiah 55:6). Then, following in faith, you will see the wonders of the Lord taking place. God is faithful!

           The king of Israel, the authorities and all the people saw how far they had strayed from the Lord. However, even though they were far from the Truth, when they found themselves in trouble, they went to God and were helped in decisive battles. The Most High brought them close to Himself, preventing the enemy from taking them over again and causing them to fall into sin once more. If they had lived as the Scriptures prescribed, they would have lived close to the Creator and been an example to other peoples!

           How can a people called to be God's representatives on Earth live divorced from Him? The Israelites, who had so often seen the divine hand perform wonders on their behalf, now saw only problems and pain. Those who trust in the Father will never miss Him, for they will be comforted day and night. The Bible says: But know that the LORD had set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him (Psalm 4.3). Believe and live!

           The Lord works in this way in order to take us out of iniquity and put us on the road to happiness. So there's no reason for any of His children to walk as if He doesn't fulfill what He speaks to their hearts. Those who read the Bible without meditating on it and who don't learn their rights will never see God at work in their lives. To walk by faith is to get it right. The Father will come to those who are close to him: ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you (Matthew 7.7). Pray now!

           God has lifted the yoke from our necks, so we declare ourselves free, but we need to make an effort and be of good cheer. Otherwise, we will miss out on the blessing. There is nothing better than reading the Word and knowing what the Most High says about our position in Christ (Ephesians 1.3). Our lives will undergo a radical transformation for the better if we believe in Him!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

             This message is fundamental for the Lord's servants. God has no favorites, so you can include yourself as a beneficiary of divine blessings. Not believing in this right is a mistake that should never be made. The Almighty watches over His Word to fulfill it in those who seek Him (Jeremiah 1.12). He is our Sustainer!

           Joseph's inheritance was split between Ephraim and Manasseh, his two sons. Ephraim is also the name used to identify the Northern Kingdom, also called Israel and Samaria. According to the Bible, this kingdom prospered greatly and also sinned too much. Jeroboam, its first king, made two golden calves and had the people worship them, saying that they had brought Israel out of Egypt (1 Kings 12.32; 2 Kings 10.29). This king proved to be the wrong man in the wrong place. To offend God is to go too far!

           The Lord declares that He taught Ephraim to walk. However, the people acted as if they didn't understand how to walk alongside God and went off to walk arm in arm with the devil. In doing so, they disqualified themselves before men and the powers of heaven. Many people still haven't learned the difference between right and wrong. They want to be with those who can help them get rich or obtain dirty favors. Why do they do this?

           In fact, by learning to follow the Lord, we will never give in to hell. Now, anyone who doesn't distinguish good from evil will obey the devil. It's beautiful to see people to whom we minister the Word acting like Jesus. Unfortunately, there are some who only want to live according to the evil one, going through great struggle. Give God what is His!

           God also says that He took Ephraim by their arms, but they still didn't learn their lesson. Many people, even though they are in church, don't even care about the teaching they receive. They live bearing bad witness to the faith and are far from the Most High, without realizing that their behavior will never fit in with the biblical recommendation. These individuals claim not to understand the Lord.

           Ephraim's mistake was not recognizing that, in the difficulties they faced, God Himself healed them of their weaknesses. These people rebelled against what they didn't understand. Ephraim didn't know that God was trying to heal their wounds of body and soul. The fact is that the Lord makes us trust in His words about us, because He wants us to live well in every way.

           When afflictions come, our soul is overcome with sadness and we are wounded by our suffering. But the Most High created us in His image and likeness to reign in life. So let's reject the spirit of murmuring, otherwise we will fall into an abyss that will call forth another abyss. The best thing is to live joyfully with God, without getting upset about everyday problems, but trusting in God's help. The Word says: In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares

          Israel was not growing in the presence of God. Even though they were freed from captivity in Egypt, when they were called to take part in the feast of demons, they forgot the favor they had received from the Lord and followed their corrupters. Many people who call themselves Christians and are waiting for Jesus to come and take them out of this world that they call evil, will remain here. Why will they be left? Because they love the world with all their hearts, because they live in sin!

           The servant of the Lord who heeds the calls of evil spirits will be at the mercy of the forces of Hell. This person has not yet learned that they must decide on Earth where they will live for eternity: Jesus' heaven or the lake of fire and brimstone prepared for Satan and his demons. Those who are unprepared to go up with Christ at His second coming will remain in the world. He will never take anyone who is living in sin (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3). Take care and live!

           The person who indulges in sin does not stand before God. As a result, any work of the devil can affect their life or make them an instrument of evil. Then, after having turned away from the Lord, they will still feel the weight of their mistake and will no longer know what to do. Remember: the seed you sow produces a greater harvest than itself, because the earth gives back abundantly. A single grain of corn will give you three or four ears of corn and hundreds of grains. Use this law!

           It doesn't matter what kind of temptation you've fallen into, whether you've completed the act or not. The Lord warns: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). If you can't bear to look at someone without lusting for them, you are under the devil's guidance and therefore urgently need to pray, confess your mistake to God and ask for forgiveness in order to be set free. Whoever sins serves the devil. Free yourself from the evil force that binds you!

           The issue Hosea deals with is very serious. It's not just young people with hormones running wild who sin; there are mature people, with responsibilities in life, who let themselves be taken in by the devil, as Israel did. Sacrificing to demons leads a person to commit various sins. The devil himself, who made the offering, will take his toll. Never be trapped by the spirits of hell. God loves you and wants to set you free now!

           How can a child of God burn incense to graven images, giving himself over to the deceptions that will make him suffer? Your incense - the praise of your lips, speaking of the wonderful things done by the Lord - must be burned only to Him. Never allow the evil one to reign in your life, only divine grace. A heart that loves God is pure and can therefore truly worship Him (Hebrews 13:15).

           Israel had everything to be victorious, but they gave in to the enemy, who took command of the people. Since then, what they do or think is commanded by Satan. Watch out! If you are acting outside of Lord’s Word, your life will be a failure. God wants to change you so that you can live eternally. Accept Him!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares