Welcome friends to the Gate of Faithfulness! Here are a few details that I would like to share with you about this gate.

The word faithful means steadfast, dedicated, dependable, obedient and worthy of trust. It’s derived from the Hebrew root meaning “to trust” (a person), or “to believe”(a statement). This is the same definition that gives us the word “amen” (so be it). The distinction is that the one so described is trustworthy, dependable, trusting or loyal. For example, Moses was faithful in all God’s household (Numbers 12:7), and faithful is used to describe the relationship of God with Israel (Deuteronomy 7:9). Still today our faithful God keeps His covenant, and faithful people keep His commandments.

Vance Havner says this about faithfulness. “God is faithful and He expects His people to be faithful. God’s word speaks of faithful servants, faithful in a few things, faithful in the least, faithful in the Lord, and in faithful ministers. And all points to that day when He will say, ‘Well done, My good and faithful servant.’ What terrible times we have in our churches trying to keep people faithful in attendance as well as loyal to cause! How we reward, and picnic, coax and tantalize church members into doing things they don’t want to do but, which they would do if they loved God! The only service that counts is faithful service. True faith shows up in faithfulness. Not everyone can sing or preach, but all can be faithful.”

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated this month. Chanukah (Hanukkah) is a relatively new holiday, dating back to 165 B.C. It is not mentioned in the Jewish Bible, as it commemorates an event that took place during the time between the closing of the Tanakh (the Old Testament) and the writing of the New Covenant Scriptures (the New Testament). By the time of Jesus, Hanukkah had become a regular holiday, as is mentioned in the Gospel of John 10:22-30, “Then came the Feast of Dedication (i.e. Hanukkah) at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s colonnade.”

Hanukkah signifies that we must keep the spiritual light burning in our hearts. It also indicates that the presence of the Holy Spirit is vitally important for our spiritual maturity! During this Festival we are to allow the light of the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide our lives. We are to agree with the Lord that any darkness existing in us must be removed by the light of His Presence! Therefore, this is the time to examine our hearts so that we can align to God’s purpose for our lives. Brothers and sisters, I declare and decree that this month will be an outpouring of His faithfulness to you as you remain faithful to Him. 

Remember, “We will never rule the gates of our cities without first allowing the Lord to rule the gates of our hearts.”