Single-Minded

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Ezekiel 1:12-13 And they went every one straight forward; wherever the spirit would go, they went, and they turned not when they went.13 In the midst of the living creatures there was what looked like burning coals of fire, like torches moving to and fro among the living creatures; the fire was bright and out of the fire went forth lightning.

I found the following illustration regarding multitasking: So you think you can multitask? Texting while driving? No problem. Watching television and reading the Bible? No problem. Checking your email while listening to a spouse, a child, or a friend? No problem. In reality, however, according to a team of researchers at Stanford University, multi-tasking causes big problems. A Stanford University news service article announced the study this way: “Attention, multitaskers (if you can pay attention, that is): Your brain may be in trouble.” The researchers originally set out to discover what gave multitaskers their special focus; instead, they were surprised to discover that in many ways multitasking impairs performance. So while many people think they’re effective at juggling multiple tasks, they’re actually pretty lousy at it. For instance, heavy multitaskers are suckers for distraction and for irrelevancy. According to one of the researchers, “Everything distracts them.” Multitaskers were also more unorganized in their ability to keep and retrieve information. They were even worse at the main thing that defines multitasking: switching from one task to the next. Heavy multitaskers underperformed in almost every area of the study. The article based on the study concluded with this advice: “By doing less, you might accomplish more.”

James 1:8 echoes the truth of this finding stating: [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. It’s interesting that the phrase two minds or double-minded is literally translated “two-souled.” As many of you know I used to drive eighteen wheelers, or semi-trailer trucks. One of the things I learned quickly was where I focused my eyes was where my truck was going. This sounds obvious but it required constant vigilance and discipline. For some reason if I became distracted by something on either side I would begin pulling in that direction. (Which many of you have most likely experienced driving down the interstate). Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Psalm 16:8 echoes this: I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Why would the writer of Hebrews use Jesus as the example of faith? Jesus was singly focused on the Father’s Will. So much so that He wouldn’t do things that were not in the Father’s will. Why? That’s where Jesus’ faith and trust rested. And there’s a clue for all of us. Multitaskers “faith” is in their mistaken ability to think they can do several things at one time equally. Whenever our faith is focused or even shared with any thing or anyone other than Jesus we end up losing our way, running into things, in a ditch, or worse. Fixing your eyes on Jesus, and setting the Lord at your right hand requires faith and focus.

When I was a teen I used to compete in a track event known as the 440 yard relay. I was the “anchor man” for our team. Early on our coach taught us to avoid the temptation of focusing on anything other than the finish line. This was hard to do. Especially, when your competitor maybe a second slower, and you can hear his feet pounding the track right beside you. In that moment it is easy to look sideways or even backwards. But our coach taught that when we did this we shaved a second off our time – causing us to possibly lose the race. As followers and believers in Jesus we have one Anchor Man, and His Name is Jesus. He is the only one Who can empower you to win, and finish your race well. Take hold of His Anchor and allow it to guide you not only through life but in your everyday disciplines of prayer, reading the Word, thanksgiving and worship. Allow His Faith to rise up in you, focusing on Jesus at your right hand while you seek Him, His Presence, and stepping out in response to His leading. This should lead you to doing things that only Jesus would do. Henry Blackaby reminds us in the course Experiencing God, Our world is not seeing God because we are not attempting anything that only God can do.…What are you attempting to do that can only happen if God brings it to pass?

It Ain’t Over Till the Fat Lady Sings

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Luke 1:7, 13, 18 But they had no child, for Elizabeth was barren; and both were far advanced in years….But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zachariah, because your petition was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you must call his name John [God is favorable]….And Zachariah said to the angel, By what shall I know and be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.

A Wikipedia article regarding the colloquialism, It Ain’t Over Till the Fat Lady Sings, states: “This phrase is often used as a proverb. It means that one should not presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress. More specifically, the phrase is used when a situation is (or appears to be) nearing its conclusion. It cautions against assuming that the current state of an event is irreversible and clearly determines how or when the event will end. The phrase is generally understood to be a reference to opera sopranos, who were typically heavyset. The imagery of Wagner‘s opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen and its last part, Götterdämmerung, is typically used in depictions accompanying uses of the phrase. The “fat lady” is thus the valkyrie Brünnhilde, who was traditionally presented as a very buxom lady. Her farewell scene lasts almost twenty minutes and leads directly to the finale of the whole Ring Cycle. As Götterdämmerung is about the end of the world (or at least the world of the Norse gods), in a very significant way “it is [all] over when the fat lady sings.”

This colloquialism definitely applies to what transpires between Zachariah and the angel Gabriel. What is truly astounding is Gabriels’ casual comment: your petition was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. Why is this astounding? Twice, Dr. Luke emphasizes the fact: both were far advanced in years, and Zachariahs belief: For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. But that is not the astounding part. The astounding part is, your petition was heard! I have a hard time believing Zachariah and Elizabeth were still praying for a child. In fact it is easy to believe that they had probably put this prayer request on the shelf, along with many other seemingly unanswered prayer requests. They had simply learned to accept these things as the way things were going to be. Most likely the future parents of John the Baptist had petitioned the Lord with this repeated, desperate request as they began seeing the window closing to the possibility. Surely, by this time, the “old man” had given up on that hope. What the angel was declaring just couldn’t be true. But how many of you know that the Bible is full of what seemed to be true events, trumped by even greater, truer events? In the beginning God released light, yet in the midst of His light being released there were lesser lights: the Sun, the moon, and stars. Jesus said in Jn. 8:32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. Jesus spoke this to Jews who had a revelation of the Truth (truth) in the Law, and the Prophets. Yet, as this was spoken, the Truth, the Greatest of ALL truths, stood before them declaring these things. What are we to make of this? Often we define truth by our perceptions of reality failing to enter into the Light of Truth, Jesus. Our circumstances may seem to be true – but there is a Greater Truth whose Name is Jesus. Now He is not an opera singer but He is a singer nonetheless, and He sings His song in a place of timelessness. What’s truly amazing is He sings His song over you and me. Rabbi’s believe God didn’t simply speak creation into existence, He sung it into existence. Possibly in Zacharias, and Elizabeth’s life the song hadn’t been finished and that’s why the manifestation of a prayer answered hadn’t come to their attention. What have you prayed about and given up on? Maybe it’s time for you to turn your ear to the song of the Singer, and listen for what He has to say. Luke 1:20 in the KJV reads: And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed…Maybe it’s time we confess to the Lord we have been dumb, and we need to learn to be still to know He is God; to listen and wait instead of speaking. Maybe it’s time that we take our place as a new creation and join in the song of the Singer. Chris Tomlin wrote a song by that name: Sing, Sing, Sing. The opening lyrics state: Sing, sing, sing and make music with the heavens. We will sing, sing, sing grateful that You hear us when we shout Your praise lift high the name of Jesus!

Fighting Fire With Fire

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Lamentations 1:12-13 Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow which was dealt out to me, with which the Lord has afflicted me in the day of His fierce anger! 13 From above He has sent fire into my bones, and it prevailed against them. He has spread a net for my feet; He has turned me back. He has made me hopelessly miserable and faint all the day long.

Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. NIV

Jeremiah, was the prophet and author of both Biblical books, Jeremiah and Lamentations. In the above passages he mentions fire in two different contexts. In one context, fire is a source of sorrow, affliction, and misery, and the other is none other than the Word of the Lord.

Our culture has coined many familiar phrases related to fire: A baptism of fire; Fire and brimstone; Fire away!; On fire; Fired-up; Out of the frying pan into the fire; To add fuel to the fire; To breathe fire; To have fire in your belly; To get fired; To go through fire and water; Where there is smoke there is fire; To set the world on fire; and To play with fire. Yet the phrase which comes to mind as I contrast the writings of Jeremiah is: fight fire with fire. Idioms often find their origin in some obscure, long forgotten practice that at one time was well known. Fighting fire with fire is one of those idioms. Its humble origins are associated with none other than William Shakespeare who created the phrase in his play King John, 1595: Be stirring as the time; be fire with fire; threaten the threatener and outface the brow, of bragging horror….

Gary Martin, creator of Phrase Finder website added: The Bard may have been the first to put the notion on paper, but he didn’t coin the phrase ‘fight fire with fire’, that came much later. The source of this phrase was actual fire-fighting that was taken on by US settlers in the 19th century. They attempted to guard against grass or forest fires by deliberately raising small controllable fires, which they called ‘back-fires’, to remove any flammable material in advance of a larger fire and so deprive it of fuel. This literal ‘fighting fire with fire’ was often successful, although the settlers’ lack of effective fire control equipment meant that their own fires occasionally got out of control and made matters worse rather than better. One such failure was recorded in Caroline Kirkland’s novel, based on her experiences of frontier Michigan in the 1840s, A New Home – Who’ll Follow? Or, Glimpses of Western Life (written under the pseudonym of Mrs. Mary Clavers): The more experienced of the neighbours declared there was nothing now but to make a “back-fire!” So home-ward all ran, and set about kindling an opposing serpent which should “swallow up the rest;” but it proved too late. The flames only reached our stable and haystacks the sooner,…

Jeremiah laments, Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow which was dealt out to me…? How many of us can admit to connecting with that phrase? As a casual observer it would be fairly easy to criticize Jeremiah for having his monumental pity party. But following closer inspection one can quickly see he had good reason to make such a boast. For you see, not only had he prophesied the events that were to happen in Israel – to the people of Israel – he experienced them in real time as he wrote Lamentations. Can you imagine prophesying a future cataclysmic event only to have to experience it with the people; experiencing it with the people who caused the judgment of God? Yet, there is a lesson we can learn from Jeremiah’s suffering: Fight Fire with Fire. What do I mean? Hebrews 12:27-29 states: Now this expression, Yet once more, indicates the final removal and transformation of all [that can be] shaken—that is, of that which has been created—in order that what cannot be shaken may remain and continue.28 Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe;29 For our God [is indeed] a consuming fire. Then Jeremiah 23:29 adds: Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?

In what possible way could you apply all of this? Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. What does that word mean”everything” mean in Greek? Everything! Everything means everything. The only Rock that can’t be moved is Jesus and His Word. They are unshakable. They have had their challengers over the centuries but Jesus and His Word remains unmoved. Since everything is going to be shaken then we need to start a Fire that is far greater than the fires of sorrow, affliction, and misery. His fire is none other than Him and His Word. The disciples, who were followers of Jesus, can attest to the fact that at Pentecost they were baptized in and with the Holy Spirit and with Fire. Theologians, and Bible teachers have attempted to water down the meaning of that phrase by stating that it really means difficulties, or trials. But do not be mistaken. The FIRE is none other than God Almighty Himself. We fight the world’s fires with His Fire – His Presence and His Word. Our response-ability (we have the ability to respond) is to provide the wood for the sacrifice in order that the FIRE of His Presence and Word burns brighter than our circumstances. Can you say that is true in your life?

Come and See

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John 1:36-39 And he looked at Jesus as He walked along, and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Him. 38 But Jesus turned, and as He saw them following Him, He said to them, What are you looking for? [And what is it you wish?] And they answered Him, Rabbi—which translated is Teacher—where are You staying? 39 He said to them, Come and see. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they remained with Him that day. It was then about the tenth hour (about four o’clock in the afternoon).

Two questions, and one response: What are you looking for? Where are you staying? The answer: Come and see! Neither of the two disciples, Andrew and John, had any idea what they were going to “see”. Consider, John, who was taken up in the Spirit in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 1 he is in the Spirit and turns to hear the Voice of Many Waters standing behind him. In Revelation 4 John responds to the invitation to “Come Up Here!” If all of that were not enough John is escorted by the Spirit up a high mountain in Revelation 21. Come and See?!

In Revelation 3:20 the Laodicean Church is invited to open the door and see. But the Door only opens to those who hear His Voice, and the steady knocking of the Spirit. It’s interesting to note the rest of John’s account in John 1:39 So they went and saw where He was staying, and they remained with Him that day. It was then about the tenth hour (about four o’clock in the afternoon). Oswald Chambers references this passage stating: That is about all some of us ever do. We stay with Him a short time, only to wake up to our own realities of life. Our self-interest rises up and our abiding with Him is past.

In John 10 Jesus refers to Himself as the Gate (or Door) for His Sheep, and the Watchman (the Holy Spirit) opens up Who, the Door is for Jesus’ sheep. Sheep, Jesus’ sheep, go in and out of this DOOR. They find pasture in Him. Sadly, most who read these words will not take the time to even go to the DOOR with the expectation of it opening. But the Book of Revelation states that it is, and has been, a long standing invitation for anyone who will take the time and open the DOOR; who will take the time to make Him room. As I write this I recall the child-like wonder I experienced as I read the Chronicles of Narnia as a teenager, followed by a re-reading with our children. You may recall that the Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are the ones who stumble upon the enchanted wardrobe. Lucy, known for her bravery and kindness, was the first to walk through its door into the other worldly land of Narnia. It was her child-like heart that led her siblings to enter through the wardrobe, and to encounter Aslan. But her siblings took time to convince. Hebrews 2:11 refers to Jesus being our Brother. That’s is pretty awesome. (growing up I always wanted a brother) Yet there is one thing about our Brother that I believe He wants us to know: like Lucy, Jesus also has a child-like heart. He’s been trying to convince us that there’s another world waiting for those who will take the time to open His DOOR. A day with Jesus is not enough. He wants up to spend a lifetime with Him. The good news is His DOOR is open on this side of Eternity – for those who will allow the Spirit to activate their sanctified imaginations. Remember: What are you looking for? Where is He staying?

That’s My King! Do You Know Him?

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Jer. 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

The depths of God’s mercy, love and humility often catch me off guard astounding me. Consider the following: He writes our names in the palms of His hand (Isa. 49:16); He collects our tears in a bottle (Ps. 56:8); He numbers the hair on our head (Lk. 12:7); and records every conversation we have about Him in a book (Mal. 3:16). If this weren’t enough He sent His Son in the form of an infant to take our punishment in order that we might live with Him forever.

This familiar picture lives on through history illustrated so well in John 8:6-8: This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger.7 However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.8 Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger.

Jesus, God in the flesh, stoops down to write in the dust. You see a similar image in God blesses us. Hebraically, this means He bends the knee to convey His blessings upon us. Can you imagine any human king bending down to touch, let alone bless, a pauper from the street? Isaiah 40:12 in the New Living Translation and the Message communicate the awesomeness of Who He is: Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?

Who has scooped up the ocean in his two hands, or measured the sky between his thumb and little finger, Who has put all the earth’s dirt in one of his baskets, weighed each mountain and hill?

In the immensity that He is – He reaches down to connect with you; to know you; for you to know Him. It’s too much for my small brain to fathom. But the smallness of my brain doesn’t limit the awesomeness of Who He is. I recall a message preached by Pastor S.M.Lockridge, entitled, That’s My King! Do You Know Him? in 1976. There are powerful recorded versions of it on the internet that I would encourage you to listen to. Here’s an excerpt: Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He’s indescribable. That’s my King. He’s incomprehensible, He’s invincible, and He is irresistible. I’m coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King. He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!

Now with all that in mind return to Jeremiah’s revelation from God: Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you;….That’s my KING! Do you know Him?

Tick Tock

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Acts 1:4-8 And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak.5 For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit.6 So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel?7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

Human nature is confoundingly interesting, and pathetic, simultaneously. In this setting, Jesus had recently emerged from a horrific crucifixion, and resurrection from the dead. Presently, He is about to ascend to His Father to be seated on His throne. For all appearances it would seem, to any casual observer, the eleven disciples would have had enough sense to keep their mouths shut, and listen attentively to every syllable that poured from His lips. In fact the word transfixed comes to mind as what would appear to be the only adequate response to Jesus’ Presence. But what did these disciples inquire about? Time. What was of the utmost importance to Jesus? The Baptism of the Spirit. Specifically there being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Time versus being Baptized in the Spirit. Let that profound statement sink in deep. One more time: time versus being baptized in the Spirit! Guess what? Nothing’s changed. Yet, we are no different than the disciples with their preoccupation with time. In fact, instead of our being transfixed with Jesus we remain, stuck, fixed and focused on time. Man’s agenda versus God’s agenda. Self-centered versus God-centered. I have heard it said, that we are too preoccupied with the gifts of the Giver rather than the Giver, Himself. Since that is emphatically true, what are we doing with His Gift of Time? Have we become too occupied with the gift rather than the Giver? Have we learned the value of being baptized, and immersed in the Spirit?

What does it mean to be immersed in the Spirit? Ephesians 5:18 states: Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. The Greek version of this text literally states, Be, being continually filled with the Spirit. The comparison is obvious. Being filled with the Spirit is comparable to being drunk. Drunk’s aren’t concerned about time. Everything is centered around the alcohol. Everything that they are is controlled by the “spirit’s” influence. Their speech, muscle movements, thoughts, and emotions are all controlled by the alcohol which has consumed them. The analogy is clear and obvious. Those who are drunk with the Spirit are consumed by the Spirit. Things on fire tend to be consumed. Fortunately for Spirit-filled followers of Jesus we become burning bushes for those who take the time to turn aside to look and see, What is the meaning of this? Question is, Who or what is consuming you? Are you a sign and wonder to those wandering in their spiritual wasteland?

Never is defined as, at no time in the past or the future. In J.M. Barries fictional work, Peter Pan, Captain Hook is stricken with fear of the crocodile who has swallowed a clock. Whenever the crocodile is near the sound of the ticking clock grows louder and louder. Mankind is fearful of the crocodile of time that comes for all men ready to devour all in its abysmal jaws. The good news is we have been given an invitation to Never Land which begins in salvation, and its manifestation of reality exists in the Spirit-filled, spirit-yielded life. Now the question becomes are you controlled by the Croc of Time or by the boundless, expanses of the Spirit-filled life? Is the Spirit-filled, spirit-controlled life your preoccupation or are you running from time simultaneously grasping for more of it?

Recognizing Jesus

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Isaiah 1:3 The ox [instinctively] knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib, but Israel does not know or recognize Me [as Lord], My people do not consider or understand.

There’s a true story about a well known Dallas, Texas pastor, W.A. Criswell who pastored the First Baptist Church of Dallas. Because of its proximity to the downtown area Sunday morning winters often brought the challenge of a large homeless population who often sought warmth amongst the affluent worshippers. Ushers were tasked with the unwanted job of thrusting them back out onto the cold, and dirty Dallas sidewalks. But one particularly eventful Sunday morning one of the homeless made their way through the foyer, slipping pass the ushers, making his way to W.A.’s famous pulpit. Catching up to their prey the embarrassed ushers began yanking and pulling his arms which were firmly inserted into the overcoat that wreaked of garbage, urine, and alcohol. Not to be outdone by their substitute preacher they resolved to extricate him from his hallowed perch. To their shock and surprise, this homeless man wriggled out of his overcoat, (leaving it as prize to the ushers), tossed off his hat, revealing to an equally shocked congregation none other than Pastor W.A. Criswell. Needless to say they heard a message that morning that outlived even Pastor Criswell. That Sunday morning W.A. Criswell, lived the message of His Lord echoing Israel of old, who missed the day of their visitation. It’s hard to believe, even astounding, that many of FBC’s attendants failed to recognize their Lord in and through their pastor’s sermon illustration in the flesh. How often have we missed recognizing Jesus for Who He really is?

Recently I was soaking in the Spirit at Jesus’ feet. (Incidentally, He is our Door waiting for us to open the door to His Presence; open the door to spiritual vision, hearing, and feeling). Soaking, involves waiting, and waiting takes time. Time is something we falsely believe belongs to us. Just as sand spills through the hourglass, as surely as it falls from the hands of those who tightly cling to it. As I was soaking the Lord revealed something very profound. He exists outside of time. He is not limited or constrained by its dimensions. This is why He IS! Not I was or will be – He simply is – outside of time. The Great I AM! Science tells us that time is a construct relative to our position in the universe. Since this is true, verified through the Word of God (Let there be..), then we must reach the conclusion that time was created by God for man. Time is His gift to us. If we believe time is a gift then we must also believe it’s not really our time. It’s His time, His gift. This has powerful ramifications for those who know and recognize Jesus as Lord. You see when we “open” the DOOR of Jesus we open the DOOR to Timelessness, and Eternity. When we open the DOOR, we are invited to come before His Feet, to enter into Timelessness. Since that is true it must be equally true that you and I aren’t seen from our past or even our future. You are seen as eternal as He is. In essence you become one with the Eternal One, and everything revolves around, and becomes centered in Him. Paul rightly said in Ephesians 2:6 that we are seated with Him in Heavenly Realms. In other words we are seated in the Eternal Realm and your past, with its sins, failures, mistakes and regrets no longer matter. But this reality is only made available to those who know and recognize Him as Lord. Those who recognize Him as Lord live out the exhortation of 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]. If I were not known to be a pastor surely there would be someone to admonish me for “wasting” my time soaking before the Lord. But if you know Jesus as Lord you know you are a sinner in need of Grace. Grace being the empowerment – the umph, the push, and desire – to become like Jesus in every way. Where do I find this Grace I am desperately in need of? At the feet of Jesus before His Throne. What physical posture would anyone take with a conscious awareness of being before His feet – before His throne? Quite simply you would figure out a way to go as low as you could humanly achieve, and you would not only take the time, you would make time to be where He sees you.

The Beloved Door and Shepherd

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Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O you whom I love, Where you feed your flock, Where you make it rest at noon. For why should I be as one who veils herself by the flocks of your companions? NKJV

GNT Tell me, my love, Where will you lead your flock to graze? Where will they rest from the noonday sun? Why should I need to look for you among the flocks of the other shepherds?

Several things emerge from this passage that are enhanced by the different translations. This woman loves her Shepherd, her Beloved. She is searching for Him and will not settle for any other shepherd. She knows that in His Presence there is food and rest. She wants her veil removed so she can see Him fully. Nothing else matters! 2 Corinthians 3:13-17 states: …unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 

It’s no coincidence that Moses was a shepherd before he began shepherding Israel out of Egypt through the wilderness. Moses, His instruction, and revelation from the Law, remain veiled. Only in Jesus, our True Shepherd, is the veil removed to clearly see our Beloved. (Contrary to a lot of modern preachers foolishness Jesus can be clearly seen in the Law). For Jesus provides us with the Holy Spirit Who provides us with the desire and freedom to see.

As a pastor, or under-shepherd, I have always been captivated and amazed at spiritual blindness; the blindness in myself and others. There are revelations the Shepherd has provided in Scripture which can only be seen by the Spirit. Many have returned to “graze” upon its “manna” only to discover the veil had returned. Only through persistent prayer, and trust in the Spirit, is anyone enabled to see, to feed once again. John 10:7,11 and Revelation 3:20 remind us that Jesus is the Shepherd, and the DOOR. John 10:3 reveals that the Holy Spirit is the One Who opens Jesus the DOOR – for the sheep that are listening for Him. No matter how hard you try to pry open the DOOR in your own strength or intellect – the DOOR, the Revelation, and Understanding will never open. You must be willing to submit to the Spirit, and have a hunger to see. The whole message to the Laodiceans was, Are you willing to make room to commune with Jesus? Are you willing to listen for His knocking? Are you hungry, truly hungry, to see and know Jesus? Have you settled for other shepherds rather than going to the True and Only Shepherd?

Christmas Dishes

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Romans 1:5-7 It is through Him that we have received grace (God’s unmerited favor) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the nations,6 And this includes you, called of Jesus Christ and invited [as you are] to belong to Him.7 To [you then] all God’s beloved ones in Rome, called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life: Grace and spiritual blessing and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jackie Hill Perry, from Outreach Magazine writes: There’s a sermon by Pastor Tony Evans in which he uses an illustration involving dishes to make sense of the term “holy” or “sanctified”. In his home, there are two types of dishes. There are the regular dishes. Those dishes that contain the average meal, on normal days, for your ordinary and unimpressive breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of them are chipped, maybe even cracked. Then there is another type of dish. These dishes don’t even see the light of day until a tall green tree with multicolored lights flicker. Something significant has to be happening under the roof to make their use a necessity. When all is normal again, the multi-colored lights are unplugged, the wrapping paper collected, and the guests have finally gotten up from the table – these “Christmas” dishes, after being cleaned, aren’t placed in the cabinets with the normal, average, unimpressive dishes. No, absolutely not. They’re placed in an entirely different cabinet, that may be in an entirely different room, separated from everything unlike them because there is nothing in the house like them. They are set apart, unique, different, other, distinct, cut off from what’s considered common. To put it metaphorically, these dishes are “holy.”

Called to be saints? The word saint comes from a root word from which we obtain our word “sanctify”. To be sanctified is to be set apart, and holy. What does it mean to be holy? To be above average, uniquely different from all that is normal, average, and expected. We refer to God as being Holy, and obviously He is above average, and uniquely different from all that is normal, average and expected. But guess what? Because of Jesus’ Blood, and anyone who trust’s in what it accomplishes, God sees them as holy, sanctified, saints. In fact I can confidently say, Saint Robert is writing these words to Saint (whomever is reading this – that is trusting in Jesus’ Blood). It’s not our confidence, or trust in our performance that distinguishes us as such. No, absolutely not. It’s our ongoing confidence, and trust in what Jesus did on the cross that qualifies, verifies, and validates us. Notice I say, ongoing. It’s not simply a past tense event. It’s an ongoing process till you see Jesus face to face. You weren’t simply saved from your past. You are in the process of being saved. The same can be said of sanctification.

Sanctified, set apart to Who or what? Well obviously to the Godhead: the Father, the Son – Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (He is not an IT). But there is more: Romans 1:17 For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith. You, and I, like Christmas dishes, are set apart to grow in faith, through faith, leading to more faith. If you believe in Jesus’ Blood you believe in what that Blood is doing for you, and in you. When you believe that – trust that – you seek to be sanctified, and you grow in faith, through faith, leading to more faith. One compliments the other. Like His Christmas dishes you are set aside to display the Bread and Water of Life – Jesus. During the Christmas season the atmosphere shifts and changes. People change reflecting the reminder of the reason for the season. Now the question becomes, What do you believe about Jesus, His Blood, and His cross? The deeper that work goes the greater the faith grows. Is your faith growing? Are you growing – spiritually? Is your way of thinking aligning more and more with the Word of God? Is your life becoming centered progressively around Jesus? Progressively centered around His Word? Then you can look at yourself in the mirror and say, Hello saint of Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Jesus With Skin On

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A little boy was trying to get to sleep but was frightened. He shouted down from the bedroom, ‘Dad, it’s dark up here and I’m scared.’ His father shouted back, ‘Don’t be afraid. God is with you.’ After a few second’s pause, the boy yelled again: ‘Get up here, Dad – I need somebody with skin on!’ Ronald Rolheiser in his book The Holy Longing talks about the need for a God who has skin, that is, who is physically real and touchable. He says: ‘Physicality is important in any relationship and especially in the most important of relationships.’

Paul reminds us that as we experience Jesus through our troubles we become Jesus with skin on. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),4 Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.5 For just as Christ’s [[a]own] sufferings fall to our lot [b][as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us.6 But if we are troubled (afflicted and distressed), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement) and [for your] salvation; and if we are comforted (consoled and encouraged), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement), which works [in you] when you patiently endure the same evils (misfortunes and calamities) that we also suffer and undergo.7 And our hope for you [our joyful and confident expectation of good for you] is ever unwavering (assured and unshaken); for we know that just as you share and are partners in [our] sufferings and calamities, you also share and are partners in [our] comfort (consolation and encouragement).

Personally, I have lost grandparents, uncles, aunts, and dear friends to the “shadow” of death. I have pastored for over thirty plus years but I really couldn’t understand what it was like to lose a sibling – until now. I am just beginning the journey of navigating the difficulty of walking with Jesus through her loss and I am so grateful for “Jesus with skin on” represented in those within our church family. Through your hugs, cards, tears, prayers, and generosity walking through these times has been a little less difficult. Nothing could have prepared me for what I am experiencing, and I have experienced a gambit of emotions: shock, unbelief, anger, denial, and sadness. Well meaning people have attempted to make my pain disappear stating, She is in a better place – which I am truly comforted by. Yet, I have reached the conclusion that if it was Ok for Jesus, the Son of God, to weep over the loss of His friend Lazarus, it’s ok for me to weep over the loss of my sister. Will I see her again? Yes! Is she in a better place? Absolutely! But guess what? It’s going to be awhile before I see her again. Until then I’m going to miss her. The good news is that Jesus never wastes a thing. Through this process I am being equipped to be there emotionally for those who are going through similar circumstances. I am a lot more reluctant to offer any platitudes. If any thing I am learning about the ministry of presence. (No words needed). Pauls’ comforting words remind us that all the difficult circumstances you have overcome through the Presence of Jesus has really empowered you to be Jesus with skin on for those who have yet to go through those trials. Truth be known you actually have the authority to help others gain authority over similar situations. Now, that is pretty powerful. In the midst of it all you and I are becoming more like Jesus, and are becoming better acquainted with Paul’s words: I want to know Jesus and the fellowship of His sufferings.

Take Me to the Beach

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Proverbs 1:7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

Summer officially begins June 20, 2025 but many have already begun heading to the coast to walk or lie on the beach, swim in the ocean or ride its waves. Those with personal experience can testify to its raw power. Even a passive observer can attest to the destructive power generated when the ocean becomes “angry.” In fact, I would dare say, most of us would whole-heartedly agree the ocean can kill you. Maybe the point of Solomon’s proverb is comparable. Scripture infers any person casually strolling through life ignoring God is a fool. Those who truly desire wisdom will submit to the revelation taking the necessary precautions to avoid disaster and eternal death. Taking the analogy even further you could add that it would be extremely foolish to say you love the ocean while ignoring the fact that it can kill you.

It was quite a revelation when I realized that Truth isn’t an abstract concept. It, or rather He, is a Person. Jesus said I AM the Truth. Imagine my shock when the Spirit revealed that Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs is also Jesus. Although Solomon refers to Wisdom as being female. A casual reading will reveal Wisdom is Jesus. Consider the following passages: Proverbs 1:23 If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.

Proverbs 8:22-24 The Lord formed and brought me [Wisdom] forth at the beginning of His way, before His acts of old.23 I [Wisdom] was inaugurated and ordained from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth existed.24 When there were no deeps, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains laden with water.

Proverbs 8:30-32 Then I [Wisdom] was beside Him as a master and director of the work; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always,31 Rejoicing in His inhabited earth and delighting in the sons of men.32 Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways.

These are just a few of the verses that seem to point to Wisdom (the Word) being with the Father before Creation. What’s truly confounding to Twenty-First Century Christians (especially Western Worldview Christians), is the concept introduced in Proverbs 1:7 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning… For the most part, Twenty-First Century, Western-Worldview Christians typically turn to the Lord when in need or want, and are prone to worship Him through routines, and rituals. (In other words, hearts typically remain hard and out of reach). We can be quite contented singing along with the Doobie Brothers, Jesus is just alright with me…Jesus He’s my friend. But how many would claim a fear of Him? Why would this idea seem preposterous? If Jesus can say: If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters—[yes] and even his own life also—he cannot be My disciple. (Lk. 14:26 AMPC) – then surely fearing the Lord is the least of our problems. If we’re called to “hate” our family, spouse, children, and life – inevitably hating sin – shouldn’t we expect to hate anything that keeps us from His Presence? Should fear of the Lord lead us to hate anything that would keep us from remaining in His Presence? In other words, wouldn’t that be Wisdom? Wouldn’t praying for the Wisdom of James 1:5 simply be asking for the Presence of Jesus? Some would object to the harshness of this proverb claiming that they choose to love Jesus instead; that He’s their friend. Yet, Jesus said love for Him was defined by obedience and faith. If I love Him I will obey Him. If I obey Him I will be in His Presence. Thus, fear of the Lord is the beginning of not simply Wisdom, but Jesus. May I also add, those who have gotten “wet” from a wave of His Manifested Presence are fearful to be without it. As Peter exclaimed, Lord, [wash] not only my feet, but my hands and my head too! May we be awash in a fear of the Lord that leads to the Feet of Wisdom, Truth, and Jesus.

Double Damn

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Galatians 1:6-9 I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel.7 Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not].8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

The idiom “damn” has a long and complex history, evolving from its original meaning of condemnation to its modern use in expressions of anger, or indifference. Its origins trace back to Latin, Old French, and Middle English, eventually becoming a part of the English language’s vocabulary. Legally and theologically it meant “to pronounce guilty” and a theological meaning of “to condemn to eternal punishment.” In the passage above Paul is doubly cursing anyone that preaches or teaches another Gospel than the one he and the Apostles had delivered. It was such a serious offense that he was double damning them to eternal separation from God, and all that is good. Revelation 21:8 calls it the second death: But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars (those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed)—[all of these shall have] their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.

There is much talk of a Zombie Apocalypse but truth be known they’re already here. The living dead are those who have no knowledge of the true Gospel, or the Full Gospel. Some even partake of the different gospels Paul referenced. What false gospels are there?

  1. Mormon Gospel – the Mormons call their Book of Mormon, another gospel.
  2. Do-it-yourself, self-help gospel
  3. Prosperity gospel
  4. Hyper-Grace or Cheap Grace gospel
  5. Good People go to Heaven gospel
  6. Optional Jesus gospel
  7. Social gospel
  8. New Age spirituality gospel

The story is told of a man who is convinced he is dead. His wife and kids are exasperated. They keep telling him he’s not dead. But he continues to insist he’s dead. They try telling him, “Look, you’re not dead; you’re walking and talking and breathing; how can you be dead?” But he continues to insist he is dead. The family finally takes him to a doctor. The doctor pulls out some medical books to demonstrate to the man that dead men do not bleed. After some time, the man admits that dead men do not bleed. The doctor then takes the man’s hand and a needle and pokes the end of his finger. The man starts bleeding. He looks at his finger and says, “What do you know? DEAD MEN DO BLEED!”

There are certain symptoms associated with people who are truly raised from spiritual death. Unfortunately the “living dead” have a difficult time admitting it. The scary thing is many of these “corpses” go to church or at least to buildings that have the title outside. There are even “corpses” posing as shepherds of God’s people, instructing them in churches, seminaries, and colleges around the world. Question is, How do you survive the zombie apocalypse? How do you survive being infected or bitten by a zombie?

  1. Test yourself to see if you are still walking by faith, and trust. If you are not being stretched and challenged to be comformed to the total image of Jesus could be you’ve already been infected. Take a finger and quickly shove it in to your eye. If you feel no pain – you might be a zombie.
  2. Ask yourself, Am I still gathering with other believers to worship Jesus and fellowship (to co-share the testimony of Who Jesus is in your life). If you’ve ceased gathering – check for a pulse. The decay has already begun.
  3. Test your hearing. Ask yourself, Am I spending time communing with Jesus and the Spirit in the Word and Prayer. If you find yourself just reading a book called the Bible without any interaction with the Godhead chances are you are beginning to resemble the cast of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video. Place your hands on the side of your head to see if your ears are still attached. You might be a zombie.
  4. Look at your hands and feet. Ask, Am I investing in the lives of others through serving and sharing who He is to me? (Some call this the ministry, missions and evangelism). If you are not involved in any of these the zombie virus has taken hold and you might need to begin searching for missing limbs. Most likely you have joined the zombie apocalypse.

Nothing Else Matters

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Rev. 3:17 For you say, I am rich; I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize and understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

On April 14, 1912, 10:00 p.m. the Titanic crashed into an iceberg in the mid-Atlantic and four hours later sank. One woman in a lifeboat asked if she could go back to her room. She was given only three minutes to do so. She hurried down the corridors, already tilting dangerously, through the gambling room piled ankle-deep in money. In her room were her treasures waiting to be taken, but instead, she snatched up three oranges and hurried back to the boat. One hour before she would have naturally chosen diamonds over oranges, but in the face of death, values are seen more clearly.

On Monday, May 12, 2025 I said goodbye to my sister. I thank God that we talked on the phone each week. I thank God that I was able to have a brief conversation with her in the hospital before she was fully sedated. I thank God that we were friends. In fact, when she was barely conscious she referred to me, saying to the nurse, He’s my best friend. She added, I probably don’t tell him enough. It comforts me that I know that I will see her again. It comforts me that she is more alive than me right now. But you know what? I sure am going to miss her till I see her again – face to face, and that’s OK. If Jesus can weep over His friend Lazarus’ death, so can I.

I was talking to the HVAC man who was doing maintenance on our church and I said to him, We are three generations from anyone even knowing who we are. Then I said, Only One thing matters: Jesus. Everything is all about Jesus. So, why waste my time with things that are going to end up at the dump, or in an estate sale, or donated to Goodwill or the Salvation Army? What really matters is my relationship with Jesus, and the family and friends I make along the way. Revelation 7:9 states: After this I looked and a vast host appeared which no one could count, [gathered out] of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne and before the Lamb; they were attired in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. What really matters is how many people are going to be with us there because of the life we lived.

When I was a youth minister I had a vision while worshipping with the youth. Many of us were worshipping around the throne of the Lamb of God. As I took that in I looked around at some of the youth I had ministered too, and won to Jesus. At one point in the vision we made eye contact, and I looked at them and winked. Then I mouthed to them, WE made it! Two years ago I was in Africa on mission. At one point I had a vision in which I saw many of the people who had surrendered to Jesus, and ministered to at the entry way into Heaven. I had a thought: Those whom I have had the opportunity to lead to Jesus will be with my family and friends who come to welcome me to Heaven. I don’t know about you but I want to be responsible for leading as many people to gather around Jesus’ Throne as I possibly can. For the reward of the Lamb and for His suffering! Only one thing matters.

Need or Obligation?

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Hebrews 2:11-12 states: For both He Who sanctifies [making men holy] and those who are sanctified all have one [Father]. For this reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren;12 For He says, I will declare Your [the Father’s] name to My brethren; in the midst of the [worshiping] congregation I will sing hymns of praise to You.

Can you imagine it? Jesus is your brother. I remember when I first began discovering the names and titles of Jesus. It fascinated me and filled me with awe. The Creator of the universe belongs to me and I belong to Him. Once the Lord asked me, What are the chances you will ever know anyone famous? I said, Slim to none. Yet, He replied, But you know Me. That’s astounding. The God Who owns everything, and knows the rich and the famous, wants to spend time with me. I have often asked our church family, What do you give a God Who owns everything? The one thing He doesn’t have: your heart.

One morning last week I caught myself thinking, I’ve got to spend time with the Lord. Which sounds obligatory, like a routine or ritual, like brushing my teeth or putting on deodorant. What I should have thought was, I want to spend time with the Lord! I need to be with Him. I long for, and love being with Jesus.

Dt. 15:11 states: For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hands to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land. Your Brother Jesus, although so rich, is poor in one thing: you. Your heart, your time, your love. In fact Scripture adds: 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that through his poverty, you might become rich. Jesus became poor in order that you might be rich? The question we need to ask ourselves is, What are we truly wealthy in?

The Starfish

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Proverbs 21:20 There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.

Critics of Jesus’ ministry could have said that He was wasting His time on the likes of one woman caught in adultery, or the Samaritan woman, Blind Bartimaeus, Zachaeus, or the Gadarene Demoniac. In fact, any thoughtful observer of Jesus’ twelve disciples may have been tempted to advise Jesus to invest His time elsewhere. For that matter, any casual reader of the gospels will note that it does appear He wasted His time, and ultimately His life. Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied knowing Him, and all but one ran away from Him in His hour of greatest need. These 12 were mentally and spiritually dull falling asleep on Him while He was sweating drops of blood in prayer. Truth be known, critics of you and I could say the same. Just like the aforementioned, not including the countless masses of humanity throughout the ages, we have all begrudgingly yielded our precious time – to God. Some have stated, I’ve got to go to church, pray, read the Bible, spend time listening to this person, etc. The list goes on and on. Yet, we have no problem with being entertained with things that waste our time. Ultimately we are betrayed by the wealth we have surrounded ourselves by neglecting the true heavenly treasures – the people around us.

Thank Jesus, truly, and reverently with a gratitude that comes from the depths of your soul knowing that Jesus never saw you or me as a waste of time. Although many so-called followers of Jesus are very proud of the lack of investments they’ve made in others those whom He has met in the dust of their own disgust know better. The wealthy are often blindly, and ignorantly proud of their spiritual nakedness and poverty. But the truly poor in Spirit are hungry for more of Him, and hungry to see more of Him in others. Ephesians 5:15-17 states: Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a person going back and forth between the surf’s edge and and the beach. Back and forth this person went. As the man approached he could see that there were hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide. The man was stuck by the the apparent futility of the task. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to die.  As he approached the person continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the ocean.As he came up to the person he said, “You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.” The person looked at the man. He then stooped down and pick up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. He turned back to the man and said, “It sure made a difference to that one!”

The Time Illusion

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Geoff Brumfel, from NPR wrote an article titled, Time is an illusion so why are we all obsessed with it? He stated: But time has another side to it, one that the clocks don’t show. “A lot of us grow up being fed this idea of time as absolute,” says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, a theoretical physicist at the University of New Hampshire. But Prescod-Weinstein says the time we’re experiencing is a social construct. Real time is actually something quite different.” What’s a social construct and who constructed time? We’ve all experienced “beach time,” “mountain time,” or if you’ve had the opportunity to travel: “island time.” The people of those two geographical locations have chosen to relax their grasp of time not allowing the clock to dictate their mental state. For those driven by fast-paced city life this slower paced reality can be excruciating. But to those tired of the “rat race” this perception of time is soothing.

Our culture measures time, tracking, and regulating it for control purposes in order to keep the cultural – economic “machine” running smoothly. Thus, you could say government constructs time. But if you are a follower of Jesus, having read the Bible, you know that time really is “constructed” because God exists outside of time and is timeless. Einsteins’ theory of general relativity proved this stating that the only true constant is Light. Hebrews 1:2 states: [But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order]. Since God created time for our existence we must see it as the gift that it is. Recently I had someone tell me that I was wasting my time being a pastor. What’s wrong with that statement? One phrase: your time. Since God created time, giving it to me as a gift, it’s not my time. Time is not my possession any more than the clothes I wear, the house I reside in, or the truck I drive. I’m just borrowing these things.

1 Peter 1:17 states: And if you call upon Him as [your] Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he does, [then] you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence [on the earth, whether long or short]. How do we conduct ourselves with true reverence in regard to time? We often say, They didn’t respect my time? Preachers are often accused of this. Truth be known true reverence and respect should be shown to the Giver of Time. Am I participating in reference to time in a way that acknowledges the Giver of Time? Or does the center of “self” have the greater gravitational pull – defying His Light? Genesis 4:26 would echo this statement: At that time men began to call upon the Name of the Lord.” Am I agreeing, and aligning with the speed of His Light by calling on the Name of the Lord at all times or am I still confused about Who time belongs too?

The band Chicago asked an appropriate question, Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody care?

The Foolishness of God

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1 Cor. 1:27-31 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

Our culture, and humanity tends to gravitate to the strong, intelligent, talented, and beautiful people of the world. We value these things, celebrating them and paying big bucks to be entertained and impressed by them. But according to the passage above they are not usually God’s first choice. Can God use those people? Absolutely. But His track record from the Bible reveals time and again that He usually chooses the underdog.

Now one example of the “foolish” choices God made was in tasking a group of nomadic, ex-slaves to march around a city, blowing rams horns, and shouting to win a battle. Sure, we know from Scripture, the “Battle belongs to the Lord.” (1 Sam. 17:47) – but in everyday reality we tend to gravitate to the strong, intelligent, talented, and beautiful people of the world to save the day. God is not our first choice. And you can rest assured that the slim minority that believe Jesus actually communicates to them are oftentimes a little anxious about asking Him about His solution to the mountain of a problem they may be encountering. Why? Because they are a little fearful that He might ask them to do something that to a watching world isn’t going to be cool. It’s actually going to make them look foolish; make us look foolish; or make me look foolish.

But guess what? If you are in one of the groups above: foolish, weak, lowly, despised, unpopular, ugly, average, and not very talented – you are not only what God chooses, you are what God accompanies. The closest I ever feel to God is usually when I am at the low point of feeling like one of the above. Oddly enough, that’s when I see Him move on my behalf; when I see Him answer prayer. This is why God despises self-righteousness, or do it yourself righteousness. Why? It’s substitute righteousness. It’s replacing Him. It’s not humble, or teachable, and it’s definitely not meek. It’s full of SELF – not God. Self – Righteousness is Self-Powered. It is SELF – willed, and a self-willed person is the opposite of a meek person. Meekness is quite the opposite. The original meaning of meekness is drawn from the usage of bridles placed on horses. The horse is a powerful animal that has the potential to kill any man. Yet, this powerful animal willingly submits to the bridle often bowing its head to cooperate with its master. Could it be that’s why prayer is so important to the Lord? He’s looking for those who are wiling to bow their heads to their Master; to bow their heads in prayer; to bow their heads in willing submission to things that offend logic and reason. Could it be that’s why He leads us to do the foolish things to see if we will bow our heads in submission and trust?

What Jericho are you facing? Are you willing to inquire of Your Master? To ask for His strategy or plan to address your problem? Are you willing to bow your head and submit to your Master; to His strategy, and plan? Or will you find yourself with those who surely stood behind the walls of Jericho’s impenetrable fortress mocking?

The Mandate!?

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2 Kings 19:35 And it all came to pass, for that night the Angel of the Lord went forth and slew 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when [the living] arose early in the morning, behold, all these were dead bodies.

One angel of the Lord killed 185,000 men – single-handedly! But this wasn’t just any “angel.” He is designated as the Angel of the Lord. Many scholars believe He is the same Angel mentioned in Joshua 5:13-14 When Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up, and behold, a Man stood near him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, Are you for us or for our adversaries? 14 And He said, No [neither], but as Prince of the Lord’s host have I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, What says my Lord to His servant? Now let me ask a silly question: Why would an “Angel” that can kill 185,000 men invite Joshua and the army of Israel to join Him and other angel warriors in “attacking” Jericho?

Part of the answer to that question is found in the original mandate given to Adam and Eve: Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth. Genesis 2:15 And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it. Thus, God was leading Israel back to the original mandate: subdue, tend, guard, and keep. 

Mandate is defined as an official order or commission to do something; and the authority to carry out a policy or course of action; A mandate is the power granted to a person or body to exercise authority on various matters affecting a jurisdiction or populace. Thus, the original mandate given to mankind was to be involved in the specifics mentioned above. Through the Captain of the Lord’s Hosts, Joshua was being led to co-partner with the Armies of Heaven in the advancement of God’s Kingdom on earth. (Sound familiar?)

Ultimately, the Angel of the Lord and angelic armies did not “need” the assistance of Joshua and the armies of Israel. From the beginning of creation God had planned a partnership between Heaven and earth; between the “son’s” of Heaven and the “son’s and “daughters” of earth. What was God’s long range goal? Rom. 8:19, 23 For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship].…And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God’s sons). The “warfare,” trials, tribulations, and obstacles are what God, the Father, uses to mold us into our final destination: co-reigning and ruling with Jesus.

Several years ago I was doing a study of the Beatitudes and came upon the third beatitude: “blessed are the meek for they shall in merit the earth.” That week I saw Psalm 37 in a new light. Five times it repeats this promise: Psalm 37:9 ...but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth. Psalm 37:11 …But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth….Psalm 37:22 For such as are blessed of God shall [in the end] inherit the earth…Psalm 37:29 [Then] the [consistently] righteous shall inherit the land….Psalm 37:34 Wait for and expect the Lord and keep and heed His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land…

Exasperated I remarked to the Lord, I am not wanting to inherit the earth. I just want to be with You. His reply? In the last days where am I going to be? Startled, I replied, On the earth! Followed by, I want to inherit the earth and be with You! God gives us the “Jericho’s” to make us into sons and daughters who will co-reign with Jesus. Hebrews 5:8-9 states: though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,…Jesus learned? Jesus was perfected? If Jesus had to go through these things should we expect anything less?

Some questions to ponder: Are you learning? Are you being perfected becoming like Jesus? Are you obeying while you are suffering? Will you be with Jesus when He returns to earth to rule and reign?

Who or What is Your Jericho?

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Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho [a fenced town with high walls] was tightly closed because of the Israelites; no one went out or came in. AMPC

Jericho was the first fortressed city that Israel encountered in their advancement into the Promised Land. It was the first thing that stood between them and the manifestation of their inheritance, and their promises from God. And it was the first thing they were going to have to fight through to break through into all God had for them.

I don’t know about you but I hate conflict and confrontation. Unfortunately, it’s what all the saints of Jesus are called to. The Pre-incarnate Jesus is mentioned in Joshua 5:13-15 and He is described as a Man…with His drawn sword in His hand and Prince of the Lord’s host. King David referred to God, the Father as Lord of Hosts, or Lord Sabaoth, literally interpreted as Lord of Angelic Armies. If you consider yourself a lover and not a fighter – think again. You are called to both. Even the title assigned to Jewish people, Israelites, is an indicator of Jesus’ followers job description. If you remember, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, because he had wrestled with God and overcome. In other words, Jacob had to wrestle or “fight” God for the blessing.

Jericho was tightly closed because the Prince of Heaven’s Armies, as well as His warriors, were just outside its walls. Now that is an interesting thought. Jericho being tightly shut because King and Warrior Jesus, and His people, are just outside getting ready to conquer and cause its walls to fall in submission, and surrender.

But here’s another thing to consider: In the spring, when kings go forth to battle,….2 Samuel 11:1. In Biblical times wars were going to be fought in the spring time. Guess what? Not a whole lot has changed. Ecclesiastes reminds us that To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:…(Eccl. 3:1) We are presently in one of God’s Biblical seasons. There are seasons, or cycles of manifestation, or mountaintop highs, and then there are seasons, or cycles of wildernesses, or valley lows. And presently, we are in a season, or cycle of warfare – spiritual warfare to be more exact. But there’s a sad verse that follows 2 Samuel 11:1 and its this, One evening David arose from his couch… (2 Samuel 11:2) HIS COUCH? What was David the giant-killer, lion smashing, bear stomping warrior of God doing on a couch? He was sending others to battle. He was being tempted to lust after his next door neighbor’s wife. It did not end well for David. It’s true All things work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) but that doesn’t mean you are going to be unscathed by the poor decisions you have made.

Why do I bring all of these things to your attention? Because now is time when you are called to battle for what God has promised you. In this season, who or what is your Jericho? Who or what is tightly closed to you because you brought Jesus to the fight? Is your Jericho a person, a circumstance, a healing, or a broken-hearted hurting? Is your Jericho an unfulfilled promise or prophetic word you have yet to see manifested that was given years or decades ago? What would happen if you listed those and presented them to the Lord as something to fight towards, and for? What would happen if you got off the “couch” circumstances have assigned you and began to thank God for the unseen as if it is seen?

You might be tempted to think, Well I’ve been dealing with this for decades; I’ve been waiting for the manifestation of this promise for decades. But let me ask you a question, Have you waited for 40 years? Wilderness, wandering Israel had. Have you waited as long as Jesus? He’s still waiting on the Father to answer some of His prayers. Besides, what other plans do you have? Get off your “couch of resignation” and armor up for the fight. We just celebrated Jesus’ fight for our salvation. Fight from victory not towards victory. If you are fighting for victory you have already lost the battle. You aren’t fighting from a place of faith but from unbelief. Ask forgiveness for that and press on. Stand up in and through the finished work of the Cross and Resurrection. Put your trust in His Blood and begin to rigorously give thanks for the unseen as if it is seen.

Time = Life

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Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

Julia Neves, in a web article titled, The Top Ten Time Wasters and How to Avoid Them wrote: Time wasters, by definition, are activities or tasks that drain our valuable time without contributing meaningful returns to our productivity, effectiveness, or fulfillment. They represent the errands we run, the habits we engage in, or even the tasks we undertake that, despite consuming time, offer little to no substantial value. Michael Gerber once stated: Time is just another word for life. If time is just another word for life then how would you describe your life? Are you an investor in time and life or are you one who wastes the life you have been given?

In this Psalm those who delight in the Lord, in His teachings and instructions, do not waste their time – their life – walking, standing, and sitting – with mockers, or scorners. Mocking and scorning are seen as actions that are contrary to the character and will of God. The Topical Bible states: These terms refer to the act of ridiculing, deriding, or showing contempt towards others, and they are often associated with pride, arrogance, and a lack of respect for God and His commandments. In the Old Testament these characteristics are associated with the sinful, wicked, and foolish. Proverbs 9:7-8 states: “He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.” This passage underscores the futility of attempting to correct those who are entrenched in mockery, as they are resistant to wisdom and correction. The Psalms also address the issue of mockery, often in the context of the righteous being scorned by the wicked. We see this attitude emerging powerfully during Jesus’ five governmental trials of the night before the religious leaders, Pilate, and Herod. Jesus is scorned and mocked by the Romans soldiers, by the thieves on the cross, and by the spectators of His crucifixion. They scorned and mocked Him to the bitter, triumphant end. One writer stated that mockery and scorn are seen as manifestations of a heart that is hardened against God. They are often linked with pride, as those who mock others elevate themselves above them, failing to recognize their own need for grace and redemption. And there it is. Grace is the need of every blood washed saint of Jesus. Grace is the empowerment to do the will of God. Grace is the empowerment that exceeds do-it-your-self righteousness. 2 Peter 3:18 states: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. James 4:6-10 echoes this by stating: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

To grow in Grace is to grow in agreement and alignment with God’s Word and Truth. To grow in Grace is a daily surrender of every thought that comes from the Spirit of God, and every reminder from the Word of God. To grow in Grace is to do the opposite of Romans 3:10-12. It is to seek to be rightly related to God and others; it is to seek understanding of the Word; it is to seek to be connected to the manifest Presence of God; it is to seek to bear fruit and be teachable; it is to turn to God – in every way of obedience and faith; and it is to seek to be good. Mockers and scorners are resisted by God. Mockers and scorners are not teachable, nor humble, nor meek. They resist the Truth and in their resisting their resist Jesus Who is the Truth. With all of that in mind what are you investing your life in? Where are you spending your time and life? Are you growing in humility, meekness, and dependence on the Lord? Are you growing in His Grace and see its’ vital need? Mockers, and scorners put out the fires of His Grace and grieve the Spirit of God’s presence in their life. But those who delight in God and His instruction are constantly meditating in and on His Word.

Can Two Walk Together?

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Ephesians 1:16-19 I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.17 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,…

Several things are mentioned in this prayer of the Apostle Paul. He prayed they would be given wisdom and revelation to grasp, experience and understand: 1) intimate knowledge of God; (2) the eyes of their heart flooded with light to know and understand; (3) know and understand Hope; (4) know and understand their calling; (4) know and understand their inheritance; (5) and to know and understand His Power that was in them.

I could take a long time to unpack each of these for you but let me make this concise by stating Paul is not seeking to be poetic, allegorical or metaphorical in his prayers. (He’s praying to the Father. Why would that need to be symbolic?) These are experiential realities available to all followers of Jesus. You may ask, Then why aren’t we experiencing these realities? A.W. Tozer answers this question: “Many people in the churches who profess that they have an interest in the subject of how to cultivate the Spirit’s companionship are not really willing to give up all to obtain all. They are not willing to turn completely toward God and walk with Him. You may remember that John Bunyan, in his great allegorical writings, often mentioned Mr. Facing Bothways, and we ought to know as well as he did that there are a great many Christians who try to accomplish the difficult task of facing in both directions at the same time. They do want Christ, but they also want some of the world. They allow the Lord to disturb their way, but they also disturb the Lord’s way. There is no use talking about being filled with the Spirit and walking in the Spirit, unless we are willing to give up all to obtain all! Now, this old question in the text, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” is a rhetorical question, equivalent to a positive declaration that two cannot walk together except they be agreed, and the affirmation that if the two walk together, they must in some sense be one. These two, in order to walk together, must agree that they want to walk together, and they must agree that it is to their advantage to have this companionship together. I think you will see that it adds up to this: For two to walk together voluntarily, they must in some sense be one. They must be unified on the important issues of their walk and companionship and direction if they are going to be committed to traveling together.”

A.W. Tozer summarizes the condition of the average Christian answering why the prayers of Paul are not a manifest reality in their Christian experience. What’s extremely sad is that those who have sought to walk in two directions at once have become the theologians, seminary professors, and shepherds of the Lord’s sheep leading them into their own dark, and cold hearted experience of information gathering without experiential reality. Thus, the average church goer has become an information gatherer in part, or in some cases, and information hoarder. Therefore, to borrow from A.W. Tozer and the prophet Amos, Have you agreed to walk with Jesus? Are you seeking His companionship? Are you willing to pay whatever price to be one? Another simpler way to express the question would be to simply ask, Are you committed to going in Jesus’ direction? That will always require an adjustment to be made on your part. When that occurs Paul’s prayers from 2000 years ago will begin manifesting into a reality that you could never imagine.

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones?

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Philippians 1:12-13 Now I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel).13 So much is this a fact that throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest [here] my imprisonment has become generally known to be in Christ [that I am a prisoner in His service and for Him].

What does it take for an individual to be more free and at peace in prison than a person walking free outside of the prison? And what does it take to triumphantly declare my imprisonment has become generally known to be in Christ…? In other words, What caliber of man is able to triumphantly state, Christ put me in this prison?

In 1873 William Ernest Henley confided in a friend: “I am afeard my marching days are over” when asked about the condition of his leg. Who is William Ernest Henley? The man who was afflicted with tuberculosis at the age of 16 and had to have his left leg amputated below the knee owing to complications arising from the disease. He is the man who 5 years later was told a similar procedure would have to be performed on his right leg. Instead of accepting the diagnosis and treatment he traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland in August 1873 enlisting the services of the distinguished English surgeon Joesph Lister. Dr. Lister was able to save Henley’s remaining leg after multiple surgical interventions on the foot. While recovering in the infirmary, he was moved to write the verses that became the poem “Invictus”. You might recognize some of the lines that were written while Henley considered his marching days to be over: It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. Still doesn’t ring a bell? Possibly you have heard of Nelson Mandela who lived 27 years of his life in prison and who utilized this poem to encourage himself and his fellow inmates to not allow circumstances to determine the condition of their soul. Mandela, a survivor of turberculosis himself, also overcame racism, imprisonment, and the temptation to become a bitter and angry man. One author, Sharon Bloom wrote: Mandela persevered as the master of his fate. His lasting gift was his power of forgiveness—a gift we remember in his inimitable smile.

The Apostle Paul, and Nelson Mandela, chose to not allow themselves to become victims of their circumstances. Once we begin to think we are victims of our circumstances, or those we perceived created them, we become enslaved by them. This is referred to as a victim mentality, or victim syndrome. It is defined as, a way of thinking where someone perceive themselves as consistently wronged or powerless, often blaming external factors (or others) for their circumstances and struggling to take responsibility for their actions. Paul saw his prison cell as created by Christ for Christ. He saw his circumstances not as an opportunity to pity himself but to better himself and others. I was pondering how many of the books of the Bible were actually written by those who suffered horrible things usually ending in death (like the Apostle Paul being beheaded). Yet, their writing through suffering became their purpose for existence. Years, if not centuries later, their writings offer hope and life. As Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 4:11-12 For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death.12 Thus death is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that our] life [may be actively at work] in you. Your circumstances, good or bad, are not your savior nor are they your enemy. In each one you have a choice to make: Will I become better – more like Jesus – through this or bitter? We all have choices to make and our lives – good or bad – are the sum total of the choices we have made. There are those who seemingly have everything going their way yet their lives are a disaster. Conversely, there are those who live through horrible circumstances and are actually growing through them without a bitter bone in their body. A Jesus-honoring life, is made up of those who have turned stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

John Gardener wrote: Self pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.

Richard Bach wrote: If it’s never our fault, we can’t take responsibility for it. If we can’t take responsibility for it, we’ll always be its victim.

Erica Jong wrote: You take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.

The King is Coming!

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Esther 1:10-12 On the seventh day, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who ministered to King Ahasuerus as attendants,11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king, with her royal crown, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was fair to behold.12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command conveyed by the eunuchs. Therefore the king was enraged, and his anger burned within him.

Can you imagine this? Obviously, it was another culture and another time. The events in Esther occur during the Persian period of world history, between the first return of the Jews after the 70-year Babylonian captivity (around 538 BCE) and the second return led by Ezra (around 458 BCE). To put it another way, Daniel, preceded Esther – he had already passed away.

How can you apply this Scripture – here and now? Revelation 19:6 states: And on His garment (robe) and on His thigh He has a name (title) inscribed, king of kings and lord of lords. Jesus, is King of kings and Lord of lords. The question is, Since Jesus is a King – shouldn’t He have a queen? Absolutely! Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. In this passage we know Jesus is the Lamb. But who is the Lamb’s Bride, His Wife? Ephesians 5:23-33 For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body. 24 As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,26 So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word,27 That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].28 Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.29 For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church,30 Because we are members (parts) of His body.31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.32 This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.33 However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].

The Church is Jesus’ Bride, and since Jesus is the King – the Church is Jesus’ Queen. How does all of this apply to Queen Vashti in Esther 1 and Queen Esther? Esther 1:12 states: But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command…Revelation 19:7 reveals the difference: for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. The True Church of Jesus, the King’s Queen – has prepared herself to appear before her King. Esther 2:12 Now when the turn of each maiden came to go in to King Ahasuerus, after the regulations for the women had been carried out for twelve months—since this was the regular period for their beauty treatments, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet spices and perfumes and the things for the purifying of the women—….

Esther is a symbol, or Biblical type of the Church. Esther went through 12 months of beauty treatments before she even was presented to King Ahasuerus. If Esther had to go through such rigor before appearing to the King how much more so Jesus’ future Queen? As Revelation 19:7 states, Jesus’ Bride prepares herself. This word “prepare” in the original language implies the practice of kings sending a forerunner before them to make roads. The roads were built for the conquering king, his army, and his vanquished foes to march down. The forerunner would go before the king leveling mountains and hills and filling in valleys to make the highway straight, flat and smooth for the conquering king. Then he would prepare the populations surrounding the highway to appear before the king, his army, and vanquished foes. After all the preparations had been made the forerunner would go before the king announcing the, the King is Coming! the King is Coming! At the root meaning of this word “prepare” is the idea of fitness. To be prepared is to be spiritually fit. The question now is, Which queen represents you? Have you applied for His beauty treatments? Are you an Ephesians 5:23-33 bride? Are you subject to your Husband – in everything? Are you allowing His Word to sanctify and cleanse you? Do you reverence and respect your Husband Jesus? The King is coming!

Heir Borne

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Colossians 1:24 [Even] now I rejoice in the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.

Years ago I was reading Acts 5:40-42 that stated: and summoning the apostles, they flogged them and sternly forbade them to speak in or about the name of Jesus, and allowed them to go.41 So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy [dignified by the indignity] to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name.42 Yet [in spite of the threats] they never ceased for a single day, both in the temple area and at home, to teach and to proclaim the good news (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ (the Messiah). Verse 41 dumbfounded me: So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy [dignified by the indignity] to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name.

For years I couldn’t understand the reaction of the Disciples until I combined it with Paul’s declaration in Colossians 1:24: I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body…We don’t fully comprehend the fact that we make up the Body of Jesus. It’s not simply metaphorical, or symbolic language. We are the Body of Jesus. That means everything we suffer in obedient surrender to Jesus is being done to Jesus. That is the honor. Your sufferings are equal to Christ’s sufferings and you are being made one with Him through His sufferings. Your rejections, and persecutions, and the criticisms you receive on His behalf, your sacrificial, and misunderstood obediences, giving till it hurts, and giving to those who use and abuse you – all of these are added to the furrowed scars in His back, the nail scars in His feet and hands, and His thorn-pierced brow. All of these are added to His Glorified, Resurrected Body! Isaiah 49:16 states: See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…(Which means we really are engraved on the palms of His hands.)

Recently a member of our church asked, Is Jesus still suffering? To which I replied, Absolutely! He suffers long in His love, and prayers for us. But it never crossed my mind to add, when we suffer – He suffers. We become His nail-pierced hands and feet. We become His pierced side, and His thorn-pierced brow. We become His scarred and furrowed back. We become the drops of blood He sweat in the Garden.

Most avoid suffering at all costs failing to realize these eternal truths. For these things we will be rewarded as He returns to earth in His Glory. For you see, His Glorified scars become our glory as we share in His Glory. This is why Paul reminds us in the book of Romans 8:17-18 And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.18 [But what of that?] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us! Jesus’ Glory is to return to this earth to rule and reign. Only the meek will inherit the earth with Him. The meek being those who chose to suffer with Him in faithful love and surrender to His Word, His Will, and His Way. These are the true sons, and daughters of God. Those who are willing to follow Him in discipleship, serving others, witness, and missions. As the prophet Bob Jones was asked by Jesus, Did you learn to Love? Love God with ALL? Love your neighbor as yourself?

The Air I Breathe

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Nehemiah 1:11 For I was cupbearer to the king.

Nehemiah, the author for whom this book was named – simply, and humbly wrote that he was a cupbearer to the king. But what exactly was a cupbearer? Got Questions states: Historically, a cupbearer was a high-ranking official in charge of serving the king. It was primarily the responsibility of a cupbearer to serve the wine to the royal table. Since kings were concerned about plots to poison them, cupbearers had to guard the cup carefully and would sometimes taste the drink before serving it to ensure it was safe. Due to the responsibilities of the position, a cupbearer had to be trustworthy and loyal. A cupbearer had the king’s confidence and because of his character was able to exert influence in the royal court.

This means Nehemiah faced the possibility of death every day he served the king. Imagine living each day knowing it could be your last. How would it impact the way you lived? How would it impact your relationship with God? You need to look no further than Nehemiah for the answer to these questions. In chapter one Nehemiah exemplifies the two greatest commandments: love the Lord your God with ALL…, and love your neighbor as yourself.

How are these two commandments modeled through Nehemiah? His love for the Lord was demonstrated in his heart being broken for the Lord’s inheritance: the people, and land of Israel. Deuteronomy 32:8-9 states: When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. 9 But the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. Nehemiah loved and cared for what God loved and cared for. In other words, facing death every day caused him to have the heart of the Father for God’s inheritance and His family. (see Neh. 1:3-4)

Facing death every day was the job requirement of the cupbearer. There was a willingness on the part of the cupbearer to lay down his life for the king. Because of that Nehemiah was a man of prayer, faith and humility. Throughout verses 4-11 he models and teaches how to approach the King of kings and Lord of lords in prayer by acknowledging the attributes of Who God is. He doesn’t join in an accusation of God, or pray stingily. He doesn’t begin with himself as the center. He positions himself before the Lord pouring out his praise, worship and adoration seeking to have His God center him in Him. He doesn’t set himself apart from the sins of the people as if he were better but openly acknowledges that he and God’s people had openly sinned against God. In other words he takes responsibility for his sins and the sins of God’s people. Then in verses 5, 8-11 he gives God reasons why God should answer his prayers.

What does this have to do with us? Everything. The Apostle Paul stated that he wanted nothing but to know Jesus and Him crucified. We read such a statement and we think it only pertains to the crucifixion of Jesus yet there is so much more being stated. Jesus lived the crucified life before He even got to the Cross. In fact, there could never have been a crucifixion without Jesus living the crucified life. Recently I wondered how could I love God more. The answer was simple: obey Him and obey quickly. Jesus lived the crucified life through a daily practice of faith, love, and humility manifesting in obedience and prayers. Modern day believers think they can separate the practice of prayer from faith, humility, and love (as many “so-called” followers of Jesus separate it from gathering regular with the saints – “the separated ones”). Yet, you can no more separate prayer from faith, humility, and love than you can separate a bird from its’ feathers, and flying or a fish, from it’s gills, scales and swimming. Prayer is the “air” faith-filled, humble, and loving followers of Jesus breathe and soar on.

Prayerlessness is simply a symptom of unbelief, and pride; an indicator that I’ve ceased being an eagle or one of His fishes. Remember: eagles may soar alone, but fish “school” together, and sheep “flock.” Those who don’t become bait for the predators lurking in the shadows. Are you a Nehemiah? Are you one concerned for God’s inheritance and His people? Are you His cupbearer – trustworthy and loyal?

Raising the Bar

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1 Thessalonians 1:6-9 And you [set yourselves to] become imitators of us and [through us] of the Lord Himself, for you welcomed our message in [spite of] much persecution, with joy [inspired] by the Holy Spirit; 7 So that you [thus] became a pattern to all the believers (those who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Christ Jesus) in Macedonia and Achaia (most of Greece). 8 For not only has the Word concerning and from the Lord resounded forth from you unmistakably in Macedonia and Achaia, but everywhere the report has gone forth of your faith in God [of your leaning of your whole personality on Him in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. So we [find that we] never need to tell people anything [further about it].9 For they themselves volunteer testimony concerning us, telling what an entrance we had among you, and how you turned to God from [your] idols to serve a God Who is alive and true and genuine,…

The distance between Macedonia, Achaia and Thessalonica was approximately 190 miles or the equivalent of the entire length of the country of Greece. A modern day equivalent of that distance would be equal to traveling from here to Wilmington (193 miles) or from here to Raleigh (183 miles). Does anyone in either city know of your faith? Are you impacting the Christians living in those cities? Are other pastors and Christians sending their church members to watch you in action? To learn how to follow Jesus; live like Jesus; live like a disciple? Let that sink in deep. Listen to what Paul says about their faith: everywhere the report has gone forth of your faith in God [of your leaning of your whole personality on Him in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. They were leaning their entire personalities in complete trust and confidence in God, His Son Jesus, and the testimonies of the Apostles. They had set themselves to become imitators of Jesus and the Apostles. If they were imitators of all the above they were not simply reciting information, nor were they excelling at attending house church. No this means they were putting into practice what they taught and practiced. This means they were preaching, teaching, winning the lost, going to the nations, serving the poor, serving the church, baptizing others, making disciples, casting out demons, raising the dead, speaking in unknown tongues, and overflowing in the Holy Spirit. Those are the things Jesus and the disciples did. That was their normal. What has happened in modern Christianity that sees this as abnormal? How have we become so impotent, and watered down? It’s time to raise the bar once again!

At the 19th Summer Olympics in Mexico City in 1968 an American named Dick Fosbury set an Olympic record in the High Jump and brought home a gold medal. No one had ever jumped 7’4.25″ before! What was so unusual about Fosbury’s feat was that he did the high jump backwards. It looked awkward and strange. It was called “The Fosbury Flop.” But it worked! Branching out in a new high jump technique is one thing. Getting it accepted by others is another matter. Fosbury remarked,“I was told over and over again that I would never be successful, that I was not going to be competitive and the technique was simply not going to work. All I could do was shrug and say,’we’ll just have to see,’” AND PEOPLE DID SEE! Since then, nearly all world-class high jumpers now use his technique. To attain his goals, he changed his approach to high jumping, and he didn’t allow others’ comments to make him feel like he would not achieve his conviction. Is that the modern Christians’ problem? Have you been letting others determine your altitude?

Wow! This whole thing is astounding and humbling all at the same time. (I just blew my own mind!)

Necessary Adjustments and the Soil of Your Heart

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Ezra 1:1-2 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia [almost seventy years after the first Jewish captives were taken to Babylon], that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might begin to be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and put it also in writing: 2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem in Judah.

Imagine a cataclysmic event occurring in the United States in which every citizen is forced to relocate to Russia and live for seventy years. Then, following this time period, picture the prime minister of Russia proclaiming that their country would pay for every American citizen to return. All expenses paid. What would you do? What changes would have taken place in a persons life in those seventy years? One way to make this more pertinent is to visualize turning back the clock in our nations’ history seventy years. This would place us in the year 1955. I was born in 1963. Since that time I have graduated from High School, College, and Seminary. I’ve been married for 40 years, and have two married adult children, and three grandsons. All of my life would have been lived in Russia. English would not be my heart language – Russian would be. My parents were born in 1944 and 1945. That means my Dad would have been eleven years old when he was forced to move to Russia. My parents’ parents would have been in their early thirties. Their parents would have been in their sixties. That’s six generations of family members impacted by the move.

Now imagine the prime minister of Russia asking you to go rebuild a church back in America. What would you do? From the book of Ezra we can see that only three tribes responded in faith to the invitation. Out of twelve tribes only three chose to return: Ezra 1:5 Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites, with all those whose spirits God had stirred up, to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. One fourth of the people chose to act in faith. Only one fourth of the people understood God’s call on their lives. Only one fourth of the people were willing to uproot their way of living and return in faith to God’s Word; His Promises; and His Prophetic Declarations.

We often criticize and judge the unbelief of the Jewish people. It’s no coincidence that in Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, or the soils, only one fourth of the soil bore fruit. Is there a correlation between Israel and the Modern day church? John 14:23 states that we are building God’s House with Jesus and the Father. But how is the soil of our hearts receiving the seed of God’s Word? Are we so entrenched with our families, and our way of life, that when the King summons us to build we choose to remain where we are, and as we are? You cannot stay the way you are and go with God. You cannot stay where you are and go with God. You must make the necessary adjustments in order to join God in what He is doing.

The Proof

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2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 We ought and indeed are obligated [as those in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith is growing exceedingly and the love of every one of you each toward the others is increasing and abounds.4 And this is a cause of our mentioning you with pride among the churches (assemblies) of God for your steadfastness (your unflinching endurance and patience) and your firm faith in the midst of all the persecutions and crushing distresses and afflictions under which you are holding up. 5 This is positive proof of the just and right judgment of God to the end that you may be deemed deserving of His kingdom [a plain token of His fair verdict which designs that you should be made and counted worthy of the kingdom of God], for the sake of which you are also suffering.

Two things really stand out in this passage: growing faith and suffering. Growing faith will cause you to overflow with thanksgiving especially when you consider those who have suffered along with you. Growing faith will even cause you to overflow with thanks for those who have caused you to suffer. The Christian worldview in the West thinks it a strange thing to suffer for Jesus. Often the idea is dismissed when comparing themselves with other saints who live under oppressive regimes. Regimes and governments that are anti-Christ, and antagonistic to Jesus and all who follow Him. We fail to realize that Jesus and any, and all who chose to follow Jesus were under probably the most religious system the world has ever known. They believed in similar things. They participated in worship, prayer, fasting, tithing, Bible reading, and teaching. Yet, many were anti-Christ, and antagonistic to many of the things Jesus taught. He was considered extreme, and because of this He was rejected. Rest assured if they reject Him, they will reject Him in you – if you are growing in faith.

1 Corinthians 1:23 states: We preach Christ (the Messiah) crucified, [preaching which] to the Jews is a scandal and an offensive stumbling block [that springs a snare or trap], and to the Gentiles it is absurd and utterly unphilosophical nonsense.

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom;2 For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified.

Paul only preached Jesus crucified? If you take the time to consider that thought: preach Christ (the Messiah) crucified – it should cause you to question, Is that all he preached? Chapter 2 makes a similar claim: For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. Think about it. All he taught, day in and day out, was the crucifixion of Jesus. But is that what Paul meant by that phrase? Absolutely not. Paul’s message was based on the crucified life Jesus lived. From the day Jesus was conceived, to the time He could understand the whispers and the gossip of the villagers surrounding His virgin birth – Jesus was living the crucified life. In fact you could easily surmise He was crucified, everyday, as He sought to do the will of the Father; to obey Him without compromise. Now imagine, in the midst of all these things, and much more, not only your faith growing and increasing, but your love. Paul commended the Thessalonians for both their faith growing, and their love increasing, and abounding. If these early followers of Jesus did it surely Jesus had done it before them.

Paul added that all of these things taken together was proof that you were worthy of entering the Kingdom of God. In an age of sloppy, and cheap grace, this statement is startling. Salvation is free, but I have been freed to grow in faith, thanksgiving, love, and suffering. Cheap Grace adherents would be incredulous over this statement. Rather than a statement of fact it would be turned into a question: I have been freed to grow in faith, thanksgiving, love, and suffering? Another way to think about this is by asking, Are you growing through suffering? Are you growing through sacrificial obedience, surrender, and love? Now that is preaching Christ crucified. That is knowing Christ crucified. Are you knowing Him?

The Pain-Pleasure Worldview

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2 Chronicles 1:5-7 Moreover, the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was there before the tabernacle of the Lord, and Solomon and the assembly sought [the Lord].6 Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord at the Tent of Meeting and offered 1,000 burnt offerings on it.7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, Ask what I shall give you.

I searched the internet attempting to attach a modern day, monetary equivalent to Solomon’s sacrifice. One article suggested that the animals used for sacrifice would cost roughly one month wages of an average worker. Thus, Solomon sacrificed roughly 84 months of wages to seek God. That’s approximately seven years wages – in one day.

A western Christian would look at the cost of Solomon’s sacrifice and be highly offended. Offended at the sacrifice being an animal, and offended at the pain to see it through. Why is sacrifice offensive to Modern Christians?

Matthew Pickering, in his online article titled, THE CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE PAIN-PLEASURE WORLDVIEW, addresses this issue writing: Missiologist David Williams writes, “We are seeing the demise of guilt-innocence as the dominant worldview in Western cultures. I suggest that guilt-innocence is a fading paradigm. I think we are moving from being a guilt-innocence culture to becoming a pain-pleasure culture.” Our culture has changed. The new way of being in the world means all the following propositions and more. ‘I exist to pursue pleasure by becoming my true uninhibited self which can be anything I want it to be. Pleasure is good and therefore anything that limits or threatens my pleasure is bad. Pain is bad and anything that causes it is therefore also bad and should be avoided or even punished. If my pursuit is challenged, if it causes anxiety, if it is not working, I need therapy not correction.’

Pain and Pleasure participants, and adherents judge and dismiss Solomon’s Sacrifice as “over the top.” Interestingly, the person who wrote the book of 2 Chronicles took the time to count the number of animals sacrificed and record it. What’s sad is that the Pain-Pleasure Worldview has crept into the Church. Its’ members now count the number of songs sung, calculate the time spent traveling to and from church, and the number of minutes it takes for the sermon to be delivered. We’ve gone from picking up crosses, dying to ourselves, to wearing fashionable, miniature facsimiles.

Regarding this issue the writer of Hebrews states: Heb. 13:15 Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. AMPC Pain and Pleasure adherents moan and groan over such a thought: let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise??? Pain and Pleasure participants challenge this thinking disregarding its truths exposing who and what is the center of their worldview. (And it’s not Jesus). Psalm 50:23 states: He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God. The real Jesus, not the velvet Jesus, or the hip, and cool, reimagined Jesus – points you to Someone and Something bigger than your pleasure-seeking, pain-avoiding SELF. Psalm 50 above compares sacrificial offerings of praise and thanksgiving as the means to order your way aright. The greater indictment is implied, Those who don’t order their lives around sacrificial thanksgiving and praise, aren’t glorifying Jesus. If we are not glorifying Jesus then who has taken His place? Glorifying something implies making something larger than anything else in comparison. Is our Western Culture making the Temple of Pleasure bigger than Jesus? Bigger than His crucifixion? Bigger than His Resurrection? Bigger than His Ascension? Bigger than His offer of salvation from an eternity of suffering in hell?

I’m reminded of the 2012 Marvel Movie, The Avengers, in which a character by the name of Loki – half brother to Thor states: ENOUGH! You are, all of you, beneath me! I am a god, you dull creature, and I shall not be bullied by–[Hulk grabs Loki by the legs and slams him around like a rag doll, then leaves him face-up on the floor in a crater]. Hulk: Puny god. [Walks off]

Maybe our culture needs to trade places with Jesus and restore to Him the only attribute that sums up Who He is: God Alone! But as Bobby Conner has stated, We have become too familiar with an unfamiliar God. Solomon wisely stated: Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. Guess Who Wisdom is in the Proverbs? That’s where we begin knowing Him.