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Thursday, October 31, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

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

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

The Last Battle

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Friday, October 25, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Ark of His Covenant

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Thursday, October 24, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Ark, a Symbol of His Throne, becomes the place where our sins are hidden, and expiated, and we are reconciled to God. Here Jesus becomes our covering to conceal our sins. Here we find the Holy Father’s Mercy. Thus we are commanded to draw near to God’s throne of Grace in Hebrews 4:16: Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

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

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

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

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

Are You A Fan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Can’t Fake This

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Sunday, October 20, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Branching Out

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Thursday, October 17, 2019 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Burning Man

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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s In A Name

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Monday, October 14, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raising the Tent of David

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Friday, October 11, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God’s 911

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 Wednesday, October 9, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spirit Man or Soul Man?

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Tuesday, October 8, 2019  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready, Set, Go!

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Monday, October 7, 2019 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kings Dominion

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 Sunday, October 6, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aliens and Strangers?

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 Saturday, October 5, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Falling to Rise

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 Friday, October 4, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kiss the Son

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 Thursday, October 3, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Face

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 Wednesday, October 2, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transformational Worship

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Tuesday, October 1, 2019 

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

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

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

Bread of Heaven

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 Monday, September 30 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Purpose of Seeking God Continually: A Deceitful Heart

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

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

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

Obstacles To Avoid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(What Price Are You Willing to Pay?) 

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

Choose Your Main Entrees

Choose your Fast: 

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

Choose your Repentance:

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

Choose Your Worship:

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

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

Choose Your Word

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

E.T. Phone Home

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

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

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

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!