Frankenstein

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Frankenstein’s monster, often erroneously referred to as “Frankenstein,” is a fictional character who first appeared in Mary Shelley‘s 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. In Shelley’s Gothic story, Victor Frankenstein builds the creature in his laboratory through a method consisting of chemistry and alchemy. Shelley describes the monster as 8-foot-tall and hideously ugly, but sensitive and emotional. The monster attempts to fit into human society but is shunned, which leads him to seek revenge against Frankenstein. During a telling of Frankenstein, Shelley referred to the creature as “Adam” as in her epigraph: Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay to mould me man? Did I solicit thee from darkness to promote me? John Milton, Paradise Lost

Although the creature would be described in later works as a composite of whole body parts grafted together from cadavers and reanimated by the use of electricity, this description is not consistent with Shelley’s work. However in the Shelley’s original work, Dr. Frankenstein spends two years painstakingly constructing the creature’s proportionally large body (one anatomical feature at a time, from raw materials supplied by “the dissecting room and the slaughter-house”), which he then brings to life. 

But how does the story of Frankenstein’s Monster fit into the blogs written previously? Centuries ago two characters, Abraham and Sarah, allowed unbelief and presumption, to lead them to take it upon themselves to assist God in creating an heir. The tremors of that fateful decision released far reaching, consequences stretching beyond the land of Canaan shaking the earth this very day. The sons of Ishmael are still persecuting the sons of Isaac. Their story has amazing parallels for us as believers today. Galatians 4:28-31 it states: But we, brethren, are children [not by physical descent, as was Ishmael, but] like Isaac, born in virtue of promise. Yet [just] as at that time the child [of ordinary birth] born according to the flesh despised and persecuted him [who was born remarkably] according to [the promise and the working of] the [Holy] Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the Scripture say? Cast out and send away the slave woman and her son, for never shall the son of the slave woman be heir and share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. So, brethren, we [who are born again] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free [the supernatural]. 

Abraham and Sarah’s unbelief has been a topic rearing its ugly head since the Garden. On that fateful day, our ancestors Adam and Eve, chose to allow unbelief and presumption to lead them away from God’s Word. Unfortunately for us mankind and the Church has been reaping the benefits of that fateful decision. Those two sins have created more than enough history books to fill the annals of time. As in the fictional account of Frankenstein’s monster, an ancient monster has emerged. The offspring of unbelief and presumptions produced an institution called the Church. You may be tempted to say, “Robert, you are awful hard on the church.” But I remind you that as in Tuesday’s blog, God’s Garden has been dropped behind enemy lines. Jesus’ parable has the tares growing right alongside the wheat. The kick in the pants is that wheat and tares look exactly alike. That is, they are similar until the harvest draws near. As the harvest approaches the wheat becomes ripe with fruit and begins to bend, bowing low to the ground. The poisonous tares? They remain upright, proud, and unbending. And just to add one more symbol to make the case, Jesus also made reference to sheep and goats. (Similar in appearance but they are not the same animal.) In fact it was the institution of Jesus’ day that crucified Him for the good of the people. So today’s modern church finds itself sharing “raw materials” supplied by “dissecting room and the slaughter-house.” It’s interesting to note that when Israel was to collect manna for the day they weren’t to store it up for the next day. Yet the Bible records that many disobeyed God’s instructions and to their dismay awoke to discover containers full of maggots. We know from Scripture that manna is a shadow and type of God’s Word (See Matthew 4). When the dots are connected we see that if attempts are made to live off of yesterdays manna – not gathering fresh manna for the day – that manna will become rotten. Like Shelley’s monster, the 21st Century Church, and its modern day attender are in many ways controlled by that which birthed Ishmael in the first place. In the meantime, unbelief and presumption mock the Isaac’s of Christianity. Which is an interesting term in the Hebrew for it implies that mocking actually involves mimicking. And isn’t this the problem with the church? People mimicking those who really know Jesus who haven’t been born-again of the Spirit. This mimicking by the sons of Ishmael produces a hypocrisy that knows no bounds. Hypocrisy being another interesting word used to describe how Greek actors would wear masks as they portrayed various characters. Thus the word came to mean, “mask wearer.” In true, Biblical, Christ-centered, Christianity the masks are removed and the sons of Isaac – the sons of Heaven’s Joy – the Promise is revealed. To break free from the Church of Ishmael requires courage to face the Sword of the Word examining your life carefully – daily. David exhorted the worshippers of Israel to Kiss the Son lest He be angry with them. Revelation records that Jesus has a double-edged sword extending from His mouth. Implying that if we are going to draw close to Him we are going to get cut. Yet His Sword is double-edged – one side to kill you and the other to heal you. Paul himself exhorted his readers to test themselves to see if they were still in the faith. Surprisingly when he wrote that it had only taken them 20-30 years to stray from the True Gospel. How far off the path do you think we have wondered after 2000 years of Church history? Paul’s remedy for this departure was to grow in the Spirit, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2. It states in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. Contrary to many critics of the book of 1 Corinthians Paul was not discounting seeking to walk and move in the things of the Spirit. He was attempting to correct them. Corinthians gives us some clues as to how we are to grow: 1 Corinthians 2:2-5: For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you. And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].  1 Corinthians 2:12-13 

The man who was “floored” by his encounter with Jesus said all he wanted was to know Jesus. In fact Philippians records that his determined purpose was to know Jesus …MORE. “Knowing” wasn’t just mere book knowledge, for the New Testament was being written at the time of this letter. So he wasn’t equating knowing through reading about Him. Paul wasn’t referring to the afterlife when he exhorted the believers to know Jesus – for it was obvious that they would know Jesus in the afterlife. No Paul was talking about a Spirit-filled Christianity, vibrant with life, experience, and power. He continued to exhort the believers to not have their faith in human wisdom, clever speech or the words of men. Where did he want their faith? In the Holy Spirit and His Power. He wanted them to comprehend and appreciate the gifts of the Spirit. For he himself was taught by the Spirit through heavenly or spiritual communication.

This life is not for those created through laboratories on Church growth but for those born of the Spirit. Ishmael’s cannot comprehend this life. Its foolishness to them. Ultimately we have to guard our hearts from becoming monsters of soulishness who live only for their mind, will, personality and emotions. Although “Ishmaels” will mock us ruthlessly for our beliefs, and practices sons of Isaac know Jesus raised up a Bride from the dead, not a monster (and he didn’t need electricity or alchemy.) He breathed into our dead spirits the life of His Spirit. We can never be the same. How could we ever?

The Hulk

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The Hulk is a fictional superhero appearing in publications by the American publisher Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of The Incredible Hulk (May 1962). In his comic book appearances, the character is both the Hulk, a green-skinned, hulking and muscular humanoid possessing a vast degree of physical strength, and his alter ego Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, a physically weak, socially withdrawn, and emotionally reserved physicist, the two existing as independent personalities and resenting of the other. Following his accidental exposure to gamma rays during the detonation of an experimental bomb, Banner is physically transformed into the Hulk when subjected to emotional stress, at or against his will, often leading to destructive rampages and conflicts that complicate Banner’s civilian life.

In the Biblical story of Cain and Abel it was Cains anger and rage which got the better of him. In fact, Cains assault upon his younger, twin brother, was actually an attack upon Abel’s worship. Cain wanted to control Abel; getting him to worship God his half-hearted way. The “hulk” of our soul man will seek to silence and intimidate the spirit man into submission. His bullying presence will seek to strong arm our worship into submission rendering it self-centered, and anemic. Yet the spirit man’s worship will go lower to ascend higher into the heavenly realms where they sit with Christ. You may ask, What is worship? Paul answers that question for us in Romans 12:1-2 when he states: 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].

Paul’s definition of worship would involve a dedication of your body to the Lord, holiness, obedience, non-conformity to the world’s standards of right and wrong, spiritual transformation, and an over-haul of your thought life. In essence it echoes the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with ALL…your mind, heart, soul (will, emotions and personality), and strength.An all inclusive package. True Biblical worship is a whole-hearted response to the Almighty Creator of the Universe. In the New Testament true Biblical conversion was exemplified by totally surrendering the entire self: Colossians 2:6-7 So then just as you received Christ, Jesus as Lord continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught. Paul’s assumption being that when an individual truly surrendered themselves to Jesus they had received and embraced Jesus as Savior, Master and Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. Their conversion modeled their worship. Joshua encountersthe Captain of the Lord of Hosts after entering the Promised Land. Joshua’s response? He prostrated himself, burying his face in the desert sand, taking off his sandals, and worshipped. When Thomas saw the resurrected Christ he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Which is a phenomenal statement coming from a monotheistic Jew steeped in the Hebrew Shema. Interestingly enough many body postures that westerners struggle with today were actually commanded as part of the worship. It wasn’t optional. (that’s what a command is). For example in 1 Timothy 2:8 Paul commands the believers to raise holy hands to God. We know this is a command because of the word used at the very beginning, “Therefore…” A command always follows this part of speech. The psalmist exhorts and commands the people to clap their hands, be still, dance, shout, worship, sing, and give thanks. Our bodily posture demonstrates an “ALL” in our worship. Yet the highest reverence and worship we can give our Savior exceeds our songs and postures. What is it? Our faith-filled, surrendered obedience. It’s here that the true worshippers the Father seeks are separated from the “Bruce Banners.” From this position the threat of a hulk-like shadow, can’t impose Cain-like worship upon those who worship the Father in Spirit and Truth. These are the worshippers God the Father truly seeks.


Jeckyll or Hyde?

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What’s happening to the Church in America? Would our normal Christian experience be considered abnormal to the Apostles and the Christians of the 1st century? Why is it becoming progressively difficult to distinguish a Christian from a non-Christian? Why are Scriptural references to anything related to the Holy Spirit ignored, pushed aside, or dismissed altogether? Why are things of the Spirit stranger and stranger for a 21st century church attender to grasp?

You’ve seen the movies, possibly even read the book written by Robert Louis Stevenson, about     a Doctor Henry Jekyll. The fictional doctor who produced a serum enabling him to transform into a monster he called Mr. Hyde. In this fictional novella, Mr. Edward Hyde, the doctors alter ego, is permitted to indulge in unstated vices, evil, and self-indulgence living solely for himself. Unfortunately the ravenous appetite of the self-centered monster, Mr. Hyde, can not be slaked. Dr. Jekyll’s veneer of sophisticated, self-control is wrenched from his grasp as Mr. Hyde emerges as the stronger of the two. And Dr. Jekyll? He is seen no more. What’s startling about the 19th Century allegory is that it’s not far being an allegory of the spiritual condition of the 21st Century Western Church. But why is that? What has caused the average church attender’s disconnect? How is it that it’s becoming progressively difficult to distinguish a Christian from a non-christian?

Galatians 4 provides us with a clue: But we, brethren, are children [not by physical descent, as was Ishmael, but] like Isaac, born in virtue of promise. Yet [just] as at that time the child [of ordinary birth] born according to the flesh despised and persecuted him [who was born remarkably] according to [the promise and the working of] the [Holy] Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the Scripture say? Cast out and send away the slave woman and her son, for never shall the son of the slave woman be heir and share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. So, brethren, we [who are born again] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free [the supernatural]. Galatians 4:28-31 

In this passage, the Apostle Paul, is using Scripture as an allegory painting for us a portrait of the two sons of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac. Christians are seen as the true sons of Isaac whereas sons of Ishmael only live to satisfy their carnal, or soulish man (composed of mind, will, emotions and personality. The disturbing truth is that the church, along with the cultural Christian, has been taught to cater to Mr. Hyde’s hunger blinding us to its horror. Like Dr. Jekyll we’ve been attempting to live a double life whose hunger knows no bound or equal. We’ve assumed with the proper “formulas” the beast within can be controlled, squelching its behavior. Unfortunately avoidance of Truth (Truth is a Person) has led us to our present condition. For years I read the Scripture, Jacob I loved but Esau I have hated, being offended by its implications. (Romans 9:13) I puzzled over Israel’s behavior as he crossed his arms to give prophetic blessings to the sons of Joseph. And I pushed aside the nudges of curiosity as to why David, the youngest of all his brothers, was ignored and left to tend sheep, as Israels’ prophet Samuel sought to discover God’s chosen one, King Sauls’ replacement. Truth had been staring me in the face all these years, that is, until now. 

1 Corinthians 15:45-48 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. But it is not the spiritual life which came first, but the physical and then the spiritual. The first man [was] from out of earth, made of dust (earthly-minded); the second Man [is] the Lord from out of heaven. Now those who are made of the dust are like him who was first made of the dust (earthly-minded); and as is [the Man] from heaven, so also [are those] who are of heaven (heavenly-minded).

From Paul’s writing we can deduce, First comes the physical then the spiritual. The first Adam represents or symbolizes the earthly-minded or soulish man, whose offspring find themselves  ruled from within by their souls – mind, will, emotions and personality. Yet, the Last Adam, the younger Jesus, represents those born of the Spirit and Promise. These son’s of our dread Champion, the Last Adam – Jesus, live for the things of the Spirit, being spiritually minded, inclined and focused. 

Unfortunately, as in the fictional allegory, the conclusion is that the building of God – the Church, along with its attenders have been overtaken by the sons of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau. The Good News is that Jesus’ Body, sons and daughters of the King’s Dominion, know His Garden is growing on the inside refusing to ingest self-serving formulas to live duplicitous lives. No, choosing to be crucified daily with their Savior, they have relinquished their rights for their Beloved, seeking to be filled and empowered – DAILY – with His Precious Holy Spirit. These over-comers know that it’s not by might, nor the power of carnal man that will achieve their victory. No, they know that in their weakness, and foolishness He is their strength and wisdom. They grow the Garden for their Beloved seeking for it to bear fruit for HIs Name. 

A House Divided

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On an early June morning in 1862, two brothers from Scotland were fighting for their lives and adopted homeland on a South Carolina battlefield. They had come to America less than two decades prior, and each had come to love his new homeland. Shockingly, Alexander and James Campbell, were fighting on opposite sides of the Civil War conflict. The two brothers made the transatlantic crossing together from their native Scotland to make America their new home. Yet, while Alexander remained in New York, Joseph, became a stone mason in Charleston, South Carolina. When the fighting broke out between the states, Alexander joined New York’s 79th Highlander Infantry Regiment while James enlisted into the 1st South Carolina Battalion. Each knew the other had joined the enemy cause because they corresponded with one another throughout the war. Eventually, Alex and the 79th New York landed on James Island, South Carolina, just outside of Charleston. The Union Army was attempting to make South Carolina pay for its rebellion and the attack on Fort Sumter the previous year. During this skirmish Union troops captured a Confederate soldier who told Alexander that his brother was operating in the same area with the Federal Army. It wasn’t until after the battle of Secessionville that the brothers learned the horrifying truth. Alexander wrote: “I was astonished to hear from the prisoners that you was colour Bearer of the Regmt that assaulted the Battrey at this point the other day…. I was in the Brest work during the whole engagement doing my Best to Beat you but I hope that You and I will never again meet face to face Bitter enemies on the Battlefield. But if such should be the case You have but to discharge your deauty to Your caus for I can assure you I will strive to discharge my deauty to my country & my cause.” Though the brothers were never engaged in dramatic mortal combat at Secessionville, it was the closest they would ever come. Following the battle, the Union Army returned north, in which Alexander was wounded in the Battle of Chantilly, Virginia. Brother James was captured at the 1863 Battle of Fort Wagner, South Carolina and sent to a federal prison, where he sat out the rest of the war in squalid conditions. The two continued their correspondence throughout James’ incarceration as a rebel soldier.

Scripture states in Matthew 10:21-22 that Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and will have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake, but he who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved [from spiritual disease and death in the world to come]. In this passage Jesus describes another battlefield in which He gives instructions to His 12 disciples preparing them for the adversity that they were about to encounter. What’s interesting though is that His discourse moves beyond the present and into the future as He prophesies Last Days events. Jesus prophetic vantage point saw that from the birthing of Adam and Eve’s children a battle had begun long ago between father, mother, and brothers culminating in a final, Last Days battle that revealed the true motive of their hatred. That motive begins to be unveiled in Genesis 4 as it records the birthing of twin brothers – Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer and Abel a shepherd. Physically they were twins but spiritually they were polar opposites. Cain sought to obey God half-heartedly, offering to God something that was to be “sacrificial” – but was anything but. Abel on the other hand brought to God his “first fruits” – his very best sacrifice – and it was pleasing to God. His brother Cain was none too happy with God’s disapproval being outdone by his younger, twin brother. As the animosity seethed inside of him it quickly evolved into premeditated murder. Who knows what drove Cain to silence the testimony of truth and righteousness reflected in his sibling. Was it that Cain couldn’t stand the sight of seeing what he did not want to be? Was it that when he saw his own face reflected in his brothers that he was reminded of his failure? We will never know. Suffice it to say Abel became history’s first martyr. But is there some deeper, spiritual significance that has been hidden for the saints of God to unearth its treasure? Absolutely. Presently we are engaged, consciously or unconsciously, in a spiritual civil war that is occurring right beneath our proverbial noses. As Solomon warns us throughout Proverbs, “Get wisdom and get understanding.” Yet Paul reveals the condition of man in Romans 3:10-12 “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. 

They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.” We live in a day and time where the Body of Christ desperately needs shepherds who are prophetic. Shepherds who will point out: This is the way; walk you in it. Yet the blind are leading the blind not recognizing their own spiritual “dis-ease.” Something is desperately wrong in the Body of Christ, and has been for centuries. Only those seekers of truth will awaken to the warning blasts of the trumpet. Question is which side of the war to end spiritual slavery will we find ourselves on: Cain’s or Abel’s?


Behind Enemy Lines

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What would it be like to be dropped behind enemy lines, fighting your way back to allied territory only to discover that the battle you fought so hard to fight only landed you in enemy territory? What does the old adage mean: “We have met the enemy and enemy is us?” and how does this apply to Christianity in the 21st Century?

In Legend, acclaimed bestselling author Eric Blehm takes as his canvas the Vietnam War, as seen through a single mission that occurred on May 2, 1968. A twelve-man Special Forces team had been covertly inserted into a small clearing in the jungles of neutral Cambodia—where U.S. forces were forbidden to operate. Their objective, just miles over the Vietnam border, was to collect evidence that proved the North Vietnamese Army was using the Cambodian sanctuary as a major conduit for supplying troops and materiel to the south via the Ho Chi Minh Trail. What the team didn’t know was that they had infiltrated a section of jungle that concealed a major enemy base. Soon they found themselves surrounded by hundreds of NVA troops, under attack, low on ammunition, and stacking the bodies of the dead as cover in a desperate attempt to survive the onslaught.

When Special Forces staff sergeant Roy Benavidez heard the distress call, he jumped aboard the next helicopter bound for the combat zone without hesitation. What followed would become legend in the Special Operations community. Flown into the foray of battle by the courageous pilots and crew of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, Benavidez jumped from the hovering aircraft and ran nearly 100 yards through withering enemy fire. Despite being immediately and severely wounded, Benavidez reached the perimeter of the decimated team, provided medical care, and proceeded to organize an extraordinary defense and rescue. During the hours-long battle, he was bayoneted, shot, and hit by grenade shrapnel more than thirty times, yet he refused to abandon his efforts until every survivor was out of harm’s way.

1 Corinthians 3:9 states that we have been dropped behind enemy lines: For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.

Why would I say that we have been dropped behind enemy lines? Because Romans 8:9 states: [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God,..” Good News Translation states: And so people become enemies of God when they are controlled by their human nature;…”Aramaic Bible in Plain English Because the mind of the flesh is hatred toward God,…” Our carnal, fleshly, human or soulish nature is defined as our mind, will, emotions and personality. In essence, our soul is our spirit man’s evil twin. Make no mistake about it our soul hates God and is the enemy of God’s Spirit operating in our born-again spirit. This other-worldly, visitation from Heaven brings us into direct conflict with our selves seeking to see that God’s Garden takes dominion over the battlefield of our eternal destiny. Genesis 2:15 states: And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it. The Hebrew word for guard or keep implies that we are to exercise great care over it. It expresses several ideas that contain parallels for our own spiritual gardens. In one instance we are to guard or keep through doing things carefully, or diligently as in Proverbs 19:8’s injunction to “Give heed to understanding” or Dt. 11:32’s injunction to “Be careful to do (i.e. perform carefully.)” Another ramification is “take care of,” “guard” as in keeping a garden or tending it, guarding it against intruders. Frequently the verb is used to speak of personal discipline, in taking heed to one’s life and actions. Lastly it conveys the idea of paying attention to, and giving reverence to God. In summary you could say that while we are behind enemy lines we are to pay attention to God, His Word, and our lives while we gain spiritual understanding and keep watch against any form of enemy intrusion. Question is are the lines of the conflict drawn clearly in the church and believers minds? My limited assessment is that the conclusion is obvious: No!! Emphatically, No! As you will see in this weeks blogs many don’t know which side to fight on, what they are fighting for, nor what they are fighting against. Even in a pick up game of basketball between the skins (interesting symbolism) and shirts we know clearly who are opponents are. But as the old adage states: “We have met the enemy and enemy is us.”

Hide and See

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Why does God take pleasure in hiding things in plain sight? How do we make walking off with Jesus into eternity a beginning instead of a final destination? How does “tending” or “dressing” God’s garden in us find it’s fulfillment in and through His Living Word?

Proverbs 25:2 states that “It is the Glory of God to conceal a matter…” revealing God takes great pleasure in hiding things in plain sight. The examples are numerous but some of the obvious ones are Jesus, Holy Spirit, revelations from the Word of God, and prophecy. Four prophecies, have been hidden or embedded in the Garden story – hidden for you and I to unearth its treasures. As I have explained in a previous blog one of those prophecies is based on my interpretation and opinion. (I’m entitled. We all have two armpits) Those prophecies are: a) The Word of God will walk through His Garden (b) A Final Day of the Spirit is Coming Soon (c) satan will bite Jesus’ heel but Jesus will crush satan’s head, culminating in satan’s final destruction (d) and lastly, God will provide a Way to the Tree of Life through His Mercy.

In yesterdays blog we discovered that Jesus’ “Middle Earth” has emerged in sons of Adam and daughters of Eve through a new birth. This new birth has caused His garden to emerge in a land hostile to God. Paul would go so far as to say that this aspect of our nature actually hates God (Romans 8:7). As followers of the Final Adam – Jesus – it is our calling to pick up where our ancestors dropped the ball (or fruit, as in the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil). Their call was short-changed through a lie that had them sacrificing God’s Word for something that tasted good. Good, especially man’s measured good, has and always will be the enemy of God’s very best. For proof of this look no farther than the story of the Prodigal Son in which the elder brother became his father’s enemy. Why? Because of the elders goodness achieved apart from a relationship with his father. In Jesus’ parable the goodness of the elder brother is just as deprived as the evil of the younger. Again we have to ask the question, Why? Because both were centered in the “core” of the fruit of the knowledge of “doing to be.” Satan’s lie was, “If you do this – you will be.” Thus reliance upon the soul held mankind firmly in its grip as spirits withered and died. This iron, grip of death has a choke hold on those who would seek to live otherwise. Through the Final Adam we are resurrected from “doing to be.” New life has been breathed into our spirits catapulting us from our carnal graves. Yet satan doesn’t give up so easy seeking to keep the shroud of death wrapped tightly around our spiritual vision. I am convinced that this shroud or veil is removed through the Word of God. But not just the black and white words that the sons of hell, the Pharisees, were masters of. But the God-breathed words of the Spirit. These are the words that emancipate. By God’s grace, Jesus, the Voice – the Word, comes to us untangling the matted root systems of generations of religion, tradition, and ancestral rebellion and sin. He frees us to walk with the Word. To hold His hand through chapters, paragraphs, and pages discovering eternal life is relational, not a final destination. Albeit, misfortune has fallen to the impoverished masses who have made reading the word their final destination overlooking the treasure buried just beneath their proverbial feet. They fail to realize that walking off with Him into eternity isn’t a destination but a beginning. But how? Where do we begin?

Genesis 2:15 And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it. The Living Words of God are unearthed through tending, guarding and keeping. To tend or dress in the Hebrew means to “to do, or to make; to worship, or obey; to serve.” Although the term is typically applied to agriculture, it has also been used in reference to the artisans and craftsmen throughout the Bible, and of those who labor for another as in the the priests who served God in the Tabernacle and Temple. In this case their labor or service wasn’t a burdensome one but joyous, a form of worship. Webster’ Dictionary of English Words offers uncanny nuances, and Biblical parallels between God’s garden and Word when defining the word “dress:”

dress – 1a: to make or set straight b: to arrange (troops, equipment, etc.) in a straight line and at proper intervals 2: to prepare for use or service specifically: to prepare for cooking or for the table dress a salad 3: to add decorative details or accessories to : EMBELLISH 4a: to put clothes on b: to provide with clothing  5 archaic: DRESS DOWN 6a: to apply dressings or medicaments to dress a wound b (1): to arrange by combing, brushing, or curling (2): to groom and curry c: to kill and prepare for consumption d: CULTIVATE, TEND especially: to apply manure or fertilizer to dress a field e: to put through a finishing process especially: to trim and smooth the surface of (a material, such as lumber or stone).

As you can see all of these serve to connect God’s Garden to His Word. Why wouldn’t it? His Garden exist’s because of His Word. When we “dress” or “tend” to God’s garden applying His Word we begin to set things straight; we arrange our selves for battle; we prepare ourselves for service; we add details to our lives; we clothe ourselves; we apply the medications to our wounds, sicknesses and infinities; we arrange, combing and brushing, through our knotted lives; we prepare spiritual food for our nourishment (even our death); we apply the manure and fertilizer needed for God’s Spirit and His fruits to grow in us; and lastly we trim and smooth the surface of stoney hearts causing even these to cry out in worship and praise to Him.

In next weeks blog we will seek to see how we can apply the other directives given Adam regarding God’s garden.

Middle Earth

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If we are God’s garden, yet “our earth” is under a curse, how do we address the “cursed earth” in our lives to bring it into His Garden? Is abiding in Jesus based solely on our sentiment, thoughts, and feelings or is there a deeper more profound way to abide? SOS 8:5 asks, “Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her Beloved?” The question remains, in a Laodicean Church Age, Who, or more precisely, what have we been leaning, or relying?

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.

There’s a Biblical principle of interpretation known as the Law of First Mention. It essentially states that to understand a particular word or doctrine, we must find the first place in Scripture that word or doctrine is revealed and study that passage. The reasoning being that the Bible’s first mention of a concept is the simplest and clearest presentation; doctrines are then more fully developed on that foundation. God’s Garden of Eden is the first mention we have of any garden and from it we can draw conclusions regarding God’s purpose for our lives. How often have we forgotten that man was made from the dust of the earth and that we are sons and daughters of that earth? According to Genesis that earth, our earth, is under a curse. There are six different Hebrew words used for “curse.” Curse being defined as to bind, to snare, hem in with obstacles, and render powerless to resist. Cursing in essence immobilizes the person and are the result of violating a relationship with God. Exodus 34:7 states …Who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children, to the third and fourth generation. Dt. 27:26 states Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.‘ James 2:10-11 states For whosoever keeps the Law [as a] whole but stumbles and offends in one [single instance] has become guilty of [breaking] all of it. For He Who said, You shall not commit adultery, also said, You shall not kill. If you do not commit adultery but do kill, you have become guilty of transgressing the [whole] Law. The Bible has a great deal to say about curses mentioning, among others things, that not only is mankind under a curse but Jesus Himself became a curse for us – to redeem us from the curse.

Yet, we have to ask: If we are God’s garden yet our “earth” is under a curse how do we address the “cursed earth” in our lives to bring it into His Garden? Since we are God’s garden we have been called to produce fruit. Jesus referred to this in John 15 stating that we are not only gardens but vineyards. He continued sharing that when we abide in Him we produce the fruit of His Kingdom. This abiding is not produced from soul power – mind, will, emotions and personality. It is manufactured through a conscious and unconscious positioning of ourselves in the Son’s Power. It isn’t accomplished through sentiment. Sentiment being an attitude which is based on our thoughts and feelings. Abiding is not mere sentiment. Abiding’s Center isn’t the damnable “me” but the Person of Jesus – Who is the sum total and definition of where our center should be. Much of the music we use in our “praise and worship” is centered around the unholy trinity of me, myself and I. These songs “feel” great to sing leaving us feeling very sentimental yet remain soulish or carnal. They are built around what we think, how we feel, and our varying personality or temperament types. For Jesus’ garden to emerge we have to set aside the soul bringing it into submission to God’s Spirit in our spirits. Like solar panels have to turn to the sun daily to recharge we have to take time daily to turn our lives, our self-centeredness, towards Jesus seeking to get into His Presence. As plants and flowers turn their faces to chase the light during the day so we have to pursue and seek His Light. There are over 85 different passages on seeking God, not to mention the number of passages that exhort people to return to God. Helping us to form the conclusion that God is aware that we all have a tendency to wander away from Who He really is. The best place to begin this turning of our faces towards Him is in His Word. But be warned: even in the reading of the word our souls are inclined to push us to search for information, or to reduce the reading to just another empty exercise. Years ago I was caught up in Last Days predictions of the best selling author of The Late Great Planet Earth, Hal Lindsey. Unfortunately I was left disillusioned and disappointed by their outcome. Since, I have learned to be alert to the signs of His coming while riveting my spiritual focus on Jesus, in the Revelation of His Return. Knowing this has caused me to seek to be preoccupied with getting into His Presence and remaining. This wisdom has revealed that if we are truly occupied with Him – not the stuff that the Laodicean Church Age uses as substitutes – we will not miss a thing. As Song of Solomon records, Who is that coming out of the wilderness leaning on her beloved? In summary, we test our abiding by simply asking the question, What is our spiritual dependence based? Are we leaning on Jesus or our souls?

The Emerging Garden

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While on earth Jesus prayed in a garden, was crucified near the garden, was buried in a garden, and rose from the dead in that same garden. In fact His ascension took place near the garden and the Bible records He will return to split that garden in half. Why? Why was Jesus obsessed with the garden?

1 Corinthians 15:45-49 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. But it is not the spiritual life which came first, but the physical and then the spiritual. The first man [was] from out of earth, made of dust (earthly-minded); the second Man [is] the Lord from out of heaven. Now those who are made of the dust are like him who was first made of the dust (earthly-minded); and as is [the Man] from heaven, so also [are those] who are of heaven (heavenly-minded). And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:46 alludes to a method that Jesus, Paul, and those reading the New Testament knew well. The method of alluding to the shadows and types of Scripture. Paul states a principal: First comes the physical, then the spiritual. Physical truth will often point to greater spiritual truth and so it is throughout Scripture. Even though the biblical narrative is historically true and accurate it has hidden behind its words a symbolic or prophetic meaning. It’s laughable to me when well intentioned believers say that they are not into the mystical stuff of Christianity when the Bible is absolutely mystical. Mystical being defined as “having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence b : involving or having the nature of an individual’s direct subjective communion with God .” Thus Paul is able to allude to Jesus being the Last Adam. But the question remains unanswered: “Why was Jesus so preoccupied with the garden?” I believe that Jesus, as the Last Adam, was longing to return to the Father (just as any believer groans for their eternal home). Jesus was not simply looking for Himself but for all the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve who would be returned to the Garden of fellowship with the Father. Not being hindered by time, He saw the past, present and future in one moment anticipating our reconciliation and our manifestations as sons and daughters. Romans 8:19 For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship]. If creation is waiting for us to be made known and revealed how much more Heaven? In Acts 2:16-17 the Apostle Peter alludes to a Last Days event that began at Pentecost and will have its final culmination before Jesus’ return:

But [instead] this is [the beginning of] what was spoken through the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams. Pentecost was a beginning but not an end. In fact Jesus refers to this event in the Wedding of Cana. The Contemporary English Translation says it best in John 2:10 “The best wine is always served first. Then after the guests have had plenty, the other wine is served. But you have kept the best until last!” Jesus, our Bridegroom, will save the Best Wine of His Spirit, for the Last Days. In Genesis 3 there are several prophecies that were to occur in the future. Some of those “futures” were to occur quickly, but others would have a future beginning, and a future culmination. For example, Jesus, was going to be struck on the heel by satan, the serpent, and Jesus was going to crush his head. We saw this happen in part, but the fullness of that crushing will not come till the end of days. So also in this passage is another prophecy easily missed. Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: Its my opinion that the Voice is none other than the Word, and that the phrase “coolness” is actually the wrong interpretation. Most scholars are conflicted over how to interpret this passage from the original Hebrew. For the word used for “coolness” is the word from which is typically translated 2 words: wind and spirit. My personal opinion is that a possible reading of this verse should be: And they heard the Word of the Lord walking in the garden in day of the Spirit.”  I believe that it should be interpreted that way for the passage refers to a future awakening of the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve from hiding behind fig leaves from the Voice or the Word of the Lord – Jesus. When we quit hiding, drop our fig leaves, accepting His covering through His Blood (not simple animal skins), His Garden emerges in us. That emergence began with the Resurrection but its inauguration occurred at Pentecost. But their is a final days unveiling when we will rise up to His Purpose for our lives. We are not there yet but the day of His appearing is extremely close and we can only feel the tension building as the darkness increases and the Glory of the Lord rises upon His people. Maranatha Lord!

Golem

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In Jewish folklore a “Golem” is a clay creature that has been magically brought to life through the use of Jewish witchcraft, or kabbalism. The name comes from the Hebrew word “golem,” which means something incomplete or unfinished, like an embryo. The Talmud relates a tale of rabbis who grew hungry while on a journey–so they created a calf out of earth and ate it for dinner. The  rabbis did this by utilizing a formula set forth in the Sefer Yetzirah, or Book of Creation. Just as God speaks and creates, in the Genesis story, it is believed that certain rabbis can do the same. (The word Abracadabra, incidentally, derives from avra k’davra, Aramaic for “I create as I speak.”) Thus, under the rarest of circumstances, a human being may imbue lifeless matter with that intangible, but essential spark of life: the soul. This idea inspired such tales as Frankenstein and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”  Sometimes the golem saves the Jewish community from persecution or death, enacting the kind of heroism or revenge unavailable to powerless Jews. Often, however, Jewish folktales about the golem tell what happens when things go awry — when the power of life-force goes astray, often with tragic results.

It’s interesting to imagine speaking certain words in order to see a clay figure come to life. But in one sense that’s what Jesus, the Word become flesh, did for us. Hearkening back to the creation account, God formed man from the dust of the earth. But God didn’t just speak a word to have us come to life. He breathed into us His Life. In other words, He “kissed” us to life. When God brought us to life He placed us in the Garden of Eden which existed within earths’ bounds. We became sons and daughter of earth, dirt, or soil. In essence you could make a case that God’s Kingdom had come to earth. What’s really intriguing is that when you read Scripture you can make the deduction that the rest of the earth wasn’t like the Garden: Gen. 1:28 And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.  Thus you see 4 Commands regarding the earth: Be fruitful, multiply, subdue, and have dominion. But then in Gen. 2:7-8,15 it states something different in reference to the Garden: Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden [delight]; and there He put the man whom He had formed (framed, constituted)….And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it. (If you ever want to do an interesting word study check out the Hebrew meanings for the individual commands) Thus you can draw the conclusion that Adam and Eve’s call and commission from God was to make the rest of the earth like the Garden.

Yet after the fall, and rebellion of man, we became “golems” with the condition of our earth, and its soil coming under a curse. Three dominions vied for control:

satan’s dominion = Jn. 14:30 I will not talk with you much more, for the prince (evil genius, ruler) of the world is coming. And he has no claim on Me. [He has nothing in common with Me; there is nothing in Me that belongs to him, and he has no power over Me.]

Man’s dominion = Rom. 8:5 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh,… 

God’s Dominion = Rom. 8:5 …but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit…

Jesus, the Son of Man (Adam = dust, soil, or earth), comes to our cursed and contaminated soil now dominated by satan, his golems, and He speaks. When He speaks He addresses the condition of the soils in His Parable of the Sower or Soils. In His parable He describes 4 conditions: rocky, thorny, fertile, and crow infested. Each soil condition competes with the Word of God. We know from Scripture that Jesus is the Word of God and that the conclusion could be drawn that these soil conditions are actually competing with Jesus, the Word of God, being manifested in us. In fact we could say that what exists outside of us also exists inside of us.

Eternal life then is seeking to grow God’s Garden to overcome the crows, rocks, and thorns inside of each of us. Jesus, the Master Farmer and Gardener, has established His mission of seeing God’s Kingdom – His Eternal Life Existence – Grow, displacing the works of darkness. The question is are we going to continue to be “golems,” under the bidding of a manipulative sorcerer or are we going to receive the Word of Life in the Garden of God? It’s really about obedience and conformity to the Words of God.


Snake Oil or Elixir?

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At one time, everyone from Adam to the present, has experienced spiritual death. And just like the script from “The Sixth Sense” we see dead people and many of its actors share the fate of Bruce Willis’ character. (They haven’t figured out that they’re dead) Yet, through Christ’s resurrection all mankind has received an invitation to wake up (not from a terrified little boy – but from the Son of God) from our spiritual slumber of death into life. This is the hallmark of eternal life. Before the fall of mankind our ancestors walked in communion with God – in the Garden. Was it a coincidence that Jesus’ favorite place to pray was in a garden? Even His tomb was located in a garden where He chose to rise from the dead. The empty tomb still beckons for us to join Him – to know Him. For we can’t live until we’ve died. (One of God’s delightful paradoxes.) As God looked for our delinquent great grandparents in the Garden – He’s the One Who came calling. He’s the One who drew attention to their hiding place among the “leaves” of their own making. Good news is that Jesus says the Father is still looking: A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers. God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Himin spirit and in truth (reality). John 4:24  And that’s what eternal life is all about – relating to the Godhead on a spiritual level.

1 Corinthians 2:10-16 describes this spiritual existence: Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny]. For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].  But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. 

Now that’s an amazing description of a life lived in the Spirit. Consider the following propositions: (a) we are taught by the Spirit; (b) He speaks in a spiritual language to us; (c) we are able to interpret this spiritual language; (d) we are able to grow in knowing, and understanding progressively – the Godhead; (e) we are able to accept and welcome the gifts, teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God; (f) and we now possess the Mind of Christ – knowing His thoughts and purposes. That folks is eternal life. Note that verse 14 states that the man without the Spirit, or the non-spiritual man, can’t even know these things. It says they are foolishness to him. And there in plain view is the characteristic of a symptom that’s infection has spread far and wide throughout the church. That disease, which should cause a dis-ease, has left the church goer uninitiated into the world of the Spirit. In fact I would dare say that the average church attender would find the above discussion foolish nonsense. They would be bored by the proposal. In fact it is my observation that our ancestor’s fig leaves have gotten so immense, and overgrown that they have successfully obscured the whole point of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection reducing it to a matter of sentiment. That sentiment blocks our vision making us incapable of hearing the still, small whisper of God’s Spirit inviting us to walk with Him – to know Him. Sunday, after Sunday, church attenders by the millions sit within inches of the cure for their own disease. Its Jesus’ own “elixir,” that guarantees resurrection, from the bite of the serpents’ lies. Jesus’ “elixir” isn’t the fake, snake oil sold by the box load Sunday after Sunday. It isn’t the stuff of man’s clever speech or persuasive words guaranteed to produce one more failed “do it your self” salvation project. No, it’s resurrection power unveiling the life we were meant to live – an eternal life lived walking with Jesus now; knowing Him. Question is: Why do we prefer to swallow the snake oil instead of the Elixir drawn from Immanuels’ veins? The Elixir of the Fountain of Eternal Youth?

The Investment

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Last night at Bible study we were discussing all the nuances of our salvation found in Jesus and one of the things that came up was the parable of the talents. It wasn’t a lengthy conversation, more of a passing reference, but the Spirit of God whispered some revelation regarding its meaning. Let me share with you my discovery.

Matthew 25:14-30 contains the Parable of the Talents. When I was a new believer I assumed that this parable was referring to special abilities, such as athletic, creative, or artistic aptitudes. But, this interpretation was mistaken. Jesus is actually referring to a weight used to measure money. The “master” in the parable has invested a sum of money in his servants expecting a return. Now that’s interesting for we can see the obvious parallels. The Master of the tale – obviously a picture of the Father and His Son – has invested several things. What things you may ask?

a) First and foremost, God has given to us the gift of life.

b) He has given unto all mankind, His Son, a gift of eternal life, for all who will receive Him.

c) Lastly, Jesus has deposited His Spirit and Grace into our spirits.

Near the conclusion of the parable the “master” calls his servants together to report on their investments. Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, Master, you entrusted to me five talents; see, here I have gained five talents more. His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys. And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, Master, you entrusted two talents to me; here I have gained two talents more.  His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys. He who had received one talent also came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be a harsh and hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you had not winnowed [the grain]. So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is your own.  But his master answered him, You wicked and lazy and idle servant! Did you indeed know that I reap where I have not sowed and gather [grain] where I have not winnowed? Then you should have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent away from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will be furnished richly so that he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away. Matthew 25:19-29

Obviously the master had an expectation that his servants would make investments, receiving a return. True servants see it no other way. In fact the point could be made that grateful servants work hard to see that their master gets his return. The servant, with a dim view of his master, doesn’t work at all – he hides and buries it. He obviously has no relationship with the master, projecting onto his master his personal fears, and stinginess. Interestingly enough he is still viewed as a servant by the master – although ungrateful, disobedient, and stingy.

The take away from this parable is that there will be an accounting based on what is done with the Father’s investment of life, His Son and His Spirit. Presently we find that we exist in a Laodicean Church age of cheap grace, and no expectations. Everyone receives a trophy, all are treated the same, and God is made in our image. But in this parable, each servant is not treated the same. They are rewarded differently based on what they did with the masters investment. Any human that draws breath is a servant of something or someone – whether we like it or not – as Bob Dylan observed many years ago.

Peter, the apostle, adds a reminder in 2 Peter 3:18 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)! Again the Heavenly expectation is that we will grow what has been invested in us. You may ask, “How is grace invested in us?” Over the years I have learned to despise the acrostic for grace as being God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. I despise it because it doesn’t define how we are to respond to this grace. I prefer the following definition: grace = the empowerment to do the will of God; to respond to God’s riches It’s interesting that the Greek word for grace is charis. Charis is used synonymously with the Spirit of God. Grace and the Spirit go hand in hand. I know from Scripture that the Spirit has been given to us for more than just assuring our salvation. He is our Source and Supply of Supernatural Empowerment to be molded into the image of Jesus. I grow His Supernatural Unction, or Fervor as I agree and cooperate with His whispers in my Spirit. Those whispers come in the form of thoughts to be conformed to Jesus, His Word, or examples. For example I may have a sudden desire to be more loving. I’ve learned that no good thing exists in me. When these thoughts cross my “mind” (the interpreter of our spirits) it’s an invitation to grow spiritually, and come to know Jesus. I may develop a certain interest in or desire to pray, fast, evangelize, memorize Scripture, worship, fellowship, heal the sick, or prophesy. Again those thoughts are whispers from God’s Spirit to grow, an invitation to get a return on our Masters investment. That is why Paul is so adamant about not quenching the Spirit’s Fire (1 Thess. 5:19). I have personally experienced His Grace in several areas of life while my spiritual dullness dismissed the invitation. In fact many times I have taken this grace for granted only to find later that my actions, performance and behavior were not based on any good merit of my own but only by God’s Precious Grace. On one hand, I’ve known people to receive God’s grace to free them from addictions and demonic strongholds, only to turn back later spurning the gift and failing miserably. I believe that there will be weeping in Heaven over these missed opportunities. People are quick to remind me, “But Robert there is no crying in Heaven.” To which I respond by reminding them, “Then what does the Bible mean that He will wipe every tear from their eyes?”  Rev. 21:4

Our salvation is free, bought and purchased by the precious Blood of Jesus, but it will cost you your life to grow, and invest it. A master would expect nothing less from his servants, and a grateful servant would expect nothing less than to give it.

Don’t Ask the Fish

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As I mentioned in a previous blog a worldview answers four necessary questions: origins, meaning, morality and destiny. That worldview must answer individual questions in correspondence to reality, and the sum of those answers must be coherent, or in agreement. Many persons have the mistaken notion that they have reasons for their beliefs. Unfortunately after some discussion the discovery is made that those opinions are not based in fact, but hearsay. Ravi Zacharias states: “One of the most shocking lessons one learns in countries where culture is interwoven with religion is that living within a certain framework all the time is, in a sense, the surest way to be detached from it.” Hence the Chinese proverb: “If you want to know what water is, don’t ask the fish.” Ravi continues: Most Hindus know little about Hinduism’s scriptures or it’s development in dogma. Most Buddhists know little about Buddhism. Religion is much more a culture to most people than it is a carefully thought-through system of truth. Even Islam finds the same ignorance. Dare I say most Christians know very little about the teaching and history of their own beliefs …Then the conclusion is inescapable: What I now believe may be good, but it’s not good enough.”

As I grow older I have come to the realization that much of what I put my faith in was only an entry way or door into a whole other realm I never knew existed. Unfortunately for me and others, we have mistaken the door for the entire house. This is why the Lord would have His Church, His Bride to awaken to the inheritance we have in Him. Notice I did not say eternal life. Many have mistaken eternal life as a final destination when Biblically it is an ongoing, experiential relationship. Luke 17:21, alluded to in a previous blog, states that we have God’s Kingdom inside of us through our connection to Jesus. John 10:10 states eternal life has brought us to life to live for Him. John 14:30 states: I will not talk with you much more, for the prince (evil genius, ruler) of the world is coming. And he has no claim on Me. [He has nothing in common with Me; there is nothing in Me that belongs to him, and he has no power over Me.] Eternal Life progressively transforms us so that eventually we have nothing in common with the evil one. After our being born-again, we may have a mild distaste regarding sin, but Jesus hates it. He hates any and all things that stand between us and His love for us. That’s why Eternal Life is more than just a shadowy, dream world in the not so present future but a concrete reality in the now. And it has to be. Shallow, shadows of existence and perception can do little to transform our affections or uphold us like the concrete reality of experiential love. Love, like Eternal Life, is the personification of Jesus.

Our inheritance guarantees freedom from harassment, and oppression from the evil one. Acts 10:38 How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and,  in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him. Jesus was anointed – as God limited by humanity – to free others who were being harassed and oppressed by the power of the devil. What will a Resurrected, and Ascended Jesus do now for those He loves and adores?

As co-heirs with Christ Jesus He is saving us to break chains of slavery to sin, addictions, traumas, demonic strongholds, ungodly beliefs, cycles of sin, and all the multiple works of darkness. Romans 6:16-18 Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)? But thank God, though you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed. And having been set free from sin, you have become the servants of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in thought, purpose, and action).We have become inheritors of freedom and righteousness (rightly related to God and man). Hardly do we think of ourselves when mention is made of being rightly related to our fellow man. Yet, Sunday after Sunday, church attenders find themselves not rightly related to themselves (Truth be known how can they be rightly related to God and man?) The call of Jesus is a call to be rightly related to Who Jesus is within us. Rightly related to who He made us to be. Rightly related to what’s been crucified and defeated. Rightly related to the Spirit of God within our spirits. We find our “stride,” or “sweet spot,” in He Who has made, and is making His Home within us.

In conclusion don’t be asking the contented, pew sitting “fish” how the “Water” is. Instead look for those swimming in the Spirit of their inheritance through Jesus. Feel the radiant, glow from their faces as they light up talking about Him. Listen for their Jesus-centered, worship as their hearts swell, overflowing into a life-time of praises. Looking and listening carefully will lead you to a discovery that’s beyond the door; to an Ocean of endless, and eternal joy, Whose Name is Jesus. He’s our inheritance. He is eternal life. Come on, let’s jump in and learn how to swim.

Raised From Rote, Rut, and Rot

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The gift of eternal life is as multi-faceted as Jesus containing qualities that are eternal and multidimensional. Consider Paul’s words in Eph. 3:14-21 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. This passage translated in the New King James version demonstrates the multi-dimensional levels of God’s Love and eternal life found in Jesus Christ. What’s really interesting is to read the same passage in a translation of the Bible that brings out the original language nuances not found in our thought by thought translations. Here’s Pauls words again: For this reason seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  for Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name] May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].  May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, that you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and  become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Can you hear the richness of these words? the Amplified Classic translation breathes life into the words calling to our dry bones to come together, standing up to become the army of Jesus’ Kingdom.

Our eternal life has the power to release in us the very power that raised Jesus from the dead. The very same power that was released when creation was set in motion by the Word of God. You are a new creation and have been born-again to experience God’s Promise of making all things new. The multi-layered, multi-faceted, multi dimensional aspect of our salvation contains more than a two dimensional quality to it. Modern Christianity has dumbed it down placing 2 -3 dimensional caps on how God’s Spirit can express Himself. (And when I say modern Christianity I am referring to the Christianity which slowly began to take the place of Biblical Christianity when the Emperor Constantine made Christianity the state religion of Rome in 320 AD.) Unfortunately for us the legacy left behind has caused us to crawl out from the rubble in the cemetery many call church or Christianity. 1700 years of religion without relationship has left us with nothing more than rote, ruts, and rot. Routine has become “lord” in the life of the church. A.W. Tozer has said, “That would be perfectly alright and proper for a cemetery. Nobody expects a cemetery to do anything but conform. The greatest conformists in the world day are those who sleep out in the community cemetery. They do not bother anyone. They just lie there, and it is perfectly alright for them to do so. You can predict what everyone will do in a cemetery from the deceased right down to the people who attend a funeral there. Everyone and everything in a cemetery has accepted the routine. Nobody expects anything out of those buried in the cemetery. But the church is not a cemetery and we should expect much from it, because what has been should not be lord to tell us what is, and what is should not be ruler to tell us what will be. God’s people are supposed to grow.”

When Scripture is read afresh we see that Jesus’ version of eternal life called for the very Kingdom of God to be released in our hearts. Luke 17:21 says it’s so. Jesus said the Kingdom wasn’t out there but in here (I’m pointing at my heart and yours). For the church to glumly pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” Sunday after Sunday like a funeral dirge has wrung the vitality out of our Lord’s declaration of war on death. Paul said that the Kingdom wasn’t a matter of talk but of explosive, dynamite power. What’s happened to the power of our salvation?

This morning I was meditating in the Word using some discipleship material called “The Disciples Prayer Life.” He posed a question regarding the Disciples Prayer in Matthew 6 asking “what kind of things are disciples to ask for?” When I read this I thought of another principle T.W. Hunt, it’s author, teaches: “Why should God answer this prayer?” Why indeed? Why should God answer the prayer if we are not willing to cooperate in the process of His grace, and Spirit exploding like dynamite in our spirits? Why should the Father trust us with the atmosphere of Heaven – His Kingdom – on earth, bringing dead things back to life; causing blind eyes to see and deaf ears to hear? Why, when we keep closing our eyes and ears to the call of His Spirit and Word?

Ultimately we are back to A.W. Tozer’s thoughts: Have we allowed the lord of routine to bury us in the cemetery of rote, rut, and rot? Don’t you think it’s time to begin praying and believing for a resurrection?

Perspective Warp

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Perspective control is a procedure for composing or editing photographs to better conform with the commonly accepted distortions in constructed perspective. The control would:

  • make all lines that are vertical in reality vertical in the image. This includes columns, vertical edges of walls and lampposts. This is a commonly accepted distortion in constructed perspective; perspective is based on the notion that more distant objects are represented as smaller on the page; however, even though the top of the cathedral tower is in reality further from the viewer than base of the tower (due to the vertical distance), constructed perspective considers only the horizontal distance and considers the top and bottom to be the same distance away;
  • make all parallel lines (such as four horizontal edges of a cubic room) cross in one point.

The Western Church’s perspective regarding our worldview is not the only thing that needs an adjustment. As the definition above states, “Perspective control is a procedure for composing or editing photographs to better conform with the commonly accepted distortions…”  Here lies the Western Church’s problem. Rather than adjusting our vertical interaction with the Spirit and the Word we have allowed the “commonly accepted distortions” to determine our perspective. Last Thursday I posted that a worldview will define and determine – origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. Without a Biblical worldview your interaction with the Vertical and horizontal will be warped and distorted at best. Consider the popular misconceptions of eternal life. Ask your average church goer their definition of eternal life and they will define it in terms of the after life. Jesus readjusted that understanding making His focus, or perspective, be about living – not dying. For example John 3:13 states: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. Interestingly enough when comparing this verse to other translations this passage has been distorted to match the commonly accepted distortions. But when you read it you can see that Jesus’ life lived on the horizontal plane of earth was actually lived from a much higher vertical perspective. One more example: John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Here again Jesus reiterates that our focus isn’t to be on dying but living in knowing the Father and Jesus the Son. Jesus echoes this in Matthew 22:29-32 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”  In the Gospel of Luke the angel rebukes the women coming to Jesus tomb asking, “Why do you look for the Living among the dead?” I capitalized the “Living” to make the point that we serve the One who conquered death and is not dead but alive forevermore and gives this victory to all who would place their trust in Him.

What the western church needs more than ever is a perspective warp like the Star Trek Enterprise that will launch us in to seeing Jesus’ life – in us – from a much higher Vertical perspective. You and I were made for much more than looking at the back of someones’ head calling it worship. Can you imagine aliens visiting our planet, observing our worship, and noting how uniformly we worship the back of someone’s skull? This is why Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, the Place of the Skull, sending His cross and blood to penetrate and permeate that globular sphere of rancid fruit we call knowledge. The fruit of this tree only leaves us barren, and naked, hungering for something more that really satisfies. But those who have truly met the conditions of a Jesus-centered, Salvation, will know so much more for they have received the Mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:16) Now that is an alien concept to a western church that has fallen so far away from New Testament Christianity.


What’s Your Worldview?

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Sunday morning I was meditating in Psalm 37 and found an interesting parallel to one of the Beatitudes. In fact Psalm 37 mentioned this Beatitude 6 different times. Think about that. Why would the Psalmist mention this Beatitude 6 different times? It must be important. Right? Here’s what they say: 3 Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.; 9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth. 11 But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 22 For such as are blessed of God shall [in the end] inherit the earth, but they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off.29 [Then] the [consistently] righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. 34 Wait for and expect the Lord and keep and heed His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; [in the end] when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

The Beatitudes of Jesus say a similar thing: Mt. 5:5 Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!

Now I have to be honest and admit that this promise has not been a bestseller for Christian bumper stickers, or refrigerator magnets. I don’t even think it made the list. Why the neglect, or apathy regarding this promise? It’s all about your worldview. Everyone has a worldview. It applies to you whether you are smart or average, rich or poor, religious or irreligious, Canadian or Australian – we all have a worldview. World views address 4 issues: origins, meaning, morality and destiny. In other words four crucial questions are answered: Origin – Where did I come from? Meaning – Why am I here? Morality – How should I live? and Destiny – Where am I headed? A worldview destitute of meaning and destiny will lead a person to draw the conclusion that they have no purpose for their existence. They aren’t going anywhere except to the grave and thus their lives have no meaning. Now over the years I’ve been in the ministry I have had some interesting interactions with varying world views among those who call themselves believers, or followers of Jesus. And I must say that until I received some revelation from the Lord regarding this matter that my world view was similar. What was the world view I encountered? That my destiny was wrapped up in dying and going to Heaven. Now I believed in the 1000 Year Reign of Jesus and all but the impact of the Scripture mentioned above hadn’t really settled in. That is until now. When I stumbled upon this promise it caused me to ask, “What’s the big deal?” I’ll just be happy to have a resurrected body, and worship Jesus. But when I prayed about it the Lord showed me an amazing truth. It’s found in several passages but I’ll only use a few. Rom. 8:17 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.; Heb. 1:2 [But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order].; Heb. 6:17 Accordingly God also, in His desire to show more convincingly and beyond doubt to those who were to inherit the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose and plan, intervened (mediated) with an oath.

Heirs receive inheritances. Jesus is the Heir apparent of all things. Meaning He gets to inherit all things: the worlds, outer space with its galaxies, stars, planets and moons, and the Heavens. But the mind-blower and kick in the pants is what 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];…

Let that sink in. All that belongs to Jesus will also belong to us?! The eye opener? Didn’t it all belong to us in the first place, or at least to our Great Grandad and Mom: Adam and Eve? Our broken, weak, diluted, and thin world views need a Biblical upgrade. We were born-again with a purpose. In fact Heb. 6:17 states as much. This means our world view of waiting to die and go to Heaven to see loved ones, dip my toes in the crystal sea, and play a few rounds of golf, is way, way, way off. What’s really crazy is that you and I were made for more than just looking at the back of somebody in church and calling that worship. Paul gives us a hint in 1 Cor.6:1-3 Does any of you dare, when he has a matter of complaint against another [brother], to go to law before unrighteous men [men neither upright nor right with God, laying it before them] instead of before the saints (the people of God)? 2Do you not know that the saints (the believers) will [one day] judge and govern the world? And if the world [itself] is to be judged and ruled by you, are you unworthy and incompetent to try [such petty matters] of the smallest courts of justice? 3 Do you not know also that we [Christians] are to judge the [very] angels and pronounce opinion between right and wrong [for them]? How much more then [as to] matters pertaining to this world and of this life only!

Did you catch that? We will judge angels and judge and govern the world. Thus my recommendation for the Body of Christ is to get an upgrade from God’s Word and adjust our world views to match Jesus’ and His Word. Our center needs to be adjusted for it has been off for quite some time. Jesus have mercy on His Bride the Church.

Messages from God

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Sunday was a great day to be in the House of the Lord with my favorite people. I wanted to go around and “bear hug” all of you. Our trips to Indonesia and Maryland had exhausted us physically but created a greater desire to be back with our church family. What a welcome home we had with our guest Brad McClendon. I was left with the impression that no one wanted to leave church. (I believe we were here till 1:30) Many received prophetic words as tears flowed freely, and the Presence of God flooded the room. Matt Wagenmaker reported seeing the reflection of a “man” about 7′ tall standing behind Brad with his hand resting upon his shoulder. Matt rewound the video to see if the camera recorded the event but our “visitor” left no evidence of his visit. (How cool is that?) Also Brad asked at the beginning of our service if anyone was having shoulder issues to raise their hand. Several raised their hands in response. As a result, Cass Thompson reported that she had been suffering badly from a torn rotator cuff, and was having to wake up and take medication to lessen the pain. She reported that Ssnce Sunday’s meeting she has had no more pain. Praise the Lord!

After this Sunday’s service many of you received prophetic words and may be wondering, “What do I do in response?” Scripture teaches in 1 Thess. 5:20-21: Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. AMP Classic  Thus we are taught from Scripture to test the word from the Lord. But how do we test them?

1. A prophet must not contradict anything God has previously revealed. 

2. A prophecy must exalt Jesus Christ. 

3. A prophets life must be consistent with the prophecy he or she gives. Are they honoring Christ and bringing glory to Him, or are they bringing attention to themselves? Are they walking in humility, and does their ministry produce humility? Does their ministry produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

4. Because someone meets the above criteria does not necessarily mean that the message is from God. The leaders of each particular assembly should be the ones who make the determination. 

5. Prophets and prophecies should be submitted to the Shepherd or shepherds of the church. The prophet or the word should never circumvent the spiritual authority God has put in place (whether we like, or agree with that authority or not). 

6. A Prophet or prophecy should rarely give direction, or counsel. That is the job of the pastor.

7. Prophecy should meet the conditions of 1 Cor. 14:3: But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who [b]interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.

These are great guidelines but what if you have to wait to see if the word becomes a reality? Here are a few pointers:

  1. Some words are “destiny words” regarding your future. For example, in the book of Genesis, Joseph received dreams that he would rule over his father, and brothers. The shepherd boy David was anointed to be king by the prophet Samuel – even though Saul was still king. All destiny words are usually conditioned upon cooperating with the Lord in the process of becoming who He said you would be.
  2. Prophetic words will cause several reactions: “I can’t see it,” or “I can see it,” or “That’s confirmation regarding something I’ve had in my heart, (or were praying about.)” The prophetic word should support, confirm or clarify somethings we are already having clues about. Or they may cause you to pray about something you hadn’t even considered. (You see that in the case of Gideon).
  3. If you received a word you didn’t agree with simply release it. Those who have a prophetic ministry are simply stepping out in faith regarding what they believe is the Spirit of God. A practical reason why we are to test the words given.
  4. If you received a word that intrigued you even though you can’t see how it could ever happen. Then simply pray about it. Record the word, dating when and where it was given, and continue praying over it. The reason for doing this is because you will forget. If it’s from the Lord the enemy will try to get you to doubt it, or forget about it.
  5. The Lord does not want you to be passive regarding the word. He wants you to thank Him for it. Believe and trust that He will bring it to pass. Step out in faith positioning yourself to become a manifestation of that word. Also seek reputable resources to help educate you regarding the word, and position yourself among others who can help you grow into your word.
  6. Lastly if you have any questions regarding a word, or the gift of prophecy, please feel free to talk with me about it. I will do my best to answer any questions you may have, and provide wise counsel.

Paul exhorts us in 1 Cor. 14:1 Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy…..Remember you are the Lord’s sheep and according to John 10 Jesus’ sheep hear His Voice. So pursue this gift, stepping out in faith to listen, and minister the word of the Lord. With every step you please the One Who made you to be like His Son. (Hebrews. 11:6).

Day of the Christian Martyr

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According to church tradition, June 29 is the date on which the Apostle Paul was beheaded on the Appian Way in Rome. In 2019, Christians around the world will gather on this day to honor the legacy of those who, like Paul, have sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the gospel. We invite you to be a part of this first-ever Day of the Christian Martyr. 

Learn More

Azusa Then and Now

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“Heroes will arise from the dust of obscure and despised circumstances, whose names will be in blazoned on
heaven’s eternal page of fame. The spirit is brooding over our land again as at creations dawn, and the fiat of
God goes forth. “Let there be light.”Brother, sister, if we all believed God, can you realize what would happen?
Many of us here are living for nothing else. A volume of believing prayer is this ascending to the throne night
and day. Los Angeles, Southern California, and the whole continent shall surely find itself here long in the
throes of a mighty revival by the spirit and power of God”  – November 16, 1905, Frank Bartleman
      Thirty-five years, almost exactly, have come and gone since I first read the book.  On April 4, 1984, we moved to
Pasadena, California because My pastor Che Ahn had a dream of a black man waving to him saying “Come to Los Angeles,
there’s going to be a great revival!”  At that time we were reading a book called Azusa Street by a man whose name was
Frank. Bartleman. He had moved to Los Angeles in December of 1904 and had come under a burden for revival there. He
surrendered his soul to the spirit of prayer and fasting the whole year of 1905, the year prior to the outbreak of the great
Azuza street Revival April 9, 1906.

   When I read this book in 1984 my soul was set on fire. Moses had a ‘burning bush,’ but I had a ‘burning book’ and I turned aside to see this wonderful burning vision of revival pulsing within it. What I heard was something akin to God calling my
name. Sometimes when you have a moment born of heaven you have to pause and take off your shoes, for that place is holy ground. Hungering to understand my soul’s magnetism to this man Bartleman, I entered into many days of fasting. My
prayer culminated one evening in a two-hour cry in my garage, “God, give me the mantle of Frank Bartleman! I want to
pray like that man. I don’t want to read about revival, I want to see revival!”

   I didn’t know it then, but the following morning I found out that I had touched God and he had heard my prayer. My
prophetic friend came to me that morning knowing nothing that I had prayed. He said, “last night I had a dream Lou, and in the dream, I saw a big black book and the title said “revival”. I then opened to the Inside of the cover and I saw a man’s face whose name was Frank Bartleman. His face then turned your face. I closed the book and knew I had to give it to you Lou.”  I knew at that moment that the title of the scroll that God wrote about my life before ever I was conceived was REVIVAL!
And I knew what my job description was for my time on the earth. It was to give myself to fasting and prayer, writing’ and mobilizing for revival.

After this dream of divine destiny,  I knew in the marrow of my mind it would be a kind of navigation chart for all my future course settings. I knew I had received heavens passport to walk His highway of destiny, thus assuring me, despite all
setbacks and failings, that He would be walking the revival road with me. Toward the end of this fast, I  sensed the whisper of God saying, ”What 1905 was to Frank Bartleman and the birthing of the Azusa Street Revival, so 2019 is to you Lou and
the church for the 2020 Vision move of God.”

Can I pay the price of prayer that  Bartleman did in 1905? The question haunts me but stirs me. I don’t want to be a binge
faster and return to normal or shall I say abnormal. Jesus said “ now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? “Father,
save me from this hour?” But for this purpose, I have come to this hour.”  Then He traveled the Via Dolorosa to the cross.
The highway of destiny always leads to the highway of the cross before fulfillment.

With this in mind, I feel the Lord nudging me to continue setting my face in grace-filled fasting and prayer in the seasons of his beckoning unto 2020. I believe one of The greatest ways to sustain this highway of my heart is to continue this blog,
maybe not every day, but regularly as the Spirit directs. It will be to me a kind of built-in prophetic challenge to live out this navigational chart, not just write about it. I hope you have been changed by fasting and reading this blog. It’s been a great
joy for me. Please send testimonies of how the fast changed your life. S

I would like to invite all of you who feel stirred,  to continue with me, follow the blog, and keep our fires for revival white
hot together.
 
Prayer
Father, as we come to the end of this fast, we pray for the grace of divinely sustained focus in prayer. I pray that you would
forge out of this fast a company of men and women who will cry out for the mantle of Frank Bartleman and give this year of 2019 to sustained prayer and fasting for the most outrageous outbreaks of God everywhere. We set ourselves for Now and
for 2020.

The Lost Sheep of the House of Israel

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These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.Matthew 10:5-6 
I want to comfort the heart of God
 
Yesterday, we emphasized Daniel’s fasting in the 70-year window for the great jailbreak of the Jewish people out of Babylon back to their homeland. We sense that we are in another 70 year period since Israel became a nation and the great evangelistic outpouring of the Spirit began in 1948. I believe that I and the body of Christ is in a major
transitional prayer shift and divine assignment to understand, like Daniel, if we fast and pray we will see an
outbreak of God’s wondrous grace on the Jewish people worldwide.
 
Yesterday we concentrated on Every Home for Christ, primarily targeting the gentile world. During this fast, I
have been apprehended with God’s heart for his own people. As we have been praying Ekballo, I have been deeply moved by what it would mean to Jesus when the church worldwide begins to pray Ekballo for His own people, the ones he first directed his disciples to pray for and go to.
 
When Jesus said, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers,” He then directed those very disciples not to go to the Gentiles, but rather to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He groaned over His own people. Now
2,000+ years later, what do you think his groan is now? I want to comfort the heart of Jesus. I have this
deep prophetic feeling that as this massive worldwide Jesus movement breaks out it’s going to break out
among the Jewish people as well and maybe first and foremost. 70 years are up. Could it be time for the
beginnings of the fulfillment of Romans 11:15 speaking concerning the Jews receiving Christ, “For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will  their acceptance mean but life from the dead?”Just the other day a young Jewish woman who has launched a movement of 40 days of fasting in Israel called me with a dream in
which I was told, “You cannot see a revival in America unless you, Lou, begin praying for the Jewish people.” I am weighing the dream very heavily. Today we begin praying at the end of this fast, that all over the world the Lord of the harvest would thrust forth laborers into the Jewish harvest field both in the land of Israel and in the diaspora worldwide.
 
Prayer
Jesus, once again we know you are looking to your own people harassed and helpless like sheep without a
shepherd. And we know your heart is broken because there are few laborers. So we take up your groan and your
prayer. We seek to align with your broken heart. We beg you to do what you have been longing to do since you
first commanded your disciples to pray this prayer, “Hurl forth laborers to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Revelation Demands Participation

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  ..in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.   Daniel 9:2-3

 “History belongs to the intercessor.”- Walter Wink

 It is amazing how Daniel’s fasts in chapter 9 and 10, actually shifted the public policy of Persian Kings directing favor toward the people of Israel. How astounding that one man esteemed by God could literally move principalities and powers to preside over whole empire shifts. He understood the times and set his face to fasting and prayer thus shifting history. His revelation of the times demanded his participation in intercessory rulership. I believe that we are in a Daniel moment right now in this 70th-year window to establish God’s rulers in Israel.
 
Sometimes Providence kicks us into divine moments and recognizing those moments we have to seize them just like Daniel did. The command of the apostle Paul was for the church to pray for those in authority so that the land would dwell in peace.
 
Let me drop a time bomb on you…we couldn’t have planned this convergence. The 40th day of our fast, April 9th, is the election day in Israel. The future direction of Israel is greatly at stake. God doesn’t tell us to pray for authorities unless that prayer actually affects elections. I believe God has 15,000 of us and many more around the world, fasting at this very moment in the time of this 70-year period. I want to urge you in the next 3 days to pray that God will preside over these elections; even shift public opinion in the crucial valley of decision and exalt the man of His own choice for such a time as this.
 
A casual approach to the prophetic leads to casualties but history belongs to the intercessor! Here comes Daniel if we will pray.
 
Prayer
God, we know that good government establishes peace and so we pray for the peace of Israel according to your word. We pray that you would establish your government in Israel on April 9th. Lord, we pray that you would establish your chosen one for this critical moment in history, looking to the coming day when you, the Prince of Peace, the very Son of David will establish His throne forever. Oh, let the increase of your government and of your peace know no end. Amen.

Robert’s Note: I posted this a little late but I thought it might interest you to know that Netanyahu was elected once again as Prime Minister of Israel. How’s that for prophetic intercession?

Every Creature Commission

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“The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.”  – JFK


“And he said unto them, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” Mark 16:15

 
We know that Jesus was the Great Dreamer of all dreamers. When He said preach the gospel to Every Creature, was it merely a generic wish, or was it the Dreamer’s command — that every person would have the gospel preached to them? We cannot take casually the commands of Christ.
Seventy-three years ago, a young Canadian Pastor named Jack McAlister was apprehended by the divine vision of Mark 16 – to reach every home in the world with the gospel. He took Jesus’ words at face value and founded the ministry of Every Home for Christ. Today thousands of believers are carrying the gospel door to door with a vision to reach every home. Millions have been saved and thousands of Christ groups (home churches) have been formed to preserve the harvest. Arguably, this ministry has been the most successful missions movement in the world. And who fuels it, but everyday common indigenous workers, who risk their lives because they’ve been gripped with the simple gospel – Jesus saves.
 
Now, a new generation arises. A spiritual son of mine, Tanner Peake, Vice President of International Ministries at Every Home for Christ has been apprehended with finishing that task – the ‘Every Creature Commission.’ He is launching the Oikos (Greek word for home) vision – that every home in the world would receive the gospel presentation through a personal witness or the receiving of gospel literature at their home. The goal is to reach every home in the world in the next 20 years. Even as today’s quote declares – there are skeptics and cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities of such a goal. When I look through National Geographic magazines and see the stacked high rises of Hong Kong or the great populations of the slum communities built on top of one another in cities and on mountains, it’s impossible.

Hudson Taylor the great missionary to China said, “There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult; then it is done.”

Jesus said, “all things are possible to them that believe.”

Goeth said, “Dream no small dreams, for they have no power to move men.”

Surely Jesus did not dream a small dream, and we refuse to dial down and limit His horizons. Jesus gave us a prayer that turns impossibilities into possibilities. He said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Lou’s translation: “Therefore, I command you to beg me, the Lord of the Harvest, to ekballo laborers into the harvest fields.” As an older man, I want to stand behind a new Joshua who says it can be done. What I bring to the table of possibility is this dynamic prayer. Those fasting with me today, all over the world, would you take up this prayer – for the finishing of the task? Pray “Ekballo” with faith and persistence for the ‘Every Creature Commission to be fulfilled. I want us to pray that God would thrust forth tens of thousands of indigenous workers into the harvest of every unreached people group and into Every Home.
 
Prayer
Lord, we believe Your word, that you want to reach every creature. And Lord, there’s no way to measure every creature unless we reach every home. We are overwhelmed with the obvious realities of the impossibility of this task, but you gave us this scripture as the antidote to this impossibility.  Therefore, we have courage to pray the prayer you gave us – Lord of the Harvest, hurl forth laborers into every home, every refugee and nomad tent, every slum dwelling, every houseboat, and every high-rise apartment. I pray for this Oikos vision to find tens of thousands of fellow dreamers who will put the dream in action. May this great dream move men and women all across the globe. May you breathe on this vision, and may it multiply beyond all that we could think or imagine. For Jesus, You are worthy of every creature’s devotion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Violence

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“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” -Theodore Roosevelt

 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.  Mt. 11:12

 
The days between the preaching of John the Baptist and the explosive, widespread excitement of the Messiah breaking forth in the land with signs and wonders, was a rare sliver of time. Old religious paradigms and boxes were being shattered. The masses fled the centuries of a staid and stifling religion in desperate pursuit of direct spiritual encounter. First, up to three-quarters of a million people, according to Josephus, ran to hear and experience the desert preacher John. Then, in a sudden breakout, the great crowds flocked to hear Jesus and see the miracles he was performing. Jesus’ fame spread throughout the whole land. That wonderful season of time was infused with a powerful spiritual attitude which Jesus called “violence”. This was not a violence of weapons and anger. No! This was a violence of spirit that had seized the masses. Daily life was suspended and hearts were upended. It was like the whole world forsook all to press into Jesus. The Messiah was passing by, and their day may have been the only day.
 
As I gaze over the spiritual landscape of America, while not ignoring the horrible agony that millions are living in, I am gripped with hopeful amazement. I see a new breed of leaders articulating with dynamic energy new ideas, a unity of love, and an indomitable faith that the kingdom is at hand. I believe the grandfather clock of historic time kicked in, at least in some measure, at The Send. Stunningly, The Send sent a message, and evangelists are all aflame with it. I see widespread expectancy of a new Jesus Movement. In 2020 I see potentially 8-10 stadiums being prepared now for massive breakouts of evangelism and sending in America, let alone the stadium visions of Europe and South America. I believe this stadium surge is a harbinger of a mass jailbreak out of old systems and structures into a new day of freedom, love, and Holy Spirit power. What has gotten into these men and women? Risking everything – their own finances, their futures, their reputations – to go for stadiums. It’s a spirit of holy violence. Even the Jesus Fast that you are on now is preparing the way for the 2020 vision. There is coming a Super Bowl for the church!  
 
Jesus after his fast came out in the power of the Spirit. After this fast, if you are hearing the voice of God, don’t stay in the bleachers. Seize your divine moment. Buy your field of dreams. The new breed has heard the voice, “If you build it, He will come. If you build it, they will come.” Whether it’s a stadium or a studio, a prison or a political post, a business or a book, don’t let fear be the disconnect between the dream and the destiny. The Great God is in the risk. Seize your divine moment. Your fast has fueled your future.
 
Prayer
Father we pray for this generation – make it the greatest generation. Today, cause men and women to lay hold of dynamic kingdom impact with a spirit of holy violence. Raise up preachers with a fiery tongue that will challenge the universities of Babylon’s pagan professors. Raise up men and women of faith who will dare to believe that God will put them in the highest places of influence in the land to reshape its culture with God-brilliance and integrity. Pour out a great baptism of love and sonship that can alone produce true societal reform as in the Book of Acts where “they held all their possessions in common and there was not a needy one among them” Acts 4:32-35. Let the kingdom advance violently, with violent love. Create new tracks for new movements through new voices, who have paid the price and risked it all to be the hinge of history, determining the future of America and the nations of the earth. Amen.
 
 

Flashpoint

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Tiananmen Square, Boston Tea Party, Woodstock, the fall of the Berlin wall, Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, Mount Hermon 100, Azusa Street, every revolution has one defining moment that is remembered long after the names of politicians and kings have been forgotten. In every massive shift in human history, whether political, cultural, or religious, a flash point occurs. Cultural sea changes, whether for good or evil, are spawned in these flashpoints. Such rare slivers of time actually define destinies, as key men and women seek to courageously shape the future, by articulating ideas that “ignite the circuit between the individual and the masses and thereby alter history. Great leaders and great ideas succeed when events have prepared the way for them when the community is waiting to be aroused” – Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.

I believe The Send, February 23, 2019, was a significant flashpoint inaugurating hope for a new era of explosive evangelism and global missions. What preceded The Send was 7 years of 7  forty day seasons of fasting and continuous praying the Great Idea of Jesus Christ, “Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest.”
A flash point requires leaders to articulate those thoughts, passions, and aspirations quietly groaned for in the heart of the masses. You see, when the response to a ripe moment with a right message is magnified by a Collective Readiness – “when the community is waiting to be aroused” – widespread explosive action inevitably results. In scripture, this is described as, “the fullness of times”. We are entering a “fullness of times era”.

The 1960s was a decade of turbulence and societal upheaval. Everything was shaking but the chaotic milieu created a fullness of time moment for the 1970s. The Jesus Movement exploded on the scenes where thousands of hippies and disillusioned young people ran to Christ. Jesus was on the front page of magazines and newspapers. 100,000 believers gathered for a Jesus People flashpoint in the Cotton Bowl in 1972. Jesus was the idea whose time had fully come. Thousands of young people were saved and baptized and hurled forth into the harvest fields. Many of the great leaders of the church today were forged from the season of the 70s.

Now 50 years later, the world is in upheaval again. But I hear the sound of another Jesus Movement exploding on the scene. Stadiums will be filled. Mass harvest will be reaped. The revolutionary prayer idea in Matthew 9:38 articulated by our Great Leader Jesus Christ Himself is connecting the circuit between Him and the Christian masses thus now altering history. This is a revolution in one verse that connects the prayer movement and the missions movement. “PRAY the Lord of the Harvest to SEND laborers into His harvest.” The church is waiting to be aroused and the great PRAY and GO idea is building for the billion soul harvest. Oh brothers and sisters, let the Great Idea explode. PRAY EKBALLO!

Seeking the Face of God

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If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place!2 Chronicles 7:14-15


The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is pray. It is not the only thing; but it is the chief thing. The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; not those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time and pray. -S.D. Gordon “Quiet Talks on Prayer”

I sat across the table from my wife on our weekly date at one of our favorite restaurants on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. We had been missionaries with a church planting team for six years in the teeming, tropical city of 11 million Thai Buddhists. It was March 1997 and we were deep in discussion of the book that we just finished by the legendary leader Bill Bright of Campus Crusade. He had released a book called The Coming Revival: America’s Call to Fast, Pray and “Seek God’s Face.” In it, Bill Bright issued a clarion call across the face of the earth for 2 million believers to stand as watchmen on the wall for America and fast for 40 days to see a nation turn back to God.

We had both been gripped by the words of this Kingdom Statesman, who exhorted us as readers that nothing will shift in our nation except a furnace room of prayer fueled by the intercession of the saints. As we talked, my wife paused for a long moment and a gleam came into her eyes as she said with passion, “I’m called to do this 40 day fast!” When she said this, I knew immediately that we were to do this fast together.
 
The longest fast we had ever done previously was three days, so this was like climbing Mount Everest for us.

We learned many things during this fast; our own weaknesses and frailties and also the kindness and grace of God to go the distance. In looking back now, I can see the Hand of God all through it.

Ten years later, in 2007 we flew our two oldest sons from Bangkok to attend TheCall Nashville on 7-7-07. They were 14 and 12 at the time. A seed was planted in their hearts for the house of prayer and intercession. Fast forward another 10 years to 2017. After graduating from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee they both moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to work with SAFA, (the Spiritual Air Force Academy) led by David and Audrey Kim a spiritual son and daughter to Lou Engle.  The rest of our family joined them a year later. 

It is powerful and significant to see that many who took part in that 40 day historic fast in the late 90s we’re later strategically shifted and moved into geographical locations and ministries that were advancing the Kingdom through prayer and fasting. What is God doing in your heart right now in this 40 day fast? What is he calling you to?


Prayer
Father God, stir my heart in this 40 day fast to see this nation turned back to God and the nations of the earth come in a mighty procession before the throne of God. May my prayers flow into 10,000 streams that converge into the mighty River of God that will cover the face of the earth. Habakkuk 2:14

Steve Allen
Contend Global – Staff

Travel 40 Days and 40 Nights

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For the next two days, my friend Steve Allen who served, along with his family, on the mission field in Thailand for 16 years, has written 2 very encouraging devotionals to strengthen and empower you for the final 10 days of our fast. I hope you are helped and encouraged by them.  -Lou Engle

 “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.”1 Kings 19:3-8 NIV

Great things are in store for those who seek the face of God. Fear is your enemy. What you fear you empower. What you focus on you make room for. Fear God. Focus on Him and you will make room for Him in your life! -John Paul Jackson

After Elijah defeated the 450 prophets of Baal through a spectacular display of the power of God on Mount Carmel; he flees for his life into the desert after receiving a death threat from the wicked queen Jezebel. Depressed, deflated and filled with self-doubt Elijah exhausted from his battles falls to the ground and wants to die. An angel of the Lord comes to him giving him food and water and watched over him while he rested. After a deep sleep, he rises and then under the strength of the Lord, Elijah travels 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb/Mt. Sinai the mountain of God – to encounter the Living One.

On this 40 day Jesus Fast there will be challenges and you will be tempted to give up, to the throw in the towel. The enemy will attack your body, soul, and spirit. Maybe the biggest challenge is to never give up when you have actually faltered in the fast. Don’t berate yourself. God is not necessarily looking at how well you do, but how you lay hold of Him by faith. Remember Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days. The enemy waited until the end where Jesus was at his weakest physically to attack him. Press into the Lord. Remember in your weakness His strength is made perfect. 

As you fast, eat the living bread of God every day, His word. Feast upon His truth for you and for these times. He will be the one who puts His super on your natural and give you the supernatural strength to go the distance. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Do not give up! Do not give in! 

In the days of World War II, Winston Churchill rallied the people of England with his epic speeches. In the face of overwhelming odds, with great darkness coming against Great Britain and with Nazi Germany demonically engulfing the free world, Winston Churchill at times stood as a lone voice calling his people to take courage. One of his most famous quotes was this, “Never, never, never, never, give up!”


Prayer
Father God, give me the physical, emotional and mental strength to go the distance on this Jesus Fast. Help me to remember that it is Christ in me, the hope of glory that will enable me to finish this race! Give me vision to see your Kingdom coming and receive your joy in the journey. All glory to you Father! 

Steve Allen
Contend Global – Staff

4:18N

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…morning by morning he awakens me; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. Isaiah 50:4

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed…” Luke 4:18

Books don’t change people; paragraphs do. Sometimes even sentences. -John Piper

Startled, I awoke from my sleep this very morning hearing a very clear inner audible voice, “God you said that you would deliver us,” and then I saw this image like ticker tape going across my mind: 4:18N. Immediately I jumped out of bed calling to my wife, “Don’t let me forget this!” Instantly I knew the Lord was giving me the prayer to pray for the next 10 days. This is that prayer! “God, You said that You would deliver us! Release the delivering power of Luke 4:18, the scroll of Jesus into this Nation now!”

Remember Paul Cain, that great healing evangelist, and prophet, whose mother at age 104 said to Paul, “I have given you many words, but I am going to give you the most significant word I have ever given.” Paul said, “What is it?” and she said, “I don’t know, God hasn’t given it to me yet.” Then she went into a coma for 2 months. Finally coming out of the coma she said to Paul, “I am now giving you the word God promised. He is giving Luke 4:18 to you Paul, and to the world.” Amazingly in the presence of Paul and Mike Bickle, Anna Cain died on 4/18 at 4:18.

I have already shown you this photograph, but I want to show it again with this devotional. A random photo at The Send in Orlando on February 22, 2019. Look at the time on the TV monitor.

Isn’t it amazing that Paul Cain passed away right before The Send. He so wanted to be at that gathering to see the fulfillment of his prophecy of Stadium Christianity. I believe he saw that gathering from the great cloud of witnesses.

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24

And so this morning, having this profound dream, I refuse to diminish its profound clarity and power. I believe we have come to an upper room moment to pray in Luke 4:18 for the next 10 days.

Prayer: God, You said that You would deliver us! So, we have the courage to pray this very prayer. Let the Spirit of the Lord be upon us to set the captive free. We call forth Luke 4:18 for this nation now! In Jesus Name, Amen.

30 Days Ablaze

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…and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “For he is good,  for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud…2 Chronicles 5:13

We have come to the 30th day of the fast and I am expecting that the next 10 days will at least, in a measure, be days of awe. I am asking God for an AWEwakening in my own life and for the many others that I am praying for. 

In the 1980s our church, pastored by Che Ahn had a 30 day awakening. Many times in my life I have experienced somewhat of a “come away My beloved” tug. An inward desire maybe spawned by a dream, scripture or still small voice, draws me into a seeking time which leads to a finding time. Believe it or not, I was the worship leader in those days. Our worship team began to yearn to experience a prophetic anointing in worship that would lead to people getting saved without an altar call. For 30 days we fasted holding prayer meetings almost nightly. We were crying, “Open the heavens!” 

On the 29th night, I was reading about King Saul. When he came into the presence of the sons of the prophets who were playing their instruments, he was basically slain in the spirit and prophesied all day long. I was pondering this in my heart, “What kind of worship brings kings under such an influence?” Suddenly I began to experience a deep groan in my spirit that continued for maybe an hour. I knew the Holy Spirit was praying through me and that the next morning’s worship service would be a day of an encounter. It would be the 30th day. 

Our church was not a wild congregation, though we loved the prophetic and the freedom of expression. The worship was somewhat ordinary that morning until the lead guitar player began to release a prophetic chord progression. At the same moment, a woman felt led to come down from the balcony and take one of the singers microphones (that should never have happened.) I began to sing spontaneously and she echoed the same lines:
 We gaze upon Your purity
We gaze upon Your beauty
We gaze upon Your loveliness
Holy incense do we bring
We gaze into an open heaven…  

As we sang that line it was like heaven exploded in the congregation. Pandemonium broke out, people were running and dancing in the aisles. Some began crying out, “We see angels! We see angels!” People were saved when no one could preach, for God had done the preaching. God had visited our 30 day fast with a glory bomb and for weeks people were healed and saved in our times of worship.

So now once again, let’s open our hearts with the expectation of God showing up; or feeding us with bread from heaven; delivering us from addiction; healing a family member. Let’s enter into this day and the following 10 days with faith for an AWEwakening. 

30 Days For A Breakthrough

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Today we continue on the theme of 30 days for a breakthrough. I shared yesterday on the subject of Esther waiting 30 days before she was summoned to the court and about our breakthrough with the Supreme Court. Today I will share my testimony of what praying for 30 days did for my son. The significance of 30 days may not be a biblical foundation assuring us of a breakthrough in prayer, but it has been a significant number in my own life. I share it only as a possible point of faith as we enter into the 30th day of our 40 day fast.

Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child’s life come into him again.”22 And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 1st Kings 17:21-22

“As we look at all the unholy chaos in the world at the close of the twentieth century, we sense that new levels of faith and prayer will be needed to reach this next generation – something close to raising the dead. Elijah’s revolution is a prayer revolution. Before he prayed for a fire to fall from heaven, he prayed to raise a fatherless child from the dead.”  -Lou Engle ‘Fast Forward

In the Bible, the first person raised from the dead was not a king or a priest or a general. It was the only child of a poverty-stricken widow who had been on the verge of starvation not long before. Elijah took the boy to the upper room, laid him on the bed and stretched himself over the boy three times, crying out to God for his life. The “upper room” of prayer is still God’s answer for dead individuals. May “upper rooms” arise all over this nation, where saints would stretch themselves out in prayer for a dead generation in order to turn them back to God! It took perseverance to raise that dead boy back to life.

One family’s “upper room” prayer changed the life of my dear friend Che Ahn. While still a teenager, Che threw himself into the rebellion of the 60s. As a Korean hippie and drug pusher, a turn was needed. A young girl in his neighborhood saw Che and told her father about him. This family felt a burden for his salvation and at every mealtime, they prayed for him. Soon afterward, Che encountered Jesus in a remarkable way. Since then, he has led thousands to Christ. 

Many years ago I had lost my teenage son’s heart. I longed for him and I know he longed for me, but we couldn’t find each other. He was headed in the wrong direction and I feared darkness would overtake him. I was desperate to see change and breakthrough in his life, so I set my face to fasting 31 days on only water, stretching myself out over him (so to speak) in prayer. On the 31st day, my son came to me and told me that he was having dreams of revival and of the coming of the Holy Spirit; it was the breath of life entering to his spirit; it was the beginning of me getting my boy back from the dead; it was a 30 day breakthrough. It took Elijah three times to spread himself over the boy, and it took me 30 days of prayer and fasting. 

Dear brothers and sisters, let’s go to the upper room and stretch ourselves out over our children, over immovable obstacles, and over spiritual veils that hide His face from our hearts. Let’s believe God for a miracle in this 30 day window. If we don’t see a miracle, we still believe and we will never stop praying until heaven has lit up our darkness.

Prayer
Father, we pray for the spirit of Elijah to come on a generation of mothers and fathers who want their kids more than the world wants them. Release a mighty grace of fasting on fathers and mothers who will stretch themselves out over their kids struggling with sexual confusion, drug addiction, lack of purpose, or sickness. Release an Elijah revolution in our day stronger than the death culture of suicide. God, I pray in this 30 day window that all across the world, many of us that are fasting will celebrate breakthroughs and shout praises to the God of miracles. Amen. 

30 Days and Into the Throne Room

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…But as for me, I have not been called to come into the king these thirty days. Esther 4:11

On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room… Esther 5:1
For the next few days, I want to make a shift in focus. Fasting in many ways is a doorway to throne room favor and encounter. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Fasting fuels our prayers with urgency and desperation. In fasting we don’t just seek, in fasting, we knock. But what is that door to be opened to us? Daniel fasted for 21 days and a door opened to the spirit realm and an archangel appeared to him. John was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and a door opened and the throne room of heaven was made manifest to his spiritual eyes.

Esther had not been summoned for 30 days into the presence of the king and his throne room. We are nearing the end of 30 days in this fast and I want to believe for you and for thousands of us, that after 30 days, you will have a throne room encounter with God; or a spiritual breakthrough that can only be explained as God; or a divine whisper that will open up a passageway for your future. Over the next 3 days, I want to share 3 experiences where I fasted or prayed for 30 days and then a sovereign breakthrough occurred.

In 2004, 30 days before the elections, our prayer company had journeyed to Washington D.C. to pray for a pro-life president and the shifting of the Supreme Court. We stood in front of the Supreme Court for 30 days with life tape on our mouths. You may recall in an earlier devotional that on the 30th day of our stand, I was summoned to the Highest Court in the land. It’s a basketball court in the Supreme Court building, and it is exactly on top of where the Supreme Court holds its hearings. When I had inquired about it, the young woman giving me the tour informed me about that basketball court and I said, “Take me to that Court!” On that basketball court, I decreed a shift to the Supreme Court, and that righteous judges would arise to reverse Roe V. Wade. It’s interesting that we had called a 3-day Esther fast at that time, no food and no water. Isn’t it interesting that I went to the highest court at the end of that Esther fast? Chance? I say divine providence.

When I came out of the Supreme Court building all my young people were abuzz with excitement. They had seen a cloud in the sky shaped like a perfect arrow and as they watched, the arrow completely turned around and pointed in the opposite direction. The name of our journey had been, “The arrow of the Lord’s victory against abortion.” What are the chances that we stood in front of the Court for 30 days, and then on an Esther fast, I stood in the Court above the Supreme Court. The result: a pro-life President was elected, and 2 conservative Justices were appointed by President Bush. If you could have pulled back the curtain of the supernatural realm, I’m sure that we would have been in the throne room where the heavenly court was seated, the books were opened, and a verdict was made on behalf of the saints of the most high. (Daniel 7)

When Esther stood in the court, the king stretched out his scepter of favor. As we enter into these next 3 days leading to the 30th day of our fast,  I want us to believe that the Supreme Court can shift; I want us to believe that the person we are praying for will get a breakthrough; I want us to believe that we will have dreams, spiritual encounters, and even be caught  up into the throne room dimensions like John was privileged to audit.

Muslims on the 27th night of Ramadan, have a day of focus in which they appeal to Allah for dreams that would reveal their destinies. They call it, “The Night of Power” or, “The Night of Destiny.” Many have dreams that night and many of them dream of the man dressed in white – Jesus. Maybe we should learn from them. In these next 3 days, start knocking; spend hours, if you can, calling on God to open the heavens; show you your calling, and answer your prayers. Knock, and the door shall be opened! Tomorrow another testimony of the power of the 30 days.

Prayer
Lord, it’s close to 30 days. Summon us to the throne room and stretch out your scepter of favor toward us. Father, I pray that in this fast we would move from asking and seeking into the realm of knocking; stir an inward passion and desire to be heard from heaven; call us into extraordinary prayer; take us into the courtroom of heaven and let us see visions from which none of us could ever be the same. Give us the Holy Spirit as we’ve never known Him; unleash spiritual gifts, and open the eyes of our hearts, that we might see you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Changed

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Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.1 Corinthians 6:9-11
 


When Mordecai learned all that had been done, (Haman’s decree) Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.Esther 4:1


Today we continue on the same theme as yesterday where we called for a wailing wall of intercession for 100,000 in the LGBTQ community to be saved. Reading the scripture at the beginning, we also realize that the verse applies to all those in sexual immorality and idolatry. Obviously, God’s Word is not singling out homosexuality.

Right now in Massachusetts, there is a bill being proposed concerning a minor’s gender identity, or sexual orientation. In short, if a Christian family has a child with gender identity confusion etc. and seeks to find them counsel or healing for resolution of unwanted sexual desires — that will be legally seen as child abuse. We have already seen cases where anything other than affirming and advocating fluid gender identity expression is seen as abuse. This law would install bans on counseling options and would be harmful to families and limit counselors. In Massachusetts, it’s already difficult to find a counselor that is pro-family in a biblical sense. With the term “Child abuse” in the bill, a therapist would be unable to help clients who hold traditional Biblical values and could lose his or her license. Parents could lose their child to the Department of Children and Families under the allegation of child abuse.

Friends, this is a terrifying shot over the bow for the church. What will parents do when they seek therapy for their children knowing that they could actually lose their children? Will they flee Massachusetts? Will this affect pastors counseling minors and sharing the hope of the Gospel with them? These bills are emerging all across the US.

I believe this bill and similar bills is the last gasp of governmental overreach to seek and restrain the massive movement of salvation coming to this community in this present spiritual awakening.

I believe God is already answering the prayers of the wailing wall. He is reaching out to the gay community with love. Across the world, God is releasing testimonies of encounters with His love through stories of men and women who have left LGBTQ behind. Organizations such as ‘Changed,’ ‘AmorePuro,’ ‘Dare to Change’, ‘Voice of the Voiceless,’and ‘Freedom March‘ are gathering thousands of men’s and women’s testimonies who, through the power of God, have experienced restoration in their sexual identities. These people are coming out of the closet of intimidation and declaring their transformations. This is one closet that the powers of darkness don’t want people to come out of, and it’s expressed in insidious bills like the one in Massachusetts now. If you have a box that has a thousand equations saying that 2+2=5, and everyone believes it to be true, then the ideology is safe. If one anomaly breaks out declaring 2+2=4, it doesn’t affect anything. However, if 500 equations begin to break out of the box, it’s no longer an anomaly, but it’s a movement that shatters the lie. Could we be in the moment of a movement called ‘Changed’? It’s time for thousands to come out of the closet and break the ideology locked up in the box that declares, “No one can change.” … But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

When Haman’s decree was passed it started a cry of prayer that ultimately reversed the decree and shook Haman from his power center. The king could stamp the decree, but he couldn’t stamp out the prayer. We are calling the church nationwide like Mordecai and Esther, to fast and cry out to God, not only for the restraining of these bills but for thousands to be saved and transformed; for who will argue against a testimony? Some may have to go to Jail; some may have to risk their lives and vocations like Esther to reverse the decree. But I hear the sound of a major jailbreak. Please pray for these changed people who are being threatened because of their public testimony. Pray for the emerging ‘Changed’ movement to explode beyond anything we could dream of.

Prayer
Father, we pray and identify with our Christian brothers and sisters in Massachusetts . Give them the courage to go before the King like Esther and make a massive appeal against that bill.  Lord, please protect families and give wisdom to parents. Let wailing walls be formed in churches and in homes crying out for the freedom of their own sons and daughters struggling in various sexual addictions. God, may Massachusetts become a testimony that initiates a third great awakening. We pray for the protection of those in the ‘Changed’ movement from those who would seek to destroy the evidence of the Biblical truth and the power of their testimony. Amen