Dear Beloved in Christ,   Before we enter chapter 4, a brief word on Leviticus 3: The peace (or fellowship) offering beautifully foreshadows our reconciliation with God through Christ. As Romans 5:1 declares, “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.”  Jesus — the flawless sacrifice (whether male or female, as in Leviticus 3) — restored our broken fellowship, calling us to “walk in the light”  (1 John 1:7) in communion with Him and one another. The laying on of hands, the blood sprinkled by Aaron’s sons — all whisper of Calvary’s greater work. Now to Leviticus 4: Here, God makes stunning provision for unintentional sins   — those hidden faults and unknown transgressions (Psalm 19:12).   This is grace in the wilderness! Notice three profound truths:  1. No One Is Exempt    Even the anointed priest  could sin (v. 3). This shatters all illusions of human perfection. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” ...

  Dear Beloved in Christ,   As we step into the grain offering’s sacred rhythm, we find worship distilled to its essence: fine flour mingled with oil and frankincense  (v. 1). This is no mere ritual – it’s a love language between God and His people.  The fine flour, ground to silken purity (no guilt, no impurity), whispers of Christ — the unblemished; the flawless, unleavened  “Bread of Life”  (John 6:35), wholly without sin who entered our brokenness to make us whole.  The oil, glistening through the flour, speaks of the Spirit’s anointing, light and life — Christ Himself softening our hardened places, igniting His radiance within us until we shine like beacons in the dark world.  And the frankincense? Its resinous perfume, rising in smoke from the altar, becomes our prayers carried heavenward by Jesus, our Eternal Intercessor (Romans 8:34), whose very presence makes our lives “a pleasing aroma”  to the Father (Ephesians 5:2).  Whe...

Dear Brethren in Christ,  As we open Leviticus—the third book of Scripture—we step into a conversation already in progress. The opening word “Then”  (v. 1) immediately connects us to Exodus, where God spoke to Moses from the newly constructed Tent of Meeting. Here, the Lord establishes the sacred pattern for offerings, revealing a timeless truth: God receives only what He designates.  Just as Israel needed specific sacrifices to approach Him, we too must grasp what makes worship “an offering by fire, a soothing aroma to the Lord”  (v. 9, 13, 17).  The burnt offering provides profound principles for God-honoring worship. First, the sacrifice must be “a male without defect”  (v. 3)—pointing to Christ, the flawless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). For us, this signifies lives offered to God in holiness, unpolluted by the world (Romans 12:1). Second, the offering occurs exclusively “at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting”  (v. 3)—foreshadowing Jesus as “the Way” ...

 Beloved, as we conclude our journey through Jude, we stand before one of Scripture’s most radiant doxologies—a prayer bursting forth from the apostle’s confidence in God’s eternal faithfulness. Notice how Jude anchors this finale in holy boldness:  First, he approaches God with unwavering assurance,  declaring “to Him who is able” —no hint of doubt, only rock-solid trust in divine power. Second, he acknowledges God’s identity as “our Savior,”  centering all hope in His redeeming nature. Third, he erupts in surrendered praise, yielding “glory, majesty, dominion, and authority”  to the One to whom these belong eternally.  Let this truth resonate in your spirit: “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,  and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with exultant joy—  to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,  be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority,  before all time, now, and forever. A...

 Beloved, as we turn to Jude 17–23, the apostle calls us to remember the sobering prophecy spoken by Christ’s own messengers—Peter, Paul, John, and others—who forewarned the Church: “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.”  This is no distant warning. These deceivers walk among us today —in our Ugandan churches, across Africa, and throughout the world. They cloak themselves in spiritual authority, performing “miracles” and spinning captivating myths that gratify the flesh. They draw multitudes with entertaining promises, yet offer no true deliverance or transformation. Their crowds swell, but only discernment grounded in God’s Word can expose their emptiness.  Jude pierces their facade with divine clarity: These are the ones who cause divisions , insisting God’s Spirit dwells exclusively in their circles; who are worldly-minded , fixated on preaching earthly prosperity—dreams of luxury homes, foreign travels, and temporal success...

Dear brethren, today’s reflection is weighty but essential. Jude 9–16 exposes a grave danger: false teachers and hypocrites within the community of faith. The Humility of Heaven’s Authority (v. 9) > “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” This isn’t a call to passive spirituality—it’s a lesson in divine authority.  Even Michael, heaven’s warrior, deferred judgment to God. How much more should we  approach spiritual warfare with humility? We pray, “Lord, rebuke the forces of darkness” —never presuming our own power (Zechariah 3:2).  The Arrogance of False Teachers (vv. 10–11) > “Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand... Woe to them!” Jude condemns those who:  🫱🏻‍🫲🏻Revile spiritual truths  they ignore (e.g., calling biblical morality “hateful”) 🫱🏻‍🫲🏻Walk in Cain’s way:  Offering hollow...

 In verses 7–8, Jude reminds the saints of God’s judgment on Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities. He explicitly states why God annihilated them:  1.  Gross Immorality:  Pervasive sexual sin, dishonesty, corruption, violence, and deception (Ezekiel 16:49–50).  2.  Perversion of God’s Design:  They pursued “strange flesh”—a reference to homosexual acts, angelic-human relations (Genesis 19:1–11), and other violations of God’s created order.  Jude emphasizes that these cities serve as an example  (v. 7), enduring the punishment of eternal fire. This was recorded for our instruction: if we embrace the same sins, we invite the same judgment.  Scripture is clear: “No immoral, impure, or greedy person… has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God”  (Ephesians 5:5).  You may profess faith in Christ, yet if you walk in darkness—defiling your body, rejecting authority, or reviling God’s ordained order—do not presume...

Jude continues his solemn reminders to Christ’s Church in verse 6. Yesterday, we saw God’s complete destruction of those He saved from Egypt yet who rejected faith. Today, Jude unveils an even starker warning: God judged the angels who abandoned their domain.  These rebellious spirits are now imprisoned in eternal bonds of darkness, reserved for the great Day of Judgment.  This truth forces a piercing question:  How prepared are you for that coming Judgment? Scripture declares:  > “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment”  (Hebrews 9:27).  Your earthly death is certain—but God’s patience still holds back His wrath. He waits for you to repent and be washed clean by Christ’s finished work. Jesus took your sin upon Himself at the cross. If you refuse His mercy today, you remain in spiritual darkness—like those fallen angels—awaiting eternal condemnation. Many are trapped in false teachings that promise freedom but deliver bo...

Building solemnly upon his warning of divine judgment for unbelief (Jude 5), Jude thrusts before the Church an inescapable mirror of eternal consequence. Just as God obliterated those He miraculously delivered from Egypt when they abandoned faith —their corpses strewn in the wilderness—so now stands a fiercer reality: three unyielding verdicts grip every Christ —rejecting soul. First, you already stand condemned  —God’s wrath actively abides upon you (John 3:18, 36). Second, eternal life is utterly absent from your existence (1 John 5:12). Third, you wander in godless despair —orphaned in this world, stripped of hope and future (Ephesians 2:12). This is no distant threat but a present—tense catastrophe. If you spurn God’s Son, trample His commandments, and refuse repentance, your destruction is as certain as Egypt’s rebels. Hell’s jaws await the unrepentant.   Yet even now, the crucified Sovereign pounds upon the door of your rebellion (Revelation 3:20). That knock is G...

Building urgently upon his call to “contend earnestly for the faith”  (Jude 3), Jude now exposes a grave danger infiltrating the church: “Certain individuals have secretly slipped in among you—ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ, our only Sovereign and Lord”  (Jude 4). These are the spiritual saboteurs Scripture repeatedly warns of —“savage wolves”  who exploit the flock (Acts 20:29–30) and teachers who “tickle ears”  with myths (2 Timothy 4:3–4). Jude reveals their terrifying hallmark: they are not ignorant wanderers but foreknown rebels,  “marked out long ago for condemnation.” Their deception is deliberate, their methods calculated. They creep into communities with smooth words and counterfeit signs, exploiting Christ’s name to perform wonders that authenticate their lies. They amass followers—thousands drawn by entertainment, emotionalism, and empty promises—while gutting the Gospel of its deman...

In Jude verse 3, the apostle addresses the saints as “beloved” —a term reserved for those who walk in obedience and imitate God (Ephesians 5:1). As we journey through this profound letter, we see Jude’s urgent purpose: though he initially intended to write about our common salvation,  his pastoral heart was stirred to plead with the church. These believers —“called, loved by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1) —faced a critical threat.  Jude’s appeal flows from deep concern: false teachings had infiltrated the church, threatening to shipwreck the faith of Christ’s followers. His charge is unequivocal: “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” This faith is not negotiable or evolving —it is the eternal, unchanging truth of the gospel, entrusted to us for steadfast guardianship.  Jude’s diverted focus (from salvation to warning) only underscores the gospel’s priceless value. This “common salvation”  rests solely on grac...

Our today's reflections come from Jude 1:2, which says, “May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.”  As shared earlier, this epistle is addressed to those who are the called, the beloved in God the Father, and the kept for Jesus. Jude's prayer signifies that these three elements —mercy, peace, and love— should be multiplied in the lives of believers. The prayer is offered for the saints, the born-again believers in Christ Jesus. Jude prays that these three items may be multiplied, meaning they already have them, and the prayer is for them to be multiplied upon what they already have. Let's examine each of these elements... Firstly, mercy. For us all who are in Christ Jesus, once we were not a people, but now we are the people of God; we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy (1 Peter 2:11). The prayer is for us who already have mercy, may what we have be multiplied. We need His daily new mercies that God's Grace may abound to keep us in th...

The book of Jude, comprising only one chapter, is a concise yet powerful epistle. Jude verse 1 begins with an address, introducing the writer as a bond-servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. This introduction establishes Jude's credibility and connection to the early Christian community, highlighting the importance of relationships and accountability in ministry. By identifying himself as a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, Jude demonstrates remarkable humility and obedience to the Lord. As a bond-servant, Jude acknowledges that he is enslaved by Christ, lives for Him, and does all things to His glory. This level of humility is noteworthy, as few would willingly accept the role of a slave or servant. However, Jude proudly accepts this role in relation to Jesus Christ, showcasing his deep commitment to serving the Lord and fulfilling His purpose. The letter is addressed to a specific group of people, characterized by three key attributes... Firstly, they are the called  —tho...

 Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! May His loving kindness and mercy be upon us all. Let's join together in praise to God for His guidance and help as we've journeyed through Proverbs 1-31. We've been blessed by His Word, and His Spirit has breathed life into our reflections, meditations, and prayers. Glory be to God for His faithful presence! Praise be to Jesus, our wonderful God! As we move forward, starting tomorrow, we'll be diving into the book of Jude, guided by the Holy Spirit. Let's pray that He speaks to our hearts, prepares us to receive His Word, and restores our souls. May He guide us on the path of righteousness for His name's sake. You're invited to join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8OeJrLI8YRdKbglT1W or subscribe to our blog: https://oriokotsilas.blogspot.com/ In Christ,  Silas Oriokot

 As I reflect on Proverbs 31:3, “Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings,” I'm reminded of the profound love and concern mothers have for their children, especially sons. Lemuel's mother uttered a wise oracle, addressing her son with tender affection: “What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?” (Proverbs 31:2). This resonates deeply with me, recalling my own mother's words of wisdom and love when I strayed. She would call me “okwe ika koku, nyobo ber ikoni ijo nen," a phrase that still echoes in my mind, reminding me of her love and concern. A mother's love and passion for her children are truly remarkable. Lemuel's mother's warning to her son offers timeless wisdom for us all. She cautions against letting desires or distractions consume our lives. For single individuals, this means devoting their strength to Christ. For those in marriage, it means prioritizing their relationship with th...

 Today's memory verse, Proverbs 30:5-6, highlights the reliability of God's Word. The verse states, “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” Let's break it down: First, “Every word of God is tested” (Proverbs 30:5a) implies that God's Word is faithful and never fails. It's living, active, and will come to pass, conquer, and rule. As God's Word is omniscient, we can trust it completely. The second part of Proverbs 30:5b tells us that “He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” This means God protects and defends those who run to Him for help, trust in Him, and hope in Him. This promise holds true for everyone in Christ Jesus — the redeemed, the forgiven, and those set free through Christ's finished work. Given the authenticity and unchanging nature of God's Word, we're warned not to add to it. If we do, we'll be proved liars...

 Today's memory verse, Proverbs 29:24, warns that ‘He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing.’ This verse highlights the dangers of partnering with those who engage in wrongdoing. In this context, partnering with a thief means agreeing to walk with them, sit with them, or actively participate in their illicit activities. According to Jesus in John 10:10, a thief is anyone who comes to “steal, kill, and destroy.” This definition encompasses various types of thieves. There are ‘unknown thieves’ — those who engage in dishonesty, corruption, greed, and selfishness, often hiding in plain sight in government offices, churches, and homes. Then there are ‘ real thieves’ — those who openly engage in criminal activities like robbery and theft. Most concerning are the ‘ thieves of souls’ — false apostles, prophets, and pastors who preach a distorted gospel, prioritizing prosperity and personal gain over spiritual growth. These false teach...

 Haha, looks like we left something behind! Let's dive into Proverbs 28:1. It says, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing.” We've all been there — done something wrong, felt guilty, and suddenly we're on edge. It's like everyone's watching us, even when they're not. I recall a time when I, Silas, felt like my sins were exposed. A phone call from a faithful brother in the Lord after a long time had me thinking they were calling me out, but they just wanted to know how I have been doing and perhaps say words of encouragement. That's when I realized the weight of guilt can make us feel like we're being pursued, even when no one's after us. Maybe you're in that state because of your sin, because of your iniquity and wicked deeds, you feel someone is after you. You have fear, you don't want to hear from fellow Christian brethren because your sins are ever before you. If you're feeling this way, I want you to know there's hope. Confess ...

  Memory Verse:   “He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.” —Proverbs 28:23 As I reflected on today's memory verse, I recalled Proverbs 27:5, which compares open rebuke to concealed love. Both verses emphasize the importance of genuine correction. Proverbs 28:23 states, “He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor.”  Here, “He”  refers to the righteous individual who lives to please God – the truly born-again Christian who fears the Lord. The person being rebuked can be categorized into two groups: unbelievers living treacherous lives and believers who have fallen into sin due to fleshly lusts or pride.  As believers, our role is to bring judgment to non-believers, calling them to repentance, and to watch over fellow believers, helping those who are backsliding. This involves open rebuke, which can be a sign of genuine love and concern. Rebuke must be done with the intention of drawing others closer t...

  Memory Verse:  “Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” —Proverbs 27:5-6 In today's memory verse, we compare two things, considering one better than the other. “Open rebuke”  is stated as better than “love that is concealed.”  Open rebuke involves opening up to a friend, brother, sister, parent, spouse, or children about their wrongdoings. It's about facing them, confronting them, and challenging them with the truth of their actions, revealing the consequences, and alerting them to the need for change. For example, if you see a fellow Christian preaching a message that brings hopeless faith, such as telling a sick person that accepting Jesus Christ will guarantee a life free from sickness, you should call them aside and gently correct them with the truth of the Gospel. This is open rebuke, aimed at stopping them from proclaiming heresies and guiding them towards the truth....

Memory Verse: “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” —Proverbs 26:12 The text says, “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?”  This phenomenon is prevalent among us, where people view themselves as wise and right in their own eyes, disregarding their sinful nature. They're often insensitive to their sins and perceive themselves as holy, righteous, and pure. However, this self-perception blinds them to their true state — that of sinners saved solely by God's grace. Jesus came to save sinners, not the self-righteous. Many today claim to be wise in their own eyes, believing they have no need for repentance. They overlook the fact that, apart from Christ, they're lost and without hope. According to Proverbs 26:12, “There is more hope for a fool than for” those wise in their own eyes because a fool is more likely to acknowledge their faults and repent. We see many professing born-again Christians deceiving themselves, thinking they...

  Memory Verse: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you.” —Proverbs 25:21-22 A good relationship maintained with enemies brings rewards from the Lord. Let's dive deeper into Proverbs 25:21-22. This verse starts with “if”  and points to that person who hates you, speaks malice about you, or wishes harm upon you (Psalm 41:5). The instruction is to feed that person if they're hungry and give them a drink if they're thirsty. Instead of retaliating with hate, we're called to show kindness, even to those who want us to suffer or die of hunger. The result of doing good to our enemies is that we “will heap burning coals on his head.”  I'd like to illustrate this with a personal testimony. When I, Silas, was in senior two during my high school at Halcyon, I wronged a friend by being arrogant and selfish after he borrowed a pen from me. I uttered ...

Memory Verse: “My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off.” —Proverbs 24:13-14 Let's dive into Proverbs 24:13-14. In verse 13, we're invited to ‘eat honey’ — a sweet and delightful experience. This sets the stage for verse 14, where we learn that wisdom is like honey for our souls. Here, wisdom refers to Jesus Himself, who satisfies our deepest needs and brings fulfillment. In a world filled with pain, anxiety, and uncertainty, Jesus is the answer.  When we find Him, we gain a future and hope that's secure. No matter what we're going through - illness, financial struggles, or family challenges — Jesus is our Redeemer, Healer, and Good Shepherd.  By trusting in Him, our hope remains unshaken. Let's devote ourselves to Christ, our Wisdom, and experience the sweetness of His presence. In Christ,  Silas Or...

Memory Verse: “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off.” —Proverbs 23:17-18 Let's dive into Proverbs 23:17-18. The key phrase here is “Do not,” a command not to envy sinners. These individuals, who aren't believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, might seem successful, enjoying life's pleasures and accumulating wealth, sometimes through unjust means like corruption and dishonesty. However, we're instructed not to covet their achievements or lifestyle. Instead, we're called to live in the fear of the Lord, which is about revering God with awe and worship, trusting in His Word, and obeying Him. This fear isn't about being fearful like we'd be of a snake; it's about drawing closer to God and living a life that honors Him. The command is clear: fear the Lord always, not just momentarily. And what's the promise? A bright future for those who fear Him. God says, “I...