I’m Only Human

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In my last blog I asked, “What does it mean to be human?” We typically excuse our mistakes with a shrug of the shoulders and the statement, “I’m only human.” Songs have been sung attempting to rectify mistakes, or remove ourselves from taking responsibility for our actions. Yet what I’m discovering as I meditate on this question is that our answer and God’s answer are world’s apart. In fact we have typically learned from personal experience that our attempts at being good, godly, or great are often thwarted by our human, sinful nature. Thus we have learned to define this question from the fall of man forwards. In other words, We have allowed our sin nature to define us. What born-again believers in Jesus have failed to realize is that the sum total of what it means to be human is exemplified in Jesus. Lately I have realized why unforgiveness, judgments, and criticism are so abhorrent to God. These choices that we make actually dehumanize people. They make individuals, made in the image of God, less than who God made them. In fact when we participate in those actions we are dehumanizing who God made us to be. For years I have puzzled over the command, You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;…Exodus 20:4

The Hebrew word translated “graven image” literally means “an idol.” A graven image is an image carved out of stone, wood, or metal. It could be a statue of a person or animal, or a relief carving in a wall or pole. It is differentiated from a molten image, which is melted metal poured into a cast. Abstract Asherah Poles, carved wooden Baal’s covered in gold leaf, and etchings of gods accompanying Egyptian hieroglyphics are all graven images.

Thus a graven image could be a photograph, or video. Why would something so simple be considered sinful? My opinion is that ultimately, like unforgiveness, the graven image either deifies, or dehumanizes humanity reducing the person to an object. How often have we watched people murdered, accosted, or beaten on television, movies, or video games for our entertainment? The violence becomes less real and in the process we become desensitized to it. Could it be that this dehumanizing has led to increased acts of violence? Could it be that that this is why our society no longer values celibacy, marriage, children, and family? Could it be that we are being absorbed into the mechanization, and sterilization of humanity? We’re being absorbed, and assimilated into our technology, our idol. We are becoming what we behold.

The good news is that Jesus provided an escape from our inhumanity. His goal being to restore the original image. The Kingdom of God has come and is advancing. His Garden is in our midst. This is why the Great Commission is so important. His command, which provides us a vision, God’s vision, for all people to the ends of the earth, serves multiple purposes. First it spreads the Message that we truly are made for so much more in our redeemed humanity. Secondly, it humanizes a world that is foreign to us. May I add, a world that is easy to dehumanize, and demonize? A Christian lacking God’s vision is blind to the proportions of God’s Love – “how high, and wide, and long and deep.” Like the Grinch who stole Christmas, the Commission enlarges our hearts, increasing our capacity to love and see others. The most common greeting in the Zulu tribe is “Sawubona.” It literally means “I see you, you are important to me and I value you.” It’s a way to make the other person visible and to accept them as they are with their virtues, nuances, and flaws. In response to this greeting, people usually say with “Shiboka,” which means “I exist for you.” Jesus exists for us, and as Christians – literally “little Christs’ – we exist for the world.

With that in mind please be in prayer for what your family should be giving to foreign missions this Christmas. In the past our church’s goal was $745. Surely by God’s Grace and Spirit we can surpass this goal. Let’s be a part of the prayers offered around the world being a source of encouragement to those who have given so much. Our brothers and sisters around the world are laying down their lives, often literally, for God’s vision. Please seek to be an answer to their prayers.

What Does It Mean to Be Human?

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There was a time in my life when I was embittered, angry, and unforgiving towards another when the Lord revealed to me that I should release them from the expectations that I had placed upon them. When I did this it empowered me to see them as another human being. This paved the way to understanding and forgiveness. Recently I realized that when I am unforgiving, demeaning, critical, and judgmental of another I am simply de-humanizing that person, and that this is the root of many of the sins we commit against one another. When I call some one a derogatory name, or measure them according to the yardstick of self – myself being God, judge, and jury – I am in turn defacing the one who bears the fingerprints of God. In the past 30 years or so it seems that the march to dehumanization has quickened its pace as we become more like the technology that is our idol of choice. Instead of evolving as popular science suggests we digress downhill in becoming more like the animals we’ve been taught that we evolved from. Sexual immorality, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, child molestation, pornography, abortion on demand all become symptoms of our animalistic lust. In other words we become less than human. We turn other human beings into commodities to be traded, used, abused and tossed on the garbage heap after their value has been extinguished by our self-centered whims. It’s time to awaken to the Imago Dei, or the Image of God, and embrace once again what it means to be human. This cannot be fully realized apart from Jesus Who provides us with not only the Model, but the empowerment of the Law of His Spirit and Grace to attain it.

Pray for John David and Uganda

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This morning I woke up around 2 A.M. to brush my teeth, get dressed and make the drive over to Waxhaw to pick up John David, and his friend James. They are flying to Uganda for a short term mission trip to save lives – physically and eternally. After dropping them off at the airport terminal – which is nearly deserted at 3:30 in the morning – I had a time of prayer for them and thanksgiving to the Lord. Driving along, praying, and giving thanks I began to think of the ways that we need to be in prayer for them. Having traveled on many a mission trip several things come to mind in regard to prayer needs: that their luggage and mosquito nets make the many transfers from Charlotte, to New York, to Kenya and to Uganda. Pray for their protection, and their families protection while they’re traveling to and from the country. Pray specifically for the protection of Charlotte, Reagan, Stella and Linda. Pray that lives would be touched, hearts changed, and souls saved as a result of the gift of the mosquito nets. Pray that a door and doors would be opened for partnerships between our church and the local missionaries, pastors and churches in that region. Pray that God would call and raise up missionary laborers from our church who would be willing to go to Uganda and make disciples for Jesus. Pray for their protection from the internal bugs, and parasites that can be obtained from mosquitoes, eating the food or drinking the water. Pray that John David and James’ lives would be changed forever by the things they experience while there. And pray that they will be filled with the Holy Spirit overflowing Jesus’ love to all they meet and encounter. On a practical note pray that they will make the transition to a new time zone and being able to sleep when it’s time, and stay awake when it’s time. On a more somber note pray for the people of Uganda. For example, were you aware that Uganda is the epicenter of the AIDS crisis that swept Africa years ago and is still wreaking havoc today? Were you aware that witchcraft is practiced and is believed in so strongly that child sacrifice is on the rise to insure the “gods” (demonic spirits) respond to their prayers, and spells?

There’s a reason Jesus said to Go! It’s a command empowered by grateful hearts compelled to share the Love Jesus has shared with us. A Love so great that a million lifetimes of “thank you’s” would never suffice. Jesus’ strategy was quite simple and clear cut. In Acts 1:8 He stated: “But you will receive Power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

We owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Israel and Lord willing one day we will visit those lands with the Gospel, but on a more practical note we need to be asking: What is our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Before Thanksgiving I was grateful for all who drove out in the pouring rain and delivered thanksgiving meals to needy families in Union County. I was encouraged as I listened to Mary Quinn, and Kristy Whittington share how they went to Common Heart to go through the Literacy Orientation and training to help those who can’t read – right here in our own backyard. They reminded me of the desire I had to participate in this same program. So last night I attended orientation from 6:30 – 8:15. All of this came as a result of one family – the Pooveys – who have faithfully served alongside the ministry of Common Heart for years delivering food to needy families and sharing Jesus’ love. Their example paved the way for the Wagenmaker’s to participate in the delivery of food and the annual food drive which opened the door to invite the leadership of Common Heart to speak at our church and present their challenge.

Many of our people are actively involved on the front lines of the cultural battle to save the lives of the unborn. Lisa Drogan, Sam Nunemaker, and others are sacrificing their Saturday mornings to go out to the largest abortion center in the southeast to pray, to serve, and to offer parents of unborn children alternative options away from our culture of death.

Our church’s purpose is to glorify Jesus through a wedding of the Spirit and the Word; watching and learning how to be students of Jesus; walking it out in love to the ends of the earth. If there has been a wedding of the Spirit and the Word then there will be a desire to watch and learn how to be students of Jesus – to join Jesus where He is working. When you see what Jesus has done and is doing, and you are His student, you are going to walk it out in love to the very ends of the earth.

God has given us a task to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s every student of Jesus’ job. There are no excuses. Our church’s goal is to reach the nine major affinity groups of the world with the Gospel, developing partnerships with missionaries, pastors, and churches. In one year we have already been to four of those affinity groups: the American Peoples – in Nicaragua, Central America; the Northern Africa and Middle Eastern Peoples – in Ethiopia; the Sub-Saharan African peoples – in Tanzania, and Uganda; and the Southeast Asian Peoples – in Indonesia. How powerful and amazing is that?

Jesus gave us a mission and we are a people on mission with Him. Praise and thank the Lord for what He has done in 2019 with our little church. Pray for John David, James, and their families. And please pray about which affinity group God would call you to be a missionary to, partner with, pray for, and give too. God bless you precious people of God!

Veteran’s Day Thank You!

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English writer, Christian Philosopher, and Apologist, G.K. Chesteron wrote: “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live, taking the form of a readiness to die.”

“No holiday says “America” the way Veterans Day does. On this day we celebrate not just our freedom, our independence, our democracy, but the sacrifices made to achieve them. We honor those who fought on our behalf, in our defense, for our freedom. We thank those who sacrificed their time, their health, their lives. We pray for those who now serve at home, overseas, and in harm’s way. Freedom isn’t free, independence isn’t forever, and democracy isn’t for the faint of heart.”

God has blessed us with many a great warrior who has served our country with a willingness to sacrifice there all so that we could live free. Never, ever forget that freedom has never been free, and that our veterans – past and present – remind us of the sacrifice that Jesus gave so that we could all be free. Take time today, and this week to thank God for all those who have served, and are serving our country. Say a prayer for our service men and women everywhere who place themselves in harms way to serve and protect our freedoms.

Recall, and remember the oath they took: I, _, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

The following story of a former Vietnam Vet reminds us of the courage it requires to put on that uniform taking that oath of service.

In January 1993, Bill Clinton was inaugurated as our 42nd president. On that very day, he welcomed countless numbers of people into the White House. Many of them were active duty military. His first words to each member in uniform were: “Thank you for your service.” He shook hands and looked them in the eye as he uttered those words. I watched very closely with great interest. There was no doubt in my mind that this was an act of sincerity being played over and over as I could see the welling in the eyes of the president and felt the same in my own. Those words seem to have become some kind of a cliché and will be repeated many times with the coming of another Veterans Day.

It wasn’t like that at all when I returned home from Vietnam in 1971. I wasn’t expecting any kind of welcome home, especially since we had been briefed about possibly encountering war protesters which we were told to ignore. What I looked forward to as we deplaned at the SEA-TAC Airport in Washington was simply stepping on American soil after surviving the most challenging year of my life in the war-torn country of Vietnam. Many of our troops got down on their hands and knees and kissed the ground as they were so happy to be home. After putting my foot down, I looked for some smiling American faces I could talk to. All of our initial happiness was quickly put on hold as we did encounter a group of so called “peace marchers.” We did all we could to ignore their remarks. I even heard the words “baby killers” and “get back on that plane” directed to us. I was told by a security officer that they had a right to say whatever they wanted as long as they didn’t cross a certain line.How could these people be so naïve? I soon learned this was not an isolated incident. There were people throughout the country actually burning the American flag. I began to wonder: What is happening to our country? I can certainly understand their frustrations to our involvement in Vietnam, but we as individuals should not be known the brunt of or for that matter, any part of, their frustration. They probably didn’t know that Americans were dying every day for their freedom. Further they didn’t realize that we as individuals had no choice as to our involvement in Vietnam. Those decisions were made in Washington, D.C. That is where those peace marchers should be and not allowed elsewhere.

Most everyone who served in Vietnam saw, felt and lived the war firsthand and probably became more antiwar than the loudest of any of those peace marchers. Some saw their friends suffer and die. I saw much more than my share of death and destruction, which included the maimed and mutilated bodies of children from villages that were destroyed.

I have come to believe that any act of war is totally insane. There has to be another way. Too many innocent people are killed. Now to put my stamp on that insanity statement: Probably 25 percent of the troops going to and from Vietnam were draftees. A draftee is a person who was forced to play a lottery game. Every 18-year-old American male was required to play this game. If they refused to play, they would either leave the country or they may have been jailed.
When they did sign up, they were issued a card. On this card was a number. This number became their draft status. Every month or so, numbers were drawn and winners and losers were notified. If your number was chosen and you weren’t attending college, it really didn’t matter in some instances if you were married or not, or if you had a well paying job or not, if your health was good, you would soon become a member of the United States Army. You would be sent to basic training for eight weeks and after another eight weeks of advanced training, you would be sent thousands of miles from home to fight in a war in a country you may never even knew existed. Many thousands of you will be killed in that war. How insane is that?

Now for what may be the ultimate of insanity. This is something that does happen during wartime. Any of-age man could very well been one of those draftees. He was on a mission and somehow make a wrong turn and was separated from his unit. It wasn’t even six months ago that his number came up. He had just turned 20 years. He said goodbye to his girlfriend and left the well paying job he had worked so hard to secure.
In those days, a college education was not always a requirement to land a decent job. Now here he is, lost in Vietnam, thousands of miles from home. He soon comes face to face with a North Vietnamese soldier who himself is barely 20 years old and was forced into this war. Neither of them knew why they were where they were. The only knowing they both had was they must take the other’s life or their own would be taken. It was kill or be killed. The height of insanity.

I retired from the Army in 1982 after 21 years of service — two of which were in Vietnam. Since then, I kept my Army care to myself and rarely talked about it because of the unpleasant memories of Vietnam. I am sure many of you have heard the term PTSD — Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, otherwise known as a delayed reaction to severe stress. This is something that affects many veterans of foreign wars.

In my case, we had to suppress our feelings. There was no time for mourning. This was especially so during mass casualties. The problem is the suppression will not last forever. Someday and quite possibly many years later, they would come out in a variety of physical and or emotional ways. Here is an example: My wife and I attended a Michigan State football game. Prior to the kickoff, the marching band performed one of the most beautiful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” I had ever heard. I stood at attention and saluted the flag. During this performance, they paused for a few seconds. It didn’t take more than those few seconds to take my thoughts back in time. Tears were streaming down my face. I cringed as I approached this 22-year-old soldier who didn’t appear to be a day past 17. What could possibly be pleasant about placing death tags on his left toe and right thumb?

Veterans Day is a special day in honor of all those who have served in our nation’s military, past or present. This very year, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month will mark the signing of the armistice that ended World War I and became the seed to what today is known as Armistice Day.

If you should spot someone in uniform, regardless if you know the person or not, the uniform they are wearing represents your freedom. Reach out to them and thank them for their service. Finally never forget: “Freedom isn’t free.”
— David Dyer, Vietnam Veteran.

2019 Trunk or Treat

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Prime the Pump

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One day, a man was lost in a desert without water, but he saw an old makeshift structure. He knew he couldn’t make it much longer, so he got to the covering as fast as his worn-out legs could carry him. To his surprise, inside he found a jar of pure looking water. This jar was on the floor next to a pump.

As he reached down to pick up the jar of water, though, he noticed a sign.

Filled with relief, he walked over to the jar to quench his overbearing thirst. As he reached down to pick up the jar of water, though, he noticed a sign. The sign read, “Use this water to prime the pump. When you have gotten as much water as you need, refill the jar, and leave it for the next person who will pass this way.” 

This man suddenly found himself on the horns of a dilemma because he was so thirsty that he was close to dehydration. What if he followed the directions on the sign and there was no water in the well? What if he poured out all of the water he now held in his hand and got nothing in return? Was that worth the risk to even try? The man had to make a decision to either fill himself now, or pour out what he had and take the chance that deep down there was so much more. The man made the choice to prime the pump. It was a good choice because the water flowed freely. He drank to his delight and collected enough water to take him on his journey. Before he left, he filled the jar and placed it next to the note. Under the words of the note, he wrote, “Trust me. It works!”

Thanksgiving and Christmas are soon approaching. As a result people are becoming mindful of what they are thankful for and who they want to share their love with. As you are being distracted by all of these different things let me gently remind you of what the Apostle Paul stated was true of all those born-again of the Spirit: As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

One of the fundamentals of being a Christian is thanksgiving. In a culture that has become vehemently self-centered, and obsessed it is imperative that we focus our attention on thanksgiving. In fact I learned many years ago that I have to incorporate it in my life as a daily discipline. I’ve also discovered that thanksgiving actually aids in priming my spiritual pump. Each day many of us will begin feeding on God’s Word and having our quiet time with Him. Others will focus on their priestly responsibilities of praying for the needs of others. But it has been my experience that when I simply focus on me and others that often miss the very ONE I live for. He is the Reason for my existence.The very first thing, I and others, need is to “re-center” ourselves in Him. Consider ministering to Him through thanksgiving. Note that the word thanksgiving is made up of two words: “thanks” and “give.” Psalm 100:4 reminds us that we are to “Enter His Gates With Thanks- Giving.“ We enter into His Presence with the giving of thanks. This is an aspect of our sacrifice of praise. So I challenge you to create a thanksgiving journal and come up with 10 things a day that you are thankful for.

Lastly, note that Colossians 2:6-7 assumes that if someone has received Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Baptizer (Christ) they will be rooted, built up, and established in the faith as they overflow with thanksgiving. Build up your spirit man through overflowing with thanks. Prime that inward pump by exercising the will of your soul engaging in what’s already occurring in Heaven and in all creation – the giving of thanks.

Great Turkey Countdown

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I’ve just gotten signed up for delivering four thanksgiving meals on Saturday, November 23. I’ve noticed that only four of us are on the list. They still have plenty of time slots available but they are filling up fast. Would you please consider going online and signing up to deliver a Thanksgiving meal?

Consider that this year our church sent out missionaries to four different countries, but we have yet to make a considerable impact here in Union County. Would you please pray about signing up and participating in being Jesus’ hands and feet? And just a side note: I’ve passed the word along to Bethany Academy. They already have 2 of their workers signed up. So get online and give to those who aren’t able to give. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Suddenly?!

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Yesterday’s service was a reminder of all the many blessings that God gives us usually when we least expect them. They come upon us suddenly. In Psalm 40:1 David writes, “I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 23 has David walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Yet repeatedly circumstances will be turned for the better as the one who placed their trust in God is delivered. Psalm 23: 4-6 continues with: Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

In spite of the threat of the SHADOWS of death Jesus, His Shepherd, is with him. You may be tempted to say, Now hold on a second Robert. David didn’t know about Jesus. I beg to differ. For in Psalm 22 he saw His crucifixion and in Psalm 110:1 he wrote: The LORD said to my Lord sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool. David, the “sheep,” knows to look for the Table the Lord had prepared for him in the midst of his enemies. (Just a thought but in the Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan is slain by the witch on a stone table) David realizes goodness, mercy, and unfailing love are following him and have his back. For Jesus, His Shepherd is Goodness, Mercy, and Unfailing Love. Psalm 40 goes on to say: I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.2 He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings.3 And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.

The surprise of Psalm 40? Psalm 40:7-10 Then said I, Behold, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; yes, Your law is within my heart.9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great assembly [tidings of uprightness and right standing with God]. Behold, I have not restrained my lips, as You know, O Lord.10 I have not concealed Your righteousness within my heart; I have proclaimed Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not hid away Your steadfast love and Your truth from the great assembly.

The Surprise is Jesus. The One Who came in the Volume of the Book. How “loud” was that Volume? Isaiah 48:3 I have declared from the beginning the former things [which happened in times past to Israel]; they went forth from My mouth and I made them known; then suddenly I did them, and they came to pass [says the Lord].

Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts.

Luke 2:13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying,..

Even Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus was described as a suddenly: Acts 9:3 Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him,…

The Volume from that Book came loudly and suddenly. The month of November should be a month of Thanksgiving for all of the “suddenly-s” the Lord has brought our way and all the “suddenly-s” that are yet to come. Our church has been so blessed by the Lord with “suddenly-s” in growth, in financial provision, healings, miracles, salvations and answered prayers. Take special time this month to remember the blessings and provision of God. There are so many that they far outweigh the bad. And remember the warning in Mark 13:35-37 Therefore watch (give strict attention, be cautious and alert), for you do not know when the Master of the house is coming—in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning—36 [Watch, I say] lest He come suddenly and unexpectedly and find you asleep.37 And what I say to you I say to everybody: Watch (give strict attention, be cautious, active, and alert)!

Be alert, watching for the suddenly-s.” May He find us watching and thankful – always.

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Thursday, October 31, 2019

Would you respond to an invitation to meet Jesus and get to know Him? Are invitations limited to only special people or have millions been sent out already? How close have you come and didn’t even realize it? Is it even possible to get to know Jesus? 

In the book of Matthew we discover one such invitation that was almost missed: 

Matthew 15:21-26 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

You may ask the question, “How was this an invitation?” My reply? It was an invitation hidden within a test. The test was to see if she would bypass her own prejudices, and offenses in order to see her daughter healed. Praise God for His grace! She passed the tests with flying colors securing her daughter’s healing and deliverance. What the world, and many church attenders do not realize is that these tests are handed out on an ongoing basis. They aren’t simply limited to the Bible. Truth be known these tests exist in the form of the church people quit going to because it was full of hypocrites. The test of the Bible being too difficult to read so thousands refuse to read it. The test of unanswered prayer so people quit praying, some even fall away in unbelief. These tests are handed out daily often in the form of offenses. The question is, Will we pass these tests in order to respond to the invitation from the Lord? 

I call them invitations because of the many examples of offense found in Scripture that can only be settled through interactions with the Lord. Interestingly enough just as there are several examples of these invitations there are a million more examples of those who chose not to respond. Consider Luke 19:44 And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation. 

Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and the diaspora of the Jewish people simply because they stumbled over the offense. We are foolish to believe that we are better than these. Only a remnant chose to overcome the offense of a suffering Messiah and respond to His invitation to know Him. Hidden in that statement is an indictment regarding the millions, if not billions of people who have attended church Sunday after Sunday never knowing Jesus personally, experientially and intimately. They did not think He was worth the knowing and chose instead to not prepare for the Wedding of the Lamb.

Being in the ministry for over 30 years has lent a unique position of observation. I have watched as God began working – doing what only He could do – and people stumbled over their offenses. The older I get the more my heart is grieved as I watch people walk away from God’s invitation. Sad to say but they are usually clueless. Sadder still will be the day when they will know as Jesus knows (1 Cor 13:12) realizing all the times they missed the hour of their visitation. People say there is no crying in Heaven. That’s not entirely true. Revelation 7:17 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 

The prophet Isaiah records that there will come a day when we will invite people to come and be taught of the Lord. Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law and instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 

You may be tempted to say, Robert, that’s not until the millennial reign of Christ. That has yet to happen. When it happens I will respond. Really? 1 John 2:27 states: As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit–just as it has taught you, remain in Him. 

Could it possibly be that the reason most are not experiencing the fulfillment of this promise is they have yet to respond to His invitation to abide in Him? I’ll let you be the judge.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

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Dear church family thank you so much for all the cards, gifts, and blessings. Jackie and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You make it a joy and a pleasure to be your pastors and care for you. You are all such a precious gifts to us. We love you. May we see clearly the manifestation of Jesus’ vision for His church in 2020 looking with the far reaching gaze of His eagles. May God release 2020 Spiritual Vision to us for our community and world. Blessings, blessings, blessings upon all of you, your families, and friends.

Also I wanted to thank Elizabeth Hallman and everyone who made our trunk or treat successful. Thank you for your hard work, servanthood and giving back to the community. What a great day! It’s amazing to think that the Lord said He would reward even the smallest gestures of kindness done in His Name and for Him. Yesterday we gave Jesus and our community a big hug.

The Last Battle

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Friday, October 25, 2019

What’s a Christian fanatic? Can a person survive after being set on fire? Is it possible to be on fire but not consumed?

When I was a younger man I couldn’t stand fanatics. That is until I became one and realized that a fanatic was simply someone who loved Jesus more than I. After encountering Jesus I wanted to change that – but how? 

Numbers 14:44 But they presumed to go up to the heights of the hill country; however, neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed out of the camp.

In this passage the Children of Israel had listened to the report of the spies who had gone into the Promised Land. Caleb and Joshua had faith for the promises of God, whereas the rest of Israel chose to believe the bad report. As a result they were condemned to continue wandering around the wilderness till they died. What’s really sad is that after they receive this rebuke and condemnation they presumptuously chose to go up into the “heights” of the promises. Unfortunately, presumption never secures the promises of God leading to destruction and ruin. 

It’s interesting to note that the Mountain of God went by two names: Horeb and Sinai. Both names were used for the same Mountain. For years I puzzled over the meanings of the two words. I discovered Horeb means the “sword that brings desolation” whereas Sinai means the “one on fire.” While seeking to wrench some meaning from its symbology I finally reached the end of my mental, or soulish abilities. Instead I chose to seek the Lord in prayer regarding it’s mysteries. As I sought the Lord I reached the conclusion that the two names were symbols of our two natures: Horeb, the older name, referred to our Soul Man, whereas Sinai, referred to the younger, Spirt Man. Which should cause us to ask: Do I want to live my life according to Horeb, the “Sword that brings desolation?” IN other words, Do I want to live a life that leads to “destruction, and judgment” or do I want to live my life according to Sinai? Do I want to become like the “One on Fire…but not consumed?” If you would recall that the burning bush of Moses was located just at the foot of this Mountain. Here Moses observed a bush on fire but not consumed. At the end of Revelation we discover Jesus as the Burning Man – on Fire but not consumed. (Revelation 1)

As we come to the base of God’s Mountain we have a choice to make. Which mountain will we choose to ascend? Scripture repeatedly asks, Who will ascend the Mountain or Hill of the Lord in Psalm 15, and Psalm 24. Yet in Isaiah 2:3 the unanswered question appears to be answered as the prophet observes: And many people shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law and instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 

What changed? What changed was that only One was worthy to ascend the Mountain of the Lord – only One. Jesus, our Conquering King, ascended the Hill of the Lord and made the way for us to follow into the Throne Room of God’s Presence. We must remember that there are only two ways to ascend. The first path is very wide, and popular. It is motivated by the presumption of the soul – mind, will, emotions and personality. From this path presumptuous souls assert themselves in the hope that somehow they can come into the Presence of God through knowledge, will power, sentiment and emotions. The personality of self- focused, self-centeredness asserts, and flaunts itself before a Holy God condemning itself to a life of separation from God. Fortunately God has made a way to the top of that Mountain through the Burning Man – Jesus. It’s path is narrow, and few find it. It’s not very flashy or popular. On the surface it appears to be insignificant, and can be easily overlooked. Yet through living a life in pursuit of Jesus we discover that this path is the greatest of them all. Here we face His Fires consuming our self-centered, presumption. Here we watch as our souls squirm, and struggle to be wrenched free from control. Yet here on His “Cross-Path” we may stumble, and even fall, but His Rock Strong arms are always there to lift us up, encouraging us to ascend higher. Blazing love beckons to us to progress from walking to running, to soaring on eagles wings. And why wouldn’t we? Who can resist the Eyes of the Blazing One – the Lover of our souls calling us higher, and higher. As C.S. Lewis wrote in the Chronicles of Narnia, The Last Battle: “I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now…Come further up, come further in!” This truly is the battle of the last days.

An Ark of His Covenant

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Thursday, October 24, 2019

What connection is there between the Ark of the Covenant and the Throne of God? How does Jesus fit into this powerful symbol for God? What connection is there between our worship and His Ark? Are you an ark of His Covenant?

Exodus 25:17-22 And you shall make a mercy seat (a covering) of pure gold, two cubits and a half long and a cubit and a half wide. And you shall make two cherubim (winged angelic figures) of [solid] hammered gold on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on each end, making the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat, on the two ends of it. And the cherubim shall spread out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, facing each other and looking down toward the mercy seat. You shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony [the Ten Commandments] that I will give you. There I will meet with you and, from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are upon the ark of the Testimony, I will speak intimately with you of all which I will give you in commandment to the Israelites.

Obviously we have in this passage a description of the Ark of the Covenant which had as it’s lid a mercy seat, or covering. This is where God would meet with Moses and the High Priest speaking intimately with them. How powerful is that? What we don’t know is the New Testament reference to the Ark and its connection to Jesus: Romans 3:23-25 states in the NKJV: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,…

The New King James’ Translation obscures the original Greek meaning of propitiation but the Amplified Classic brings out its hidden meaning:  Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.

Jesus was our Mercy Seat. The Forerunner Commentary had the following explanation: This passage tells us that Jesus Christ is our Mercy Seat, but the translators have hidden it. “Propitiation” (Greek hilasterios) in verse 25 is literally “place of conciliation or expiation” or “Mercy Seat.” The Septuagint used hilasterios to translate the Hebrew noun kapporeth (“Mercy Seat”). This Hebrew word’s root is kapar meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” 

God’s Ark, a Symbol of His Throne, becomes the place where our sins are hidden, and expiated, and we are reconciled to God. Here Jesus becomes our covering to conceal our sins. Here we find the Holy Father’s Mercy. Thus we are commanded to draw near to God’s throne of Grace in 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].

We are to draw near to receive mercy, and find grace to do God’s Will. 2 Peter 3:18 states: But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! 

We grow in Grace as we assemble before His Throne of Grace, and we grow in Grace as we build for Him a throne in our hearts. Psalms 22:3 states in the NAS Translation: Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 

His Throne is built in us as we establish Him upon our praises, and worship. Interestingly enough this Psalm is the Crucifixion Psalm of Jesus. As we build His throne in our hearts through obedient worship, sacrifice and service Jesus is exalted and enthroned on high. But what’s truly amazing is a promise made for those who come out of the Laodicean Church Age opening the Door to His Presence. It states in Revelation 3:21: He who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself overcame (was victorious) and sat down beside My Father on His throne. 

We actually get to sit with Jesus on His Throne. In conclusion we are building for Him a throne through our own lives of surrender. We build and become a Tabernacle/Temple for His Presence. The question remains: Are you an ark of His covenant? Is your life a throne of His Presence?

Are You A Fan?

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Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Whom do you love, and whom do you hate? In your walk with Christ, does your soul – mind, will, emotions and personality – (the older brother Esau) serve the younger Spirit Man (the younger brother Jacob) or does your Spirit Man serve your Soul Man? Do your affections align with the Father’s or with satan’s? Whom do you love and nurture and whom do you hate?
Are you cooperating in the building of a temple for the Lord’s Presence?

Just to review where we have come from and where we are headed. The “older brother” (Esau) – our souls (mind, will, emotions and personality) are supposed to serve the “younger brother” (Jacob) – our spirit man. But this is impossible when the Spirit man has not been brought to life. This resurrection is made possible only through a surrender of rights. What right is that? The right of the soul to be “god,” the “center,” or “command control.” We agree to allow the Lord to take that “right” from us – dying to our desire to be god, in control, and in command. Through our breaking agreement with the enemy within, and without, the Father raises our spirits from the dead. That resurrection creates a whole new conflict as God drops His garden in us behind enemy lines. From that point on the war between spirit and soul begins.

Watchman Nee says that “It is imperative that a believer know he has a spirit, since as we shall soon learn, every communication of God with man occurs there. If the believer does not discern his own spirit he invariably is ignorant of how to commune with God in the spirit. He easily substitutes the thoughts or emotions of the soul for the works of the spirit. Thus he confines himself to the outer realm, unable ever to reach the spiritual realm.” (The Spiritual Man, Volume 1) Thus we have been learning that God seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth. And we learned that worship is more than a song, or posture, but a way of life. Unfortunately, for most in the Western Church that life is non-existent, lived mostly from Watchman Need “outer realm.”

We’ve learned that there were 2 tents: Moses’ Tent of Meeting and the Priestly Tent of Meeting. One was personal, for meeting the Lord outside the “Camp,” and the other was for ministering to the Lord and others, inside the “Camp.” Both tents are accessible only through the “Door” and only through becoming a living sacrifice – facing the fire of the cross of Christ. We meet Jesus outside the “Camp” as we join Him on His Cross – identifying with His death, burial and resurrection. Through meeting His covenant conditions we begin being built into a spiritual house in and for the Lord. This “building” is achieved through alignment with the Word and Spirit. That alignment made possible only through obedience and practice.

We discovered as sons and daughters of God our identification with Him is so intense that the Father’s purpose – which He has for His Son – is also being replicated in us. As Jesus is a Temple, so we too are being built into a temple. We realized that He is the Altar and we are being built into an altar. He is the Bronze Laver, we are being built into a bronze laver. He is the Menorah, the Light of the World, and we are being built into menorahs for the world. And this process is continued on from the Table of Showbread to the Altar of Incense, to the Ark of the Covenant.

Romans 9:12-13 It was said to her that the elder [son] should serve the younger [son]. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (held in relative disregard in comparison with My feeling for Jacob).

The question remains, Whom do you love, and whom do you hate? In your walk with Christ, does the older serve the younger or does your spirit man serve your flesh? Do your affections align with the Father’s or with satan’s? Whom do you love and nurture and whom do you hate? Are you cooperating in the building of a temple for the Lord’s Presence?

You Can’t Fake This

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Sunday, October 20, 2019

What’s the one thing in Christianity that can’t be faked? Did New Testament Christians actually experience hearing and seeing Jesus? Can Jesus actually be heard and seen today? If this is true what are the implications for those who attend church and have done neither? How are modern day Christians being built into a table of showbread?

1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing [of wine at the Lord’s Supper] upon which we ask [God’s] blessing, does it not mean [that in drinking it] we participate in and share a fellowship (a communion) in the blood of Christ (the Messiah)? The bread which we break, does it not mean [that in eating it] we participate in and share a fellowship (a communion) in the body of Christ?

The Greek word for communion is the word koinonia. The Bible will often translate this word as fellowship. This identical word is used in several passages of the book of 1 John and for good reason. 1 John 1:3 states: What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

There are many things an unbeliever can fake regarding popular Christianity in the west. You can fake worship, reverence, love for the Word, love for Jesus, love for the Father, and prayer. But the one thing you cannot fake is true, Jesus-centered, koinonia. Why do I say this? Because true koinonia is based on a personal interaction with the Godhead. A relationship of common union, conversation, co-sharing. The crazy thing? You are doing all of that with the Creator of the Universe. Those who have had communion or fellowship with the Godhead know about it. You don’t guess or even hope you’ve had it – you know it. And once Heaven has touched your earth you can’t get enough. (I’m just smiling typing this up and thinking about it). The passage in 1 John really emphasizes this personal interaction when it states: What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. The implication is what we have seen and heard is also available for you to see and hear. In John’s seven letters to the churches of Revelation one of the “stinker” churches was the Church of Laodicea. They were in such bad shape they couldn’t even see that they had left Jesus outside of His Worship service. Not only were they blind to His absence they also failed to hear Him knocking trying to get into the front door of His Church. The Church of Laodicean was deaf and blind spiritually. Before you get too critical recall the skepticism expressed when the Vice President of the United States expressed that he could hear God.

The Good News? Jesus offered a promise that if anyone would hear Him knocking and open the door He would come in and have fellowship with them. Why wouldn’t He?That’s the implication in the very definition of the word expressed throughout the New Testament. Why is that significant and what does it have to do with the next station in Priestly Tabernacle? Everything actually. The next station was called the Table of Shewbread or Showbread. In the Hebrew it literally meant the Bread of His Face or Presence. On this table were 12 stacks of unleavened bread, a symbol for each of the 12 tribes of Israel, and a flagon of Wine.

Recall that Scripture refers to us being a temple being built into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit? We grow in becoming through fellowshipping in the blood and body of Jesus. Another way of saying this is that we fellowship in His sufferings. This fellowship doesn’t have to come through being martyred, persecuted, or imprisoned. But it can and does come through simply picking up Jesus’ Cross and following His example of obedience in a difficult situation. When ever we choose obedience over personal comfort we are experiencing to some degree His sufferings. Now before you think that I have watered down our participation in Jesus sufferings take a look at 1 Peter 4:1: So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God],…

At first I believed the message conveyed was regarding Jesus’ crucifixion. But the last part of the verse really bothered me. My doubt was regarding my own experience. I knew that I have suffered in the flesh but that hasn’t stopped me from sinning. Sometimes the suffering almost seemed to justify the sinning. So what was Peter seeking to express? I prayed and was reminded Hebrews 5:8: Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered.

Jesus was free of demons, generational curses, sins of the fathers, and soul and spirit wounds – yet, He suffered as He obeyed the Father in spite of the temptation. He was tempted in every way that you and I are tempted, yet He never sinned. He was comforted by angels after the 40 day fast and temptation in the wilderness. He wrestled over the will of the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane sweating drops of blood. Obedience to the Father is costly. The greater the outcome, the greater the suffering. Jesus’ Table of Showbread, the Bread of His Face is built in us as we do the will of the Father, interacting with Jesus through the process. Romans 8:17 states: 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. 

Mark 10:38 shines some more light on this concept. It states: But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”  Jesus provides some clarity regarding what cup the disciples were so presumptuously willing to drink in Luke 22:42:Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 

The good news is that the Table of Showbread wasn’t just a table of fellowshipping with Jesus’ sufferings. John 6:55-58 explains the enjoyable side of the Table: For My flesh is true and genuine food, and My blood is true and genuine drink. He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood dwells continually in Me, and I [in like manner dwell continually] in him. Just as the living Father sent Me and I live by (through, because of) the Father, even so whoever continues to feed on Me [whoever takes Me for his food and is nourished by Me] shall [in his turn] live through and because of Me. This is the Bread that came down from heaven. It is not like the manna which our forefathers ate, and yet died; he who takes this Bread for his food shall live forever.

Did you catch the three promises: dwells continually in Me, shall [in his turn] live through and because of Me, and shall live forever.  When we feed or commune with the Bread of His Presence, or drink the Blood of His Sacrifice we dwell continually in Him; we live through Him; and we live forever with Him. Why wouldn’t we? We are His Body. What the Western Christian must understand is that through knowing and doing His Word He reveals Himself to us. John 14:21 states it: Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”  And now we’ve come full circle. The Koinonia of Jesus-centered, Christianity, is about what we have seen, heard, and are partakers of. We become the Table of His Presence as we obey and know Him. You can’t fake that. If you have been go to the Bread of Life and let Him know that you are dying to know Him.

Branching Out

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Thursday, October 17, 2019 

How are we to branch out in the things of the Spirit? Does the Bible include details for how we are to be lights to the world? What significance is there between Jesus being called a Nazarene and Old Testament Prophecies regarding the Messianic Branch?

Matthew 2:23 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He shall be called a Nazarene [Branch, Separated One]. 

In the Amplified Classic Translation Nazarene is translated as the Branch, or Separated One. There are several Old Testament prophecies referring to the Messiah as being the Branch: Isaiah 4:2 In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be excellent and lovely to those of Israel who have escaped.

Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit.

Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch (Sprout), and He will reign as King and do wisely and will execute justice and righteousness in the land.

In Hebrew, the golden menorah that lit the inner court of Moses’ Priestly Tabernacle, and Solomon’s Temple, had seven lamps. The middle lamp was referred to as the “Shemash.” The “Shemash” was known as the “Servant Branch” or simply “The Branch.” The reason being that the menorah in some respects resembled a tree with seven branches. Even the “cups” of the lamps were modeled after almond blossoms from an almond tree. Each of the “branches” of the menorah received their oil from this middle branch. The Isaiah 11 passage referred to above has another interesting twist to it when it describes this Messianic Branch: And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord— And shall make Him of quick understanding, and His delight shall be in the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord. And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, neither decide by the hearing of His ears;

The attributes of the Messiah, on Whom the Spirit rested, would be that He would have wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. If you count the attributes you would discover only six. Why is that significant? Because Jesus is the Middle Branch, from Whom the Oil of the Spirit flows. This is what the book of Revelation was referring to when it mentions the Heavenly Menorah: Out from the throne came flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne seven blazing torches burned, which are the seven Spirits of God [the sevenfold Holy Spirit]; Revelation 4:5

How does all of this apply to us? We are called to become a menorah for the Lord.
John 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
Jesus is the Branch but we are His branches. Jesus also stated that He was the Light of the World, and then calls us lights to the world. Another way of saying this is to say: I Am the Menorah of the world and you are menorahs to the world. We become these menorahs when we receive the anointing of the Spirit for wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. As we seek to surrender daily to a life of being intoxicated with the Spirit His Fires will burn brightly in us; we will walk with Him in the Inner Court.

One last detail to mention is that many Jews believed the menorah to be reminiscent of the Tree of Life. Revelation 22:1-2 states: Then he showed me the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 Through the middle of the broadway of the city; also, on either side of the river was the tree of life with its twelve varieties of fruit, yielding each month its fresh crop; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing and the restoration of the nations. We must never forget that we are lights to the world through the Power of the Holy Spirit. Like Jesus we have been made to be trees (See Psalm 1) to bring healing to the nations. We receive His Spirit’s infilling to be His witnesses, evangelists, missionaries and ministers. The Lord distinguishes us as one of His Servants by manifesting through us what only He can do.

The Burning Man

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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Have you ever known someone who was on fire for Jesus? What does it mean to be on fire for Jesus? What does it take to burn with such passion and zeal? How is Jesus symbolized in the Priestly Tabernacle of Moses? How is our walk with Jesus symbolized in these symbols from the Old Testament? Are you a “burning man” for the Lord?

Revelation 1:15 His feet glowed like burnished (bright) bronze as it is refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 

This strange depiction of Jesus found in the book of Revelation reminds us of another Old Testament depiction found in the book of Daniel, chapter 10, verse 6: His body also was [a golden luster] like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and his feet like glowing burnished bronze, and the sound of his words was like the noise of a multitude [of people or the roaring of the sea].

It’s an intriguing fact that Israel camped around Moses’ Priestly Tabernacle in the form of a cross. 3 Tribes to the north, south, east and west. Even more intriguing is the fact that when the furnishings of the Tabernacle are laid out they also form a cross. To enter the Tabernacle the priest could only go through one door. Jesus referred to Himself as the Door or the Gate for the Sheep in John 10 repeatedly, and also stated in John 14:6 that He was the Way. With that in mind when you see the Priestly Tabernacle as a type, shadow, or symbol of the Cross of Christ you discover that as you enter the Door the very first thing you will see is the Bronze Altar. This altar is where all of the sacrifices took place, especially the sacrifice of lambs. The Amplified Translation makes reference to this in 1 Peter 2:24 when it states: He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. 

We know from Scripture the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Isaac on an altar. What’s easy to miss is the rest of the story:  Genesis 22:7-8 And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice. Abraham said, My son, God Himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering. So the two went on together. 

The story concludes in Genesis 22:10-14And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took hold of the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son. Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided.

To come to the Bronze Altar was to come before the feet of the Burning Man, the Man whose feet glowed like burnished bronze refined in a furnace. For those of us called to not only kneel before Him at the Cross, but to join Him in being crucified with Him on the Cross, we become altars ourselves. Consider the following exhortations: Romas 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 

Add to this Scripture Hebrews 13:10-15 We have an altar from which those who serve and worship in the tabernacle have no right to eat. For when the blood of animals is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin, the victims’ bodies are burned outside the limits of the camp. Therefore Jesus also suffered and died outside the [city’s] gate in order that He might purify and consecrate the people through [the shedding of] His own blood and set them apart as holy [for God]. Let us then go forth [from all that would prevent us] to Him outside the camp [at Calvary], bearing the contempt and abuse and shame with Him. For here we have no permanent city, but we are looking for the one which is to come. 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.

We join Jesus in carrying the wood of our flesh, and the fire of obedient sacrifice, as we join Jesus in carrying His cross up to Golgotha, the place of the skull. Here we put to the death that which is at war with God – the mind of the soul man. Here we allow His cross to penetrate our skulls to free our spirit man from its prison bringing it to surrender and bow in submission before the transforming power of His Spirit and Word. Here we become an altar and our walk burns like burnished bronze as we follow in the steps of our Lord and King.

When I was younger fellow Christians would talk about another believer being “on fire” for the Lord. We all knew what it meant but very few knew what it would take to burn with such love and passion. Here in Moses’ depiction of the priestly tabernacle we discover a good place to begin.

What’s In A Name

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Monday, October 14, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 For I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under and protected by the cloud [in which God’s Presence went before them], and every one of them passed safely through the [Red] Sea, And each one of them [allowed himself also] to be baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea [they were thus brought under obligation to the Law, to Moses, and to the covenant, consecrated and set apart to the service of God]; And all [of them] ate the same spiritual (supernaturally given) food, And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ.

Modern Christians get all bent out of shape when you speak of Scripture as having an allegorical interpretation, fearful, that heresy will erupt onto the landscape of the Church. But truth be known, the writers of the New Testament were right at home with seeing Scripture symbolically and allegorically. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 is a case in point. In this passage the literal crossing of the Red Sea was also a prophetic symbol of baptism, the manna was a symbol of the Bread of Heaven, and the supernatural drink from the Rock is none other than the Holy Spirit. But what’s crazy is that not only does Paul allude to the Rock of the Wilderness wanderings as Jesus but states that the Rock led them. Which is a throwback to Exodus 33 when God the Father informs Moses that He’s leaving the “camp” providing His Angel to “lead the way.” Just in case you haven’t figured it out that “Angel” is the Rock to Whom Paul is referring, and the Rock is none other than Jesus.

In todays blog I want you to understand from the allegorical way of interpreting Scripture that you are being molded into God’s Purpose – Jesus. When you begin studying all the parallels Jesus and Scripture makes connecting us to Jesus it’s quite astounding. Take the Scripture above. Obviously, Jesus is the Rock, but did you know that Scripture says that we are rocks? 1 Peter 2:5 [Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

In John 2:19-21 Jesus refers to Himself as the Temple but Paul follows that statement by making the connection: 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,..

Jesus referred to Himself as the Light of the World in John 8:12 but then goes on to say in Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Heaven but 1 Corinthians 10:17 states: For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. 

Jesus is called the High Priest of God in Hebrews 3:1 yet we are called priests in 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

Jesus is referred to as the Living Word of God but you and I are His letters in 2 Corinthians 3:3 You show and make obvious that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with [the] Spirit of [the] living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

In Isaiah 53:11 Jesus is referred to as the Righteous One: He shall see [the fruit] of the travail of His soul and be satisfied; by His knowledge of Himself [which He possesses and imparts to others] shall My [uncompromisingly] righteous One, My Servant, justify many and make many righteous (upright and in right standing with God), for He shall bear their iniquities and their guilt [with the consequences, says the Lord]. Yet 2 Corinthians 5:21 states: For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].

Finally, but not the last of these parallels, Jesus is referred to as the Christ, the Anointed One. Yet in Acts 11:26 it states:… and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christ-ians. 1 John 2:27 states: But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].

You and I, and every truly born-again Child of the Most High God, have more in common with Jesus than we realize. We are “rocks,” temples, lights, bread, priests, living words, righteousness, and little Jesus.’ Is it any wonder that we are being made in the Image of Jesus?

At the very top of the page along with the title for this blog you have the Name of God, Yahveh, spelled out vertically in Hebrew letters. Typically Hebrew is written horizontally, and from right to left. When written vertically, though, what do you see? It looks like a stick figure to me. Am I saying that Yahveh is us? Absolutely not. But the Father’s Name reminds us Whose Image we bear. Of course, those who eat from the knowledge of the “Do To Be” Tree would confuse the image with themselves (self-centeredness being crowned king by those who eat it’s fruit). But we’re not the Center. Jesus is the Center, and we reclaim His image through beholding our Beloved. Thus we crown the King of kings with many crowns. 

Raising the Tent of David

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Friday, October 11, 2019

What is God’s purpose for my life? Or is that even the right question? Shouldn’t we begin with God? What’s God’s Purpose? Does the Old Testament apply to Christians now that we are under the Law of Grace? Are there blueprints for becoming a Temple for God? What’s all the fuss regarding the Priestly Tabernacle of Moses? What does it mean to be built on Jesus, the Apostles and Prophets?

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. 

We are being built into a holy temple in the Lord, individually and corporately, for a dwelling place for God. But what does Paul mean that we are built on the Apostles and Prophets? Why is he referring to two different dimensions: one old and the other new. The newer foundational aspect of the Apostles, or “Sent Ones” of Jesus, is communicated through the Gospel, and New Testament teachings and the older aspect is found in the Prophets of the Old Testament. Unfortunately many a Christian blindly seek to build their own structure divorced from the clear teaching of Scripture, and its’ Architect. The good news is that He has left some blueprints which enable us to cooperate in the process. Our cooperation guarantees that we pass inspection on the day of His judgment. This judgment is not to be confused with the “White Throne Judgment” but is actually a judgement of what we do with the eternal life He has given us to live. IN other words, what have we done with His deposits of Grace, Spirit, and Word? 

It’s interesting that Scripture refers to Moses as a Prophet. Old Testament prophets represented God and the Law to God’s people. Moses had received a strict warning on how to build the Tabernacle. Hebrews 8:4-5 states: If then He were still living on earth, He would not be a priest at all, for there are [already priests] who offer the gifts in accordance with the Law. [But these offer] service [merely] as a pattern and as a foreshadowing of [what has its true existence and reality in] the heavenly sanctuary. For when Moses was about to erect the tabernacle, he was warned by God, saying, See to it that you make it all [exactly] according to the copy (the model) which was shown to you on the mountain.

The prophet of God is warned to make it exactly according to the copy which he had been shown. When I was younger in the faith I used to wonder what all the fuss was about? What difference did it make if Moses got some of the details wrong? It wasn’t until I discovered the Biblical way of reading Scripture that the treasures of God’s Word began to emerge. For you see that the messages of prophets are often full of hidden meanings, and messages. It is no less true in the writings of Moses. The writer of Hebrews alludes to the fact that these things Moses depicted were shadows and patterns (or types) of something greater than themselves. For you see the exact representation was for the intended purpose of discovering the Messiah in each and every detail. The Father wanted future generations to make the connection between the various aspects of the Temple and His Beloved Son, Jesus.

It’s no coincidence that Jesus referred to Himself as the Temple. Nor is it a coincidence that the Book of Revelation depicts Him as the man with feet like burnished bronze. As you carefully read about the Tabernacle and Temple you discover that Jesus is not only the structure but He is its Bronze Altar, Bronze Laver, Menorah, Table of Showbread, Altar of Incense, and Ark. Since that is true He is building you into these also.

The philosophy of the ancient biographer Plutarch has crept into the minds of Modern believers who have reduced Jesus’ mission to fit into a tiny, little box. On inspection of the contents of that box you discover the pitiful purpose to be: “saving people to live with Him in Heaven.” That’s it end of story. That’s the Fathers grand purpose. That’s what we’ve been told repeatedly through the generations. This misinformed belief has created self-serving, delusional opinions regarding the after-life and our occupation of it. Many quote, or paraphrase Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. 

In this passage Paul alludes to the fact that we are called to a purpose. To be called implies that you can hear, and recognize the One calling you. Not only do you recognize the call, but you know the specifics of what was said. Keep in mind that when Paul wrote this to the Romans that he didn’t explain this. Why? It was understood. They knew the details of the call. Yet we shouldn’t stop there. We need to be discovering the answer for ourselves by asking, What is God’s Purpose? What is the purpose to which God has called us? Romans 8:29 provides the answer: For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

What is the Father’s purpose? That we become like Jesus. Do you see now where this is going? The Architect, blueprints (which is an interesting term when you consider that the color blue is a symbol for revelation and the prophetic), and the builders have all outlined for future “temples” (that’s you and me) how to cooperate in the process of becoming like Jesus. The Father echoes for us the words which He spoke to Moses, See to it that you make it all [exactly] according to the copy (the model) which was shown to you on the mountain. 

You see, you and I are made for more than just dying and going to Heaven. We were born-again to be little Jesus.’

God’s 911

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 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Acts 15:16-17 After this I will come back, and will rebuild the house of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its [very] ruins, and I will set it up again, so that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked,…

What is the fallen tent of David? It is a special tent David pitched for the Ark of the Covenant. You can read about it in 1 Chronicles 16-17. I love it. It describes a time in the spiritual history of Israel in which the Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philisitnes during the soulish reign of King Saul, abandoned, and eventually settling at the house of a guy named Obed-Edom. David makes a reckless first attempt in fetching the ark only to have a man struck dead by God’s power. The failed attempt is followed by studying what God had to say regarding transporting God’s His Presence His way – not David’s. David sacrifices animals for miles, dancing his way up to Jerusalem, doing the Jerusalem 6 step. (Six steps sacrifice, six steps sacrifice, six steps sacrifice – 2 Samuel 6:13) What’s really interesting is that there ended up being two tents in the spiritual life of Israel – again. There was David’s tent which housed the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, while the Priestly Tabernacle remained in Gibeon. The more astounding mind blower is that after David Pitches this tent he goes and sits down in front the Ark of the Covenant and talks to the Lord. Why is that so crazy? Only the high priest was allowed to do that once a year, and yet, here was David talking to God – his father – face to face like Moses. To top everything off – God’s Presence didn’t kill him.

Spiritually we can see that if we have a heart like David’s we will seek to pitch a tent for the Throne of God – which the Ark symbolized. Not only that, we will seek to get His Presence as close to our lives as possible – even if it means that we might die in the process. 

Years later the prophet Amos gave us the 911. What do I mean? Amos 9:11-13

In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David, the fallen hut or booth, and close up its breaches; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old, that they may possess the remnant of Edom and of all the nations that are called by My name, says the Lord Who does this. Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine and all the hills shall melt [that is, everything heretofore barren and unfruitful shall overflow with spiritual blessing].

In Acts 15 Peter makes the connection that the outpouring of the Spirit on the Gentiles or Nations, was a fulfillment of that prophecy. It’s fulfillment being for the purpose of raising up the fallen Tent of David in order that these nations might seek the Lord. We are to be a seeking people and that seeking is made possible by the Spirit of the Living God. 

I hope you are full and that you have enjoyed the “3 For 10” Fasting Menu and that you have drawn near to Him and that He has drawn near to you. 

Spirit Man or Soul Man?

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Tuesday, October 8, 2019  

Exodus 33:7 Now Moses used to take [his own] tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting [of God with His own people]. And everyone who sought the Lord went out to [that temporary] tent of meeting which was outside the camp.

I love this passage of Scripture. The entire chapter is embedded with prophetic symbolism. Years ago a friend of mine said, Sometimes you have to go outside of the camp to get the camp outside of you. I didn’t understand what he said then until much later. Now it makes perfect sense. WE have to pitch our own personal tent far away from the hustle and bustle of the camp – even the priestly tabernacle. A Word of warning here. Many will use this as an argument to avoid the priestly tent of gathering with other saints. But it’s not an “either- or” scenario but “both, and “and.” 

It’s interesting that Moses pitched his tent far off from the camp. There are several things I see here. For many of us God feels far away, distant, and isolated. So what better way to get to Him than to go out of your way, traveling some distance, to isolate yourself and seek Him? To meet Him where He’s at?This isn’t a geographical journey, like I’m arguing fro some spiritual vacation. No, it’s “traveling” through the early morning hours, while everyone else is sleeping to seek to be with Him. It’s going to an isolated spot in your house like a clothes closet or even a garage or car. The lesson being that we travel out of our way, beyond the reach of our comfort, to get to where He is. 

Notice that this tent was erected only for those who were seeking God. True, born-again believers are super natural seekers. It’s in your spiritual DNA. Though there are many more parallels regarding personal, isolated time with the Lord, going the distance, and such, and so on and so forth to discover I encourage you to seek for your own revelation regarding this passage, and practice them.

One more detail. Exodus 33:11 And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Moses returned to the camp, but his minister Joshua son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the [temporary prayer] tent. The young man, not the old, remains in the tent. Romans 6:6 states: We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. 

Our old self, is our old man, but our born-again spirit is the new man; the younger man. It is this one who seeks to remain in the tent of meeting. It is this one who goes out of his way to seek God. It is this one who goes the distance. It is this one who makes the time to isolate themselves from the distractions of the camp.

Ready, Set, Go!

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Monday, October 7, 2019 

1 Chronicles 22:19 Now set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into the house built to the Name and renown of the Lord.

Set your heart and mind to seek…the Lord your God. Romans 3:11 states: No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. The Greek meaning for the phrase, “No one,” means, “No one.” Zero, nada, zip, nil, zilch. Nobody seeks God. Which means we must get distracted by other things that we equate with God. What do we do about this dilemma?

Colossians 3:1-3 If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 

Paul provides us with a clue: aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above. You can deduce from the same verse that the treasure that we should be seeking is Jesus. What lies beneath Him are the higher things of Heaven. 

But the 1 Chronicles passage provides us with more than a clue if you look at the passage symbolically.Arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into the house…

David believes that Solomon is to be the one who will follow through on this command because of a word given to David. He reminds Solomon of this word in verses 9-10. It states, Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of peace. I will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon [peaceable], and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My Name and [the symbol of My] Presence. He shall be My son, and I will be his father; and I will establish his royal throne over Israel forever.

Now, in part Solomon did build a House for the Lord, but the Son which God referred wasn’t Solomon – but Jesus. In fact Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of David (Mark 12:35). Jesus is the One Who will build the House for the Father. But where’s this House going to be? Yes, in us. We are being built into a House for the Spirit of the Lord. 

Which leads us back to what we are to be fixing our minds on: patterning our spiritual lives after that pattern which is in Heaven. What pattern am I referring? The pattern of all the objects of the Tabernacle. In the Tabernacle pattern we see the bronze altar, bronze laver, menorah, altar of incense, table of showbread – the bread of His Face, and the Ark of the Covenant. This is what we are to be building – a sanctuary for the Lord. 

The puzzling thing is this. In Exodus 33 it states that Moses pitched his own tent far outside the camp – while they were building the priestly tabernacle. Even more puzzling is that you see this pattern repeated in David’s reign. There was a tent he pitched for just the Ark of the Covenant while the priestly tabernacle remained in Gibeon. Now that’ interesting, and used to puzzle me for years.That is until recently. In that Biblical pattern I see great revelation. For in it I believe that the Lord has revealed that one of those tents is my own personal tent of meeting with the Lord, and the other is my priestly tent. Thus I am actually building two tents. And those tents are raised through Jesus. This “building” that Jesus is working on, is where I am to be setting, or fixing my mind and heart in seeking. You could correct me here with my own teaching. You could remind me that I’ve taught if you focus on anything other than Jesus you will end up in a ditch. And that’s true. But the beauty of each one of the furnishings is that they point to the Person of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Its quite phenomenal actually. That each furnishing reveals a unique facet of Jesus and the Spirit. 

So pass me some chips and slide that bowl of salsa fire over. We got a fire to build. Set your mind on that. 

Kings Dominion

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 Sunday, October 6, 2019

John 14:21-23 The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.] Judas, not Iscariot, asked Him, Lord, how is it that You will reveal Yourself [make Yourself real] to us and not to the world? Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

This amazing question is sandwiched between two outstanding answers. Judas asked, Lord, how is it that You will reveal Yourself [make Yourself real] to us and not to the world? This is the whole point of the “3 For 10” Fasting Menu. How can we seek God to see Him? I have had people push that question aside by stating, “No man can see God and live.” To which I reply, “Was Jesus God?” To which they retort, “Why of course He was God but He was living as a man?” Argument settled right? Not so fast. The disciples also had Jesus appear to them following HIs resurrection. Was He not in His heavenly, resurrected body? Now we’re getting somewhere. How was it that these disciples could see Jesus after His Body had been glorified? Could it be that they had met the conditions of dying to themselves? Could it be that they had finally embraced the fact that Jesus was not just an impersonal Messiah but their personal Savior? 

But back to the question. Jesus answers the question wonderfully in verse 21 and 23 when He states, The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me;…End of story, right? Again not so fast. Read the rest of the promise: I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.]

In other words, if I love, I will obey. If I obey, I will see. Pretty simple, huh? What’s even more startling is verse 23: My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

What? If I love Him through Keeping His Word aligning my life to its truths – the Godhead will come to me, and build their home in me? God’s abode, Jesus’ abode is the Kingdom of Heaven. So as I align my life with His Word in obedience God will build His kingdom in me. I always like to shake people awake at this point. For it is quite easy to smugly nod our heads and miss the point entirely. What’s in the Kingdom? The King. Kingdom is made up of two words: King and Dominion. So the Kingdom is where the KING DOMINATES. What else is in His Kingdom? Angels, Light, Glory, Love, Peace, Joy. Are there any sick, lame, blind, deaf, paralyzed, demonized, tormented, mentally deranged, diseased people…in the KINGS Kingdom? Is power and authority in His Kingdom? Then you can rest assured Jesus is building all of these things in those who love, and obey His Word. 

Is this a feast or what? I don’t know what you are feasting on but this sandwich tastes pretty good. If you haven’t taken a bite you really need to reach across the table spread for you in the presence of your enemies and feast on His Love and Presence. 

Aliens and Strangers?

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 Saturday, October 5, 2019

2 Chronicles 31:18 For in their office of trust they cleansed themselves and set themselves apart in holiness.

What an amazing passage that contains great revelation regarding holiness. For it implies that if we are truly trusting God that we are cleansing ourselves, setting ourselves apart unto holiness. Now the word holiness is often a misunderstood word. For those in the grace camp it is something the New Covenant believer has been excused from. We are under grace not the Law. On the other hand, those in the camp of law and legalism reduce holiness to outward focuses pertaining to jewelry, dresses, makeup and hair. Holiness becomes a posture, religious exercises, and do’s and don’ts. Yet, in reality God never excuses anyone from holiness. His Name alone is Holy not to mention His Person. It is foolish to mistake the grace of God for a license to sin, living as we please. Eternal life, His life that He shed His blood for, wasn’t cheap. And His Life is a call to sacrifice what pleases us for what pleases Him. It’s interesting to me that the Tabernacle of Moses had the Holy Place or the Inner Court and the Holy of Holy Place. How sad the average church goer naively believes that their attendance is enough. Many miss the analogy found in the Tabernacle of Moses. As you read the passages regarding the divisions in the Tabernacle you discover that it actually symbolized three different levels of true believers: outer court followers of Jesus, inner court followers and the rare, holy of holies citizen. Exploring the symbols of these sections reveals the different approaches to God. For the Bronze Altar is a symbol of Jesus’ cross and the Bronze Laver is a symbol of His Word and Spirit. These are only found in the outer court. Yet there are many attending church who have yet to face the cross of Christ, kneeling at His feet in sacrifice and surrender. Not to mention taking the time to wash in the water of His Word and Spirit. Heaven weeps why we pat ourselves on the backs, and wink over our ignorance of His Word, and unwillingness to die daily with Him. The average church attender hasn’t even made it through the Door of the Tabernacle, let alone the outer court. 

Scripture sounds a warning in Hebrews 12:14 Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. Some would argue that we have already been made holy, and that’s true, but it’s only half of the truth. Remember His Sword is two-edged. When Bible believing Christians focus on one truth while denying another they assure their journey will have them tumbling head first, into a ditch. To seek to see the Lord requires that you acknowledge His Holiness. You will not see Him with out it. 

For years I wrestled over a more practical definition for holiness. I discovered that it meant “set apart” but that didn’t clarify the depths of its meaning. So I prayed and meditated on its meaning. It’s my humble opinion that He gave me the following definition: Holiness is being distinctly unique, or different from all that is average, middle of the road, or ordinary. It’s abnormal compared to others normalcy. It’s pushing aside all that would distract from the prize of the pursuit. Unique implies that you have no equal, without a like, or equal. It involves being peculiar, or unusual. Now when we apply this definition to our pursuit of God, praying, worship, witnessing, ministry, fellowship, and or time spent in the Word of God with the Spirit of God – would you say, or could you say that the deck is stacked in your favor? Do you have an equal in your pursuit of God or are others passing you by in their devotion, passion and pursuit? Holiness moves us from kindergarten Christianity to Olympian Christianity. When we add to this Jesus’ exhortation of reaping and sowing you discover how little we invest into the things of the Kingdom. 

How is it that in our culture we applaud the athlete who sacrifices all to excel in sports, or the scholar who studies overcoming, and paying the price to reach Educational heights, or the artist reaching past the boundaries of expectation with it’s stifled boxes of predictability, to a place of creative achievements. Yet when it comes to spiritual achievement we place the high bar on the ground where any blind man can hop over? Holiness is a call to raise the bar high. 

Isaiah 6:1 states: In the year that King Uzziah died, [in a vision] I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and the skirts of His train filled the [most holy part of the] temple. 

The good news? Ephesians 4:8-10 Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men. [But He ascended?] Now what can this, He ascended, mean but that He had previously descended from [the heights of] heaven into [the depths], the lower parts of the earth? He Who descended is the [very] same as He Who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things (the whole universe, from the lowest to the highest).

Jesus descended so that we could ascend in holiness. Seek the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and taste and see that the Lord is good. Chew on that.

Falling to Rise

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 Friday, October 4, 2019

James 4:7-10So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

When Jesus presented the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, He placed the people of the Last Days, in two groups. Those two groups are compared to wheat and tares. Wheat and tares look almost identical. In fact the only person who can detect the subtle differences is an expert farmer. One interesting fact about wheat and tares is that during the summer heat of dry conditions, and scarce rain the wheat begins to grow fruit. The tares remain fruitless. In fact, as the wheat ripens, in the heat of the sun, it begins to grow heavy and bows down. The tares? They simply remain upright, and fruitless. What’s really interesting is that if you were to ingest the tares you would quickly discover that they are noxious and will kill you. Isn’t that appropriate? As new, spiritual beings we are constantly being surrounded by those who are poisonous, and noxious. What does one do?

James has the answer. First be subject to God. In other words, surrender and submit to Him. This is actually the first step towards humility. The second step requires resisting the devil, followed by the third step of coming close to God to purify your heart from divided interests, and spiritual adultery. Finally, grieve over your sin, weeping over your disloyalty. These steps will insure humility and entering the Presence of the Lord. 

Isaiah 57:15 promises: For thus says the high and lofty One—He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but with him also who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent [bruised with sorrow for sin].

The lower we go the higher He stands to stoop down to revive us. How powerful is that? The “3 For 10” Fasting Menu doesn’t include desert but may I say that encountering Him is the Desert? Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will continue beholding Your face in righteousness (rightness, justice, and right standing with You); I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake [to find myself] beholding Your form [and having sweet communion with You].

Psalm 25:14 The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning.

Psalm 27:4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.

Kiss the Son

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 Thursday, October 3, 2019

Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity], lest He be angry and you perish in the way, for soon shall His wrath be kindled. O blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refuge and put their trust in Him! 

Blessed are those who seek. What are we seeking? To kiss the Son. Yet there’s a big catch: Revelation 1:16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and from His mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday.

The catch is if we kiss the Son we are going to have to run into the Sword coming out of His mouth. But this Sword isn’t simply going to cut you one way its going to cut you two ways. As if this wasn’t enough, beyond the Sword is the Sun. In other words, you are going to get burned. It doesn’t bode well for those who approach the Son. But isn’t that the point? (No pun intended) After Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden two cherubim were placed at its entry. To make matters worse a flaming sword guarded this entry and blocked the way to the Tree of Life. If Adam and Eve desired to get to Life they would have to die. In Exodus 20:19 And they said to Moses, You speak to us and we will listen, but let not God speak to us, lest we die. The sentiment of the people comes into sharper focus when we hear Moses’ recollection of that day: Deuteronomy 4:12,36-39 And the Lord spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the voice of the words, but saw no form; there was only a voice…Out of heaven He made you hear His voice, that He might correct, discipline, and admonish you; and on earth He made you see His great fire, and you heard His words out of the midst of the fire. And because He loved your fathers, He chose their descendants after them, and brought you out from Egypt with His own Presence, by His mighty power, driving out nations from before you, greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day; know, recognize, and understand therefore this day and turn your [mind and] heart to it that the Lord is God in the heavens above and upon the earth beneath; there is no other.

To hear God’s Voice, His Word, required that they face the fire of His Word. Is it possible that the reason Moses could face the Fire, venturing ascending the Mountain of God, to face a most certain death, was that he had already observed a bush ablaze but not consumed? The death Moses had to die was that of his soul which screamed at him to remain anchored firmly to the desert floor. But here’s the rub: you cannot stay where you are and go with God. For that matter you can’t stay the way you are and go to God. You – your soul has to die. 

Seeking God is not a venture for the soul. In fact the soul hates this path up. It screams a quick, and speedy retreat from the self-sacrificing fires. It makes no sense; its not logical; it doesn’t feel good; it goes against the comfort of my personality. All of these voices vie for the throne of self. But there’s only One worthy to sit upon its throne. If you are going to hear His Word, and listen for His voice, you will have to kiss the Son, face the fire, and ascend the Hill He walked before us. What is that Hill? Calvary. Yes, He’s been crucified for you and I. But He invites you and I to join Him on the same Tree. Remember the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is what crucified the Word and it’s to this Tree you and I must die. (It’s fruit is what killed our spirits in the first place). Seek the Sword of the Lord, and the Fire of His Spirit, yielding the old man – the soul man to die. 

If the Word has skewered the “fajitas” of your flesh the Lord says that this entree’ is a sweet smelling aroma to Him. To meet with Jesus at the Tent of Meeting requires for you and I to join Him in the Fire. Through this altar we can offer up the sacrifices of praise that are worthy of the Lamb of God.

About Face

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 Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Acts 3:19 So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;

When a person sits still, crawls, walks or runs the action to move must first pass the command center of the brain. The brain initiates the action. The thought must be wedded to the will. The will being the fuel, or energy, to put into action the command of the brain. How I sit, crawl, walk or run will be determined by how I’m feeling. How I’m feeling will be expressed uniquely through my personality. Everything initiates in the mind and is expressed through all the others. What I have just described is the soul of man. The soul of man is separated from God and is at war even with itself. Paul describes that battle in Romans 7 in which he states that the things he wants to do he doesn’t do, and the things he doesn’t want to do he ends up doing. At the end of the chapter he exclaims: O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death? O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25

It is only through Jesus that our soul can be brought to conformity to the Spirit of God. But that victorious life of victory can never be achieved until we submit to repenting. At face value repentance means, to turn around, or do an “about face,” but the true foundation of repentance is found in the changing of the mind. Without a change of mind all the other action never takes place. The real kick in the pants is that the problem is so much deeper than a change of mind. Until my spirit man comes to life I might want to change; my mind might initiate the command, but it has to pass through my will, emotions, and personality to become a reality. In fact we can all give testimony to times when our minds were willing to do stuff but we didn’t feel like doing it. The key to our repentance is found in Romans 3:19 when it states: change your mind and purpose. Until our purpose is addressed our minds will see no need for a change. Yet Romans 8:28-29 states our purpose: 

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

Most claim the promise of verse 28 without asking the question, What is God’s Design and Purpose? The answer is found in verse 29: …He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness]. Another interesting detail that many ignore or fail to address is the statement: …for those who love God and are called…” Until we love God we will never hear. Because loving God is not mere sentiment but obedience. If I love Him I will do what He says. But I can love God, and hear, yet reject His call. I know, I’ve done it many times. Repentance helps us see that if I have done all of the above I will embrace God’s call to fulfill His design and purpose for my life to be a little Christ. No more excuses about being only human, but a change of thinking that declares that I have a responsibility. Responsibility is made up of two words, “response,” and “ability.” I have the ability to respond to the call to be a little Christ. Repentance states I have the power of the Anointed One. How do I know that? Because He was anointed with the Spirit to accomplish all that He did so that He could baptize me with the same anointing – empowering me to do what He did. The question is, Am I repenting? Am I receiving refreshing; recovering from the effects of sin; being revived with fresh air of His Spirit? Am I repenting coming into the presence of the Lord? If our minds are being transformed, conformed to the Spirit and the Word, then I am taking on the Mind of Christ, the thinking of Jesus. If Im thinking the thoughts of Jesus then I’m modeling what He did, and what He does. That’s repenting. It’s not a stagnant thing. It’s not a thing of the past – one time and then you’re done. No, it’s a steady ascent up the Mountain of the Lord, a narrow, harrowing path with even narrower ledges. But we serve the One Who has made the Way and is the Way to the Top.

How’s your entree’? Wash that meat down with a pure drink from the Fountain of Living Waters. Let it bubble up inside of you and aid in your digestion. Both will provide strength for the ascent.

Transformational Worship

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Tuesday, October 1, 2019 

I was part of the “worship wars” of the nineties in which well intentioned pastors, and worship leaders sought to teach their people a new song. Unfortunately for the sheep of those flocks changes were typically shoved down people’s throats as dry hay. The conflicts which resulted revealed a greater problem. In fact, the problem was symptomatic exposing a fundamental misunderstanding of worship. Obviously the responsibility should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the well intentioned, leadership that took their people through these things and I being one of them. During those wars I realized that I knew very little about true Biblical worship. At that time worship was a desire and passion, but it was very shallow in its approach. The Apostle Paul opens a few slumbering saints eyes when he defines true, Biblical worship in Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. 

To the Apostle Paul worship was more than a song, or body posture you assumed. To him worship was a sacrifice or offering presented to God. The very first sacrifice of worship was to be that of the entire being or body. Obviously this would involve first, and foremost, the sacrifice of our soul – mind, will, emotions, and personality. An interesting concept in a church culture that elevates the mind and crowns king, the personality. True worship focused on Jesus, not the self. During the worship wars one of the catch phrases was “seeker sensitive.” Are your worship services “seeker sensitive?” Is your preaching, or teaching, “seeker sensitive?” Which was another misguided, well-intentioned approach at being self-centered. Church santuaries began to swell with “seekers” during those time. Unfortunately, the findings were that more left the church, as a result. Worship according to Paul involved holiness, devotion, consecration, and a pursuit of being well pleasing to God. Worship also involved a holiness that was more than a religious list of “do’s and “don’t’s.” It was a separation from conforming to a culture that was anti-Christ, and anti-Holy Spirit. True worship was transformative in which the person’s thinking was radically changed. So much so that the the transformation was called a metamorphosis. 

Can we say that we are transformed, or meta-morphosized through worship? I can’t say that many songs of worship have transformed me. Nor could I say that a body posture achieved that goal. What did transform me was a combination of all the above. This is another reason that we seek God through worship. For in that pursuit we see how far we’ve wandered away from the narrow path which leads up to Jesus. Which brings up another point – its narrow. There aren’t many jostling each other to walk up this path. And may I add, that the higher we ascend, the narrower the ledges become? So how are those appetizers? Have you tried the “dip?” Its been my experience that the dip isn’t enough. You need the fire of the “Salsa.” All of which will make you want to plunge into the Waters of the Spirit.

Bread of Heaven

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 Monday, September 30 2019

Matthew 6:16 And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already.

It’s interesting to note that in passage above Jesus stated when you give, when you pray, and when you fast. Giving, praying and fasting are three characteristics of Kingdom citizens. And notice He didn’t say, “If.” The modern, culturally approved church, often finds these things offensive providing further proof that the soul of man is often at the helm of its “leader-ship.” Spiritual men and women will seek to join the armies of Heaven enrolling in the practice of all three of these disciplines. Perusal of the Halls of Faith will reveal its heroes who would crumple in humility seeking the Lord in prayer, fasting, sackcloth and ashes. Greats such as Joseph who fasted for an interpretation to Pharaoh’s dream from prison. Moses, who not once but twice, ascended the mountain of the Lord fasting 40 days and nights at the feet of the Almighty. Daniel who often prayed and fasted seeking the Lord for the lives of others, interpretation of visions and dreams, and observing the Old Testament fasting calendar. His time in Babylon was marked by fasting as he arrived in Babylonian captivity, when he refused to eat the food of the other slaves. Instead, he chose a fast of obedience, holiness and consecration distinguishing himself as head and shoulders above all the rest. Need we mention Jesus’ fast of 40 days, or His many all night prayer vigils in which He sought the Lord for wisdom, strength, and guidance?

Many fail to notice that prayer is often accompanied by fasting. Fasting was rarely done just for fasting’s sake. It was an outward expression of the humility which accompanied prayer. Throughout Scripture the practice of humbling oneself was simply another way of expressing that this humility would be accompanied by fasting and was synonymous. 

Jesus taught that fasting would be accompanied by feeding on another kind of “meat” or “bread.” His “meat” being to do the will of the Father. His “bread” to feed off of every Word that proceeded from the Mouth of the Father was, and still is, an obvious message for those of us who live more for our bellies cravings than the Spirits’ leanings. 

Lastly, fasting was synonymous with seeking the Lord. If you were fasting you were seeking to be in the Lord’s Presence, hear His Voice, and discover His answers. True Biblical, fasting wasn’t done as an empty, religious exercise but as a portal into the Presence of God. It was an intentional act of denying your soul and empowering your spirit.

With that in mind have you chosen from the “3 For 10” Fasting Menu? What’s going to be your entree and appetizer? The very first thing a waitress would do is to take your drink order. Have you drunk in the Wine of the Spirit and Word today? I wonder what “Wine” the Holy Spirit Waiter would recommend? I wonder would there be a particular Spiritual year that He would recommend? Enjoy your meal. Oh and don’t forget to tip your Waiter.

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Ten Days of Awe – An Introduction

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The Purpose of Seeking God Continually: A Deceitful Heart

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?

Since our heart, or soul, is deceitful above all things it most definitely can deceive us into believing that we are believing and trusting in Jesus – when in reality we are really trusting in ourselves. Also it has the potential to deceive us into believing that we are worshipping, serving, and obeying Jesus – when in reality we are simply serving ourselves. For this reason we seek God.

John Piper, in an article entitled, Seeking God states: Seeking the Lord means seeking his presence. “Presence” is a common translation of the Hebrew word “face.” Literally, we are to seek his “face.” But this is the Hebraic way of having access to God. To be before his face is to be in his presence.

But aren’t his children always in his presence? Yes and no. Yes in two senses: First, in the sense that God is omnipresent and therefore always near everything and everyone. He holds everything in being. His power is ever-present in sustaining and governing all things.

And second, yes, he is always present with his children in the sense of his covenant commitment to always stand by us and work for us and turn everything for our good. “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). But there is a sense in which God’s presence is not with us always. For this reason, the Bible repeatedly calls us to “seek the Lord . . . seek his presence continually” (Psalm 105:4). God’s manifest, conscious, trusted presence is not our constant experience. There are seasons when we become neglectful of God and give him no thought and do not put trust in him and we find him “unmanifested” — that is, unperceived as great and beautiful and valuable by the eyes of our hearts. His face — the brightness of his personal character — is hidden behind the curtain of our carnal desires. This condition is always ready to overtake us. That is why we are told to “seek his presence continually.”

Examples abound in Scripture of characters throughout the Bible who, though well intentioned, were missing God through their daily religious activities. Even the followers of Jesus had a tendency to wander away from pursuing Him rightly. At the beginning of the Book of Revelation John is described as worshipping the Lord in the Spirit, yet his focus is redirected as Jesus surprises him from behind. Mary Magdalene is startled when she hears her Savior’s Voice coming not from the empty tomb but from the garden behind her. Two of Jesus’ followers, walking on the road to Emmaus, find themselves consumed by the death of Jesus. That is until they are surprised from behind by the Voice which warms their hearts to the fact that He has Risen, His body broken for them. Throughout the Bible we are encouraged and called to seek the Lord to find Him. It’s interesting to note that the Spirit is compared to a river. If you seek to follow a river from its banks you will note it’s twists and turns, its rises and falls. At times you may even lose sight of the river because of the thick brush, or rising hills or mountains. The problem of seeing is remedied as the seeker moves from an observer to a participant. That initial jump lands them in experiencing the waters up close and personal as the waters carry carry them wherever it wishes. 

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Like the river the experience of seeking God though these feasts and festivals requires some introduction to understand the two holy days that are utilized for seeking. The first feast, Rosh Hashanah, literally means the “head of the year”, being the Jewish New Year. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah, literally means “day of shouting or blasting”. It is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days specified by Leviticus 23:23–32. The two days of Rosh Hashanah (September 29 at sundown to sundown September 30) usher in the Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah), also known as the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim), which culminate in the major fast day of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Days of Awe represent the climax of a longer process. Starting at the beginning of the previous month, called Elul, the shofar is traditionally sounded at the conclusion of the morning service. A ram’s horn that makes a trumpet-like sound, the shofar is intended as a wake-up call to prepare for the Tishrei holidays. One week before Rosh Hashanah, special petitionary prayers called Selichot are added to the ritual. Rosh Hashanah itself is also known as Yom Hadin or the Day of Judgment, on which God opens the Books of Life and Death, which are then sealed on Yom Kippur.

Rosh hashanah is accompanied by Yom Kippur which is “the tenth day of [the] seventh month”[3] (Tishrei) and is regarded as the “Sabbath of Sabbaths”.  According to Jewish tradition, God inscribes each person’s fate for the coming year into a book, the Book of Life, on Rosh Hashanah, and waits until Yom Kippur to “seal” the verdict. During the Days of Awe, a Jew tries to amend their behavior and seek forgiveness for wrongs done against God (bein adam leMakom) and against other human beings (bein adam lechavero). The evening and day of Yom Kippur are set aside for public and private petitions and confessions of guilt (Vidui). At the end of Yom Kippur, one hopes that they have been forgiven by God. The Yom Kippur prayer service includes several unique aspects. One is the actual number of prayer services. Unlike a regular day, which has three prayer services (Ma’ariv, the evening prayer; Shacharit, the morning prayer; and Mincha, the afternoon prayer), or a Shabbat or Yom Tov, which have four prayer services (Ma’ariv; Shacharit; Mussaf, the additional prayer; and Mincha), Yom Kippur has five prayer services (Ma’ariv; Shacharit; Musaf; Mincha; and Ne’ilah, the closing prayer). The prayer services also include private and public confessions of sins (Vidui) and a unique prayer dedicated to the special Yom Kippur avodah (service) of the Kohen Gadol (high priest) in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. 

Obstacles To Avoid

Choosing to jump into the river will introduce you quickly to the immediate need of navigation. For in the river you will be introduced to obstacles like buolders, fallen trees, and debris that will seek to snag, impede, or completely halt your progress. With that analogy in mind there are several obstacles to be aware as you navigate the waters of seeking God. For example when the two disciples on the Emmaus Road reached their destination it appeared as if Jesus would not continue with them. It wasn’t until they urged Him to remain that they experienced the realization of Who this stranger really was. The same principle occurs between Moses and God at the burning bush. Scripture records: And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him …out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I. Exodus 3:3-4

Another profound Biblical example of this principle of turning aside to pursue, seek, and see God is found in the narrative of Elijahs’ prophetic mantle being handed down to Elisha. Scripture records: 

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were going from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, Tarry here, I pray you, for the Lord has sent me to Bethel. But Elisha replied, As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel. The prophets’ sons who were at Bethel came to Elisha and said, Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today? He said, Yes, I know it; hold your peace. Elijah said to him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray you, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho. But he said, As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho. The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said, Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today? And he answered, Yes, I know it; hold your peace. Elijah said to him, Tarry here, I pray you, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan. But he said, As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. And the two of them went on. Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood [to watch] afar off; and the two of them stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up and struck the waters, and they divided this way and that, so that the two of them went over on dry ground. And when they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. He said, You have asked a hard thing. However, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you—but if not, it shall not be so. As they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire parted the two of them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, My father, my father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen! And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

And he took the mantle that fell from Elijah and struck the waters and said, Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah? And when he had struck the waters, they parted this way and that, and Elisha went over. 2 Kings 2:1-14

Three times Elijah tests Elisha to see if he would turn back and three times Elisha passed the test. But did you notice the final exam? Elijah had told Elisha if he could keep his eyes on Elijah and not be distracted by any other thing he would receive a double portion of the Spirit that rested upon Elijah. Elisha’s final test involved the flaming chariot of angels. Had Elisha fixed his gaze on this fiery wonder he would have missed the greater prize. Beholding the sight would have been a good thing, but not the best. 

The Rock of Offense, Jesus, is that test for us. Throughout my ministry I have observed with sadness those who have flunked this test missing God’s best. It is my opinion that Jesus’ “hobby” during His earthly ministry was to offend minds in order to expose hearts. This ‘hobby” of Jesus has continued into the present. Because many in the church are controlled by their souls they will most often choose that which is sensible, logical, comfortable or reasonable. Yet a life in the Spirit, of truly knowing Jesus, is not accomplished through living according to what is comfortable, reasonable, or appealing to the soul. It is quite the opposite. Regarding these obstacles John Piper offers some final words of wisdom: 

And there are endless obstacles that we must get around in order to see him clearly, and so that we can be in the light of his presence. We must flee spiritually dulling activities. We must run from them and get around them. They are blocking our way. We know what makes us vitally sensitive to God’s appearances in the world and in the word. And we know what dulls us and blinds us and makes us not even want to seek him. These things we must move away from and go around if we would see God. That is what seeking God involves. And as we direct our minds and hearts Godward in all our experiences, we cry out to him. This too is what seeking him means. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6) If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty for mercy . . . (Job 8:5) Seeking involves calling and pleading. “O Lord, open my eyes. O Lord, pull back the curtain of my own blindness. Lord, have mercy and reveal yourself. I long to see your face.”

Thuswe are ultimatelyresponding to the call of the Lord to seek Him and not simply observe a Jewish feast. I’ve taken the liberties of seeking to be creative in our approach of pursuing the Lord, and was reminded of the “3 for $10” Special at Chili’s Restaurant. In this pursuit I want to provide you with a “menu” of options to choose from that will assist you in breaking through to His Presence.

3 for 10 “Hot and Spicy” Yom Kippur Fasting Special

(What Price Are You Willing to Pay?) 

Start with a drink of the Holy Spirit, then choose an appetizer and an entree from our “3 For 10” Fasting Menu. Entrees include Fasting, Praying, Repenting, Worshipping, and time with the “Word” in the word & more. Appetizers include selected Humility, Holiness, Obedience and Setting the Mind and Heart to focus our attention on Jesus. So many choices – all for 10 days!

Choose Your Main Entrees

Choose your Fast: 

  • food – Full Fast, Daniel Fast, or Partial Fast.
  • sleep – keep a night watch of worship and prayer. The Jews had 3: Sundown to 10 PM; 10 PM to 2 AM; and 2 AM to Sunrise.
  • time – have focused prayer morning, noon, and night; one of these, two of these or all of these.
  • media – have a time to turn off all media devices using that time to seek God.

Choose your Repentance:

  • take the soul and spirit man evaluation – take the evaluation, score and evaluate yourself to see if you are more soulish than spiritual.
  • pray – through the soul and spirit man evaluation regarding where you need to change.
  • confess your sins specifically – note the areas in the evaluation where you have been living more for your soulish desires than for the Lord. Then confess those sins to the Lord.
  • repent – this is a plan of action in response to the areas you have sinned. What actions are you going to take to overcome your soul?

Choose Your Worship:

  • Sing songs of worship to the Lord at the beginning of the day. (A Great Resource for this is the internet, especially youtube. Simply google the name of the song and push play).
  • Thanksgiving practiced at the beginning of the day and throughout the day, especially for unmet needs, and in spite of frustrating or anxious situations. Practice this rigorously for the good and in spite of the bad.
  • Use the Psalms to praise and worship Him.
  • Read Romans 12:1-2 For Paul’s definition of worship asking yourself if you are offering to the Lord true worship, or simply singing a song?

NOTE: Not all Christian music is worship. Some songs are testimonials focusing on what Jesus has done, while other songs are prayers. A true worship song is personal and directed towards the Lord.

Choose Your Word

  • daily quiet or devotional time – this begins at the first part of the day before you start your regular activities. 
  • meditating in the word – have a specific book of the Bible that you are meditating on reading slowly, one verse or paragraph at a time, inviting the Spirit to lead and teach you. (Blue Letter Online Study Bible is a great resource for this).

E.T. Phone Home

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Mirrors are marvelous contraptions. Since narcissus fell in love with his own image while gazing at his reflection in a pond, the human race has been fascinated by mirrors. Mirrors are the friends magicians, the enemies of aging movie stars. WE have round mirrors and squat mirrors; big mirrors and compact mirrors; bathroom mirrors and rearview mirrors…If a dog is man’s best friend, perhaps his worse enemy is his mirror. Well, maybe his mirror isn’t really is worst enemy; it merely reflects the image of his most formidable opponent. What opponent is more dangerous than the one ho knows our deepest, darkest secrets? What opponent is more lethal than the one who can probe our most vulnerable points? – R.C. Sproul, Man in the Mirror Introduction

In this weeks installment of blogs we will seek to look into the mirror of the lives of Biblical twins to see what it reveals. In the familiar story of Esau and Jacob we are introduced to two brothers, fraternal twins (not to be confused with identical twins) who can teach us a great deal about who and what our spirit man can become. From the beginning of their birth the elder is favored over the younger as a man’s man; a hunter, or man of the outdoors. Tim Allen would depict him as a tool man (Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor), grunts and all. Jacob on the other hand was a homebody, some might ever refer to him as a “Momma’s Boy,” not given to grunts, hairiness, or the great outdoors. Whats’s amazing about these two is how quickly they expose our own spiritual condition; the divide between soul and spirit. Naturally, or soulishly, we would most likely have chosen Esau in a game of kickball, football or baseball. Jacob on the other hand would be the one last chosen; not our first pick. In an interesting twist God actually prefers the younger, and probably the least likely to be voted home coming king, or the most popular, or class president. But why? What is it about Jacob that God loved? What did He see that his earthly Dad couldn’t see?

Jacob valued the birthright, and the patriarchal blessing so much so that he was willing to stoop to any depths to obtain them. Jacob was so hungry for any blessing that he was willing to wrestle through the night to obtain it from an angelic stranger. But what was the big deal about the birthright and blessing? The Birthright was an honor given to the firstborn, bestowing “head of household” status and the right to inherit his father’s estate. The son with the birthright would receive a double portion of whatever was passed down. It’s your inheritance. The Hebrew word for birthright means to “bear new fruit.”  The Blessing on the other hand was prophetic in nature involving the Favor or Grace of God bestowed upon an individual in every area of their lives. (See Deut. 28). Jacob valued these – and he valued them bad. So badly, that we was willing to do whatever it took to get them. There you have it: inheritance and God’s favor or grace. Hopefully you can see what God saw. For in these two values of Jacob we have a foreshadowing of those who are born from above. Those whose hearts belong to Heaven. Alien strangers visiting an even stranger land. But these extra-terrestrial’s (E.T. phone home) have a heart light that must phone home. Col. 3:1-3 states an obvious characteristic of those E.T.’s when he states: If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. I used to be puzzled, even offended by the beatitude that stated: blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth until I read Psalm 37. That blessing is repeated 5 times. I noticed a teachable moment so I asked the Lord, What’s the big deal about inheriting the land? His answer surprised me. Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Everything that Jesus is coming back to possess belongs to His heirs. It should be of value to us because it is of value to Him. Jacob saw the value in the inheritance afforded to him through the birthright. He saw the value in God’s Grace and favor. He saw so much value in them that he was willing to do whatever it took to possess them. All children of the King should be the same way. This sounds really crazy but I long to be home with Jesus. But check this out: our heavenly home is only temporary. Why? Because Jesus is where our Home is and He is coming back to this earth to reign. Isn’t that crazy? Jesus makes Heaven – Heaven, and there’s coming a day when He will make earth like Heaven. Why do we pray, “Thy Kingdom COME!!!???? That’s so amazing. To be with Jesus – face to face; our faces looking into His Beautiful Face! Can you hear the call? E.T. Phone Home!