Do not gamble nor buy lottery tickets

Christians are not allowed to gamble like the world. Please do not buy lottery tickets. Do not go to the casinos and gamble your money away. Do not wager on sports. Your provision is in HIM and not a ticket in which the odds are against you. If you gamble, you are relying on luck rather than the Word of God and through your faith. 

Isaiah chapter 65 verse 11 talks about forsaking God and depending on luck and fortune.

Isaiah 65:11 (AMP) But you who forsake the Lord, who forget and ignore My holy Mount [Zion], who prepare a table for Gad [the Babylonian god of fortune] and who furnish mixed drinks for Meni [the god of destiny]—

Isaiah 65:11
Expanded Bible (EXB) 11 “But as for you who ·left [abandoned; forsook] the Lord,
who forgot about my holy mountain,
who ·worship the god Luck [Lspread a table for Fortune/Luck; CHebrew Gad, a pagan god], ·who hold religious feasts for the god Fate [Lfill bowls of mixed wine for Fate; CHebrew Meni, a pagan god],

The Romans soldiers had gambled in front of Jesus after they had nailed HIM to the cross. Why would we want to gamble reminding the Lord the disrespect the Roman soldiers had on HIM?

Matthew 27:35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

The root problem is greed. Many Christians tell God if they win the lottery they will give so much to the Church or to HIM. Most are all lying because if you could, then you would able to properly tithe and offer now with the little. If we cannot give when we have little, how can we give when we have a lot. Repent and return to your First Love following His commandments rather than the world. Why be destroyed for a lack of knowledge to His Word?

John 14:21 (EXB) Those who ·know [Lhave] my commands and ·obey [keep] them are the ones who LOVE ME, and my Father will love those who love me. I will love them and will ·show [reveal] myself to them.”

God bless

Covering

Several years ago, I used to hear a lot of pastors or preachers talk about covering or being under authority. As God was training me, I did not fully realize what this had meant until HE had me open HIS church.

Ruth 3:1-4 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to Ruth, My daughter, shall I not seek rest or a home for you, that you may prosper. 2 And now is not Boaz, with whose maidens you were, our relative? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.3 Wash and anoint yourself therefore, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.4 But when he lies down, notice the place where he lies; then go and uncover his feet and lie down. And he will tell you what to do.

Boaz is a type of Christ who is the redeemer for Ruth. The threshing floor is the alter or church. God told King David to erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (2 Sam 24:18). When I say church, I do not mean organized religion. It can be in a building. It can be in a home or in a meeting room. We, the believers, is the church but more importantly to be determine are authority and anointing. The anointing marks the authority on a person to preach, teach, and deliver God's power. If there is no anointing, then the person has no business preaching or teaching. Perhaps, they need to spend more time with God before stepping into their calling.  Many have gone ahead of God. But it is in the church or altar in which God may crush and winnow His people to repentance and brokenness. It is the threshing floor in which the grains are crushed. 

Verse three says we are to wash and anoint ourselves going in our best clothes. This does not mean we have to wear a suit and a tie but that is not a bad thing either. But we must go with the right motivation and condition of our heart. We must prepare washing ourselves with the Word of God and anointing through prayer and meditation in HIM. 

When Boaz had laid down, the instructions to Ruth was to uncover his feet and lie beside him. What did this mean? I read where in Jewish tradition, Ruth would had laid down horizontally to Boaz. This would have symbolized the cross. But why did she had to uncover his feet. The garment represented authority and rank. Just as in the military, the stripes or symbols on one's shoulder or arms represented rank and authority. Ruth was basically asking Boaz to take her under his authority and house for her protection and welfare. Boaz had land. He had resources. He was well known around the community. She would receive and participate in what he possessed as long as she was under his covering and authority through her obedience.

In Mark 5, the woman who had bled for twelve years was finally healed because of her faith as she touched Jesus' garment. Yes, she was one of God's people but she had yet to make a choice to fully submit to God. She had spent all she had on doctors. At first, as many Christians, rather than making full commitments to God, we rather try to find a short cut in our healing and chaos. But all her physical resources had to be spent before she decided to follow, obey, and submit to His authority. She had to go to the bottom of her life.

Mark 5:25-27 25 And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years,26 And who had endured much [i]suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and was no better but instead grew worse.She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment.

She came up behind HIM and touched His garment. If we are to find our healing through Jesus, we must decide to truly follow HIM and put ourselves under HIS authority. She coming up behind HIM symbolized that she had made a decision to follow Jesus. Many think they are following Jesus because they acknowledge HIM and they define this as believing onto HIM but as many are still sick or in chaos. It is proving they may not be following up behind HIM or submitting to His authority. Then we must touch HIS garment. We must find a church or group that has HIS anointing which marks the authority to flock HIS people. When we find a church or pastor who has the authority to flock God's people, then we must submit to their authority and protection. When God appoints HIS authority and anointing on a church, those who submit to that church or pastor will receive the anointing, protection, resources, and guidance of that church or pastor. This is where God is using as His church/vessel for provisions and feeding His Word.

In my family, I have my wife and three children. My children are very young and they do not know much about the world. But since they are under my house or authority, they receive the blessings of obedience or the curses if I disobey. However, as I obey God, they receive blessings, protection, participate in the anointing we receive, the power of God, and much more. For example, If I take in a street child, whether that child is obedient or disobedient, they will still fall under my authority and protection and he/she will be provided the food we eat and will enjoy the blessing we partake. If the child continues to obey, then the food (Word of God) I feed him/her will begin to make him/her healthy. What if this child was given to a family that only served junk and fast food? Then the child would not grow up very healthy. As the pastor, husband, and father, I have certain authority designated to me and those under my wing will partake such authority and anointing. The church is in the same manner. In our church, the members are being fed what is given to me. They participate in the anointing and power given through our pulpit/altar. Those who obey will benefit and be blessed. Those who disobey will eventually be pruned. God flows HIS authority and anointing through this church. God is a God of order. Yes, it is so important to have a pastor who is one who prays and intercedes and seeks the Heart of God.

But how do we know we are at a right church? Are we to look for a church with power? What if there is no power or Spirit within the church and they only emphasize the Word or fundamentals? If there is no power of Love or spiritual manifestations of the Spirit, then it may be obvious God is not in that house. And even when there is power, the fruit must be present and lasting. We are known by the fruit of the Spirit. Yes, there are seasons or times when we may be waiting to be joined with a church (flock) or we may be on our own for a little while. But it is God's will we are under submission and authority with those HE has assigned as shepherds and other anointed servants of God. Scripture says not to forsake assembling with one another (Heb 10:25). Do not listen to those who tell you to leave your churches but have no solutions. You must always ask and be led by the Spirit of God. A sheep on its own is very vulnerable. Do you think your so called brother or sister who professes to know Christ on Facebook who is telling you to leave your churches or your country will pay your rent? But you say your church is not doing what it should be? Then why don't you set the example and intercede for your church? Why don't you go to your church and pray 1 to 2 hours a day before the altar crying out to HIM? Will prayer not change things? Will it not move Father's Heart? Let us not complain but take responsibility and accountability.

Ruth did not try to find another job. She did not try to find a younger husband. Ruth was very obedient to Naomi and as she followed her precise instructions. She found provisions, protection, and life. She had to find a covering or protection and Noami was a type of the Holy Spirit who led her to Boaz who was a type of Christ. We must always seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Through her obedience, she was used by God to be in the line in which Jesus would come. You must do what the Holy Spirit Wills for your life rather than your personal desire. Then it will be well with you. Naomi sought a home for Ruth to rest so that she may prosper. We all need to be under a house of God to have our spirits prosper in which we can rest in God.

Ruth had faith. Abraham had faith. Enoch had faith, Noah had faith. Rahab had faith. Many think faith is more or less thought. When Abraham believed, it was counted as righteousness. When we believe, we need to act and react toward God's Will. It is our obedience to HIS Word and commands that is counted as righteousness for us.

Deuternomomy 5:24-25 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to [reverently] fear the Lord our God for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.25 And it will be accounted as righteousness (conformity to God’s will in word, thought, and action) for us if we are watchful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.

May you all be led by the Holy Spirit bearing His Fruit to glorify the Father in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, CA USA

Why were you saved?

For what reason are you saved? What did Apostle Paul say for the reason he was saved. Just as Apostle Paul, you and I were not doing anything good to be saved. Many are fallen short of God's Glory. We are like sheep who have all gone astray. Yet, God had saved us. Why and for what purpose? Were you a good person? Was I a good person? Were the apostles and the patriarchs of the bible good people that determined their salvation?

Even the Apostle Paul, when he was Saul was killing the Christians. In fact, he was on the road to Damascus to gather and persecute more Christians. Paul was not doing anything right to be saved. God had intervened to save Saul who later became Apostle Paul. God out of His mercy intervened to save you and I as we were like sheep who had gone astray.

1 Tim 1:15 The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.16 But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life.

We have been saved for His Name Sake and to display His perfect long suffering and patience as an example. Through His long suffering and patience in us, this will lead our families, our friends, our bosses, those who are weak in the faith, and the nations to believe onto HIM for eternal life.

2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I [am ready to] persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect [God’s chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.

Paul said he must persevere and hold his ground with patience and endurance against anything for the sake of God's elect or God's people so that they too may obtain salvation. Why did Paul say the word "may?" The definition of "may" is an expression of possibility. If it was guaranteed without our obedience, then why must Paul, and now you and I, must we persevere and endure for those who profess to believe but are weak in faith? Yes, although we are saved, we are being saved and the bible says we must endure to the end to be saved. Yes, God had called and chosen many people, you, and I but we must fulfill our part of the covenant through obedience and PROPER believing.

2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.25 He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it],26 And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God’s] will.

The meek shall inherit the earth. Only through the fruit of the Spirit and through HIS meekness and kindness in you will you conquer and possess the land. The land are the hearts of our families, friends, weaker brethren, and the nations. Once their hearts are fully surrendered to God, then all they have is now at Kingdom disposal. You cannot force anyone to believe in what you know. You must live the Word in your lives so that HIS Power of Love, His Power of Patience, His Power of Peace, His Power of Gentleness, and His Power of Long Suffering will correct others with courtesy and gentleness. Through this, God may grant others to repent to come to know the Truth freeing them from the snares of the devil. The real Power of God is His Love, Patience, and Long Suffering. All other spiritual gifts will fade away but LOVE will remain and endure.

Scripture says to to pursue Love and desire the gifts. But many pursue and desire the spiritual gifts and end up a gong. The spiritual gifts are not there to gravitate yourself better than others but they are there to help you draw closer to Father God. You must obtain the proper order. You must pursue and know LOVE first and to pursue Love is to pursue God for HE is Love. As you pursue HIM, HE will grant you the spiritual gifts to draw closer to HIM.

Without the Power of His Love in you, there will not be lasting fruit. Without the fruit of the Spirit, you will not be able to conquer and possess the land. Be filled with HIS Love but to be filled with HIS love you must possess a pure heart, clear conscious, and sincere faith. Many worry about getting their families right with God but perhaps, many need to get right with God first.

May you know and come to brokenness so that through your ashes may come beauty. Always be in prayer. You must become less and less to nothing and HE must become everything.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.

Pastor Steve Yong Kim

Fire of God Church

Fremont, California USA

Be filled with His Love

We are called to be filled with the love of God for God is love. HIS desire is that we bear lasting fruit, not temporary fruit. For when we bear lasting fruit HE is glorified. Staying in obedience to the Word and keeping the commandments of God is abiding in HIS Love. Lasting fruit that Glorifies God is one that is bore through the Spirit of God as our faith and obedience endures to the end. But temporary fruit is fruit of the flesh and it will fade away. Examine your own fruit.

1 Tim 1:5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

In order to be filled with God's love, we must have a pure heart, clear conscience, and genuine faith. Many Christians think we are loving God and we are loving each other but as humans have proved, our love abandons, our love fails, and our love falls short. Man's love through his own strength can only bear temporary fruit. Many Christians are bearing temporary fruit. God's Love does not fail and is constant and this is the standard in which we must walk in.

What is Love? 1 Cor 13:4-8 "Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]."

Is this the kind of Love you possess? This is the Love we are called to possess and walk in. If we are to possess God's heart and love, we must pray for HIS Heart and Love. Have you prayed fasting and crying out HIM? We must pray denying ourselves to possess a pure heart, repenting and forgiving to possess a clear conscience and continuing to endure all trials, tests, and tribulation to have our faith proved rather than running from all trouble. Scripture says to be patient in trouble and keep praying. Scripture never said to run or quit. We are the children of God. We must endure to the end to be saved.

May you all possess His Heart and Love for only the pure in heart shall see God.

Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church

Through His Long Suffering and Patience in you will lead others to salvation

For what reason are you saved? What did Apostle Paul say for the reason he was saved. Just as Apostle Paul, you and I were not doing anything good to be saved. We are all fallen short of God's Glory. We are like sheep who have all gone astray. Yet, God had saved us. Why and for what purpose? Were you a good person? Was I a good person? Were the apostles and the patriarchs of the bible good people that determined their salvation?

Even the Apostle Paul, when he was Saul was killing the Christians. In fact, he was on the road to Damascus to gather and persecute more Christians. Paul was not doing anything right to be saved. God had intervened to save Saul who later became Apostle Paul. God out of His mercy intervened to save you and I as we were like sheep who had gone astray.

1 Tim 1:15 The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.16 But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life.

We have been saved for His Name Sake and to display His perfect long suffering and patience as an example. Through His long suffering and patience in us, this will lead our families, our friends, our bosses, those who are weak in the faith, and the nations to believe onto HIM for eternal life.

2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I [am ready to] persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect [God’s chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.

Paul said he must persevere and hold his ground with patience and endurance against anything for the sake of God's elect or God's people so that they too may obtain salvation. Why did Paul say the word "may?" The definition of "may" is an expression of possibility. If it was guaranteed without our obedience, then why must Paul, and now you and I, must we persevere and endure for those who profess to believe but are weak in faith? Yes, although we are saved, we are being saved and the bible says we must endure to the end to be saved. Yes, God had called and chosen many people, you, and I but we must fulfill our part of the covenant through obedience and PROPER believing.

2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.25 He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it],26 And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God’s] will.

The meek shall inherit the earth. Only through the fruit of the Spirit and through HIS meekness and kindness in you will you conquer and possess the land. The land are the hearts of our families, friends, weaker brethren, and the nations. Once their hearts are fully surrendered to God, then all they have is now at Kingdom disposal. You cannot force anyone to believe in what you know. You must live the Word in your lives so that HIS Power of Love, His Power of Patience, His Power of Peace, His Power of Gentleness, and His Power of Long Suffering will correct others with courtesy and gentleness. Through this, God may grant others to repent to come to know the Truth freeing them from the snares of the devil. The real Power of God is His Love, Patience, and Long Suffering. All other spiritual gifts will fade away but LOVE will remain and endure.

Scripture says to to pursue Love and desire the gifts. But many pursue and desire the spiritual gifts and end up a gong. The spiritual gifts are not there to gravitate yourself better than others but they are there to help you draw closer to Father God. You must obtain the proper order. You must pursue and know LOVE first and to pursue Love is to pursue God for HE is Love. As you pursue HIM, HE will grant you the spiritual gifts to draw closer to HIM.

Without the Power of His Love in you, there will not be lasting fruit. Without the fruit of the Spirit, you will not be able to conquer and possess the land. Be filled with HIS Love but to be filled with HIS love you must possess a pure heart, clear conscious, and sincere faith. Many worry about getting their families right with God but perhaps, many need to get right with God first.

May you know and come to brokenness so that through your ashes may come beauty.  Always be in prayer. You must become less and less to nothing and HE must become everything.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.

Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fire of God Church
Fremont, California USA

Repent and go boldly before His Throne

In the book of Esther, King Xerxes held an 180 days of celebration. After, the celebration, he held a seven day banquet for all the people from the greatest to the least who were in the fortress of Susa. The king spent a great deal of money and it was a splendorous and beautiful banquet. The queen was also holding a banquet at the same time for the women. Queen, Vashti, was a beautiful woman. The king the called for the queen. He wanted the nobles and other high ranking officials to gaze at her beauty. But the queen refused. This had made the king furious.

King Xerxes on the advice of his wise men made a new law to banish the queen. The law could not be revoked. He had decreed a new law to banish the queen.

King Xerxes then searched for a new queen. By God's grace, Esther had been raised for this purpose. She was a Jew and she had become the queen. King Xerxes did not know she was a Jew at that time.

In short, the king was deceived into making a decree or law to destroy all the Jews. Esther's uncle/cousin had come to Queen Esther to plead to the king on behalf of her people. But at that time, the king had not spoken to her for 30 days. In fact, unless one is called by the king, if one goes before the throne without permission, one is doomed unless the king holds up his golden scepter.

This was the one purpose Queen Esther had been raised by God. It was to save her people. She did not do anything to deserve her position of royalty. She was called and chosen.

King Xerxes can represent God and Queen Vashti can represent His people. When God calls His people, many are refusing to obey. As many have and will refuse His calling, many will be banished forever as they refuse to do His Will.

But also as God's people, many are like Queen Esther, a people called and chosen to be His Bride. In our wilderness or dry times, there may be seasons in which God many not be speaking to us. The king had not spoken to Queen Esther for 30 days. But when challenging times arise, when it appears God is not listening and when our families, friends, and much are also at stake, we must come boldly before HIM to this throne.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

But the law stated that no one can come before the king Xerxes without his permission. Many are in sin and because of the law, many are not able to come before Almighty God. What will you do to enter His Presence?

Queen Esther declared a fast of no food and drink for three days. She said that even though it is against the law, I will go and if I die, I die. She went to the king risking her life for her people.

Many Christians are in sin and they may feel they are in the wilderness or they may feel as though God is not listening to them. But God loves us and is waiting for us. He is watching you to see if your faith will move. HE is watching you to see if you will choose life.

She fasted to humble herself. She fasted to prepare to enter the throne of king Xerxes. Spiritually, she and her people were fasting to humble and afflict themselves lowly so that God may hear their cries. Queen Esther risked her life. The law stated no one can enter the throne of the king and live unless the golden scepter is raised.

Esther 5:On the third day [of the fast] Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the royal or inner court of the king’s palace opposite his [throne room]. The king was sitting on his throne, facing the main entrance of the palace.2 And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out to [her] the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the tip of the scepter.3 Then the king said to her, What will you have, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of the kingdom.

Even though sin has prevented so many from entering the Holy of Holies and HIS presence, we must fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace. HE may grant us favor and grace. HE wants to see your attitude that you want HIM and to be with HIM at all cost even if it will cost you your life. HE want to see and know that you desire HIS presence more than everything in life including your life. This is not a theory. This is not theology. This is not what could be. This can be reality. It is a reality to enter the Holy of Holies and to walk with HIM daily. This is something we must achieve by walking daily as a living sacrifice dying to oneself so that HE may fully manifest in us.

The law says that sin cannot enter the throne or presence of God. But Jesus Christ has made the way through His Blood. Now, we must draw to HIM with a full heart, no longer divided and many must repent. Many must forsake the world and the love of the world. We must be determined. We must be focused. We must desire HIM alone. We must go even if it will cost us our life. And when HE sees us at the entrance, HE will allow us to touch the golden scepter so that we may receive mercy and favor. HE is willing to let us inherit the Kingdom of God.

Joel 2:12 (AMP) Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored].

Glory to HIM
Pastor Steve Yong Kim

Apostol Guillermo Maldonado Strongholds