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Spirit-Filled

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Acts 2:42-47 And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers.43 And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers).44 And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common;45 And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need.46 And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts,47 Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death].

I was on a plane returning home from Africa and had a lengthy discussion with a retired pastor from a fundamental denominational persuasion. During our discussion I was often flabbergasted at his misinterpretation of Scripture, not to mention his self-assured, arrogant ignorance. Not only did he believe the supernatural manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit were limited to the 12 disciples, (and ceased to exist after their death) but he believed the church was birthed during the ministry of Jesus. What he failed to realize is that the church couldn’t be the Church, the Body of Christ, apart from the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. The other glaring truth, often ignored by modern Christians, he failed to recognize is that the church ceases to be the church apart from the Holy Spirit (Who birthed the Church in the Book of Acts). Let that sink in deep. You can’t be the church apart from the Spirit. You can’t be born-again apart from the Spirit. You can’t know Jesus apart from the Spirit. You can’t know the Word apart from the Spirit. You can’t get into Heaven apart from the Spirit. You can’t worship the way God the Father wants you to worship apart from the Spirit. Individual Christian or so-called Churches can do nothing of eternal significance apart from the Spirit. Is this why so many buildings with Church lettered on the outside have so little of God’s Presence on the inside? And is this the key to why so many church attenders believe church attendance is optional? Why so many believe devotion to the Word (the Apostles teaching), fellowship, communion, praise and worship, prayer, giving, gathering in each other’s homes – is optional? Because Baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit has been ignored and dismissed?

Years ago I mistakenly learned that the sign someone had been baptized in the Spirit was speaking in tongues. I say mistakenly because it’s only – A Sign – one sign, of the Baptism but not the only sign. The other signs of a Spirit-filled life are listed above. This is what made the gathering of the believers more than a day at the country club, or gathering around a table playing bridge. All these “signs” – devotion to the Word (the Apostles teaching), fellowship, communion, praise and worship, prayer, giving, gathering in each other’s homes – were Filled, Baptized, and Immersed in the Presence of the Holy Spirit. And it’s these signs that accompany, and follow those who are Baptized, Immersed, and Filled with the Spirit. Now many questions arise: Are you baptized in the Spirit? Is our church? Is your church? Can you call a church a church that has left Jesus and the Spirit outside of its “services?” And who are the services for? For that matter can you really claim to be a follower of Jesus divorced from communion with the indwelling, and infilling of the Spirit?

The Foolishness of God

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

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

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

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

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

The Air I Breathe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Proof

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chief of Sinners

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1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. NKJV

Jesus tells a parable in Luke 18:9-13 that is truly reflected in the life of the Apostle Paul: He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves and were confident that they were righteous [that they were upright and in right standing with God] and scorned and made nothing of all the rest of men:10 Two men went up into the temple [enclosure] to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11 The Pharisee took his stand ostentatiously and began to pray thus before and with himself: God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men—extortioners (robbers), swindlers [unrighteous in heart and life], adulterers—or even like this tax collector here.12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I gain.13 But the tax collector, [merely] standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast, saying, O God, be favorable (be gracious, be merciful) to me, the especially wicked sinner that I am!

Paul embodied this message as his life and ministry progressed. In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 he referred to himself as the least of the Apostles. Approximately 7 years later in Ephesians 3:18 he referred to himself as the least of God’s people. Approximately 2 years later in 1 Timothy, 5 years before he was beheaded, he referred to himself as the chief of sinners. What changed? Was he being insincere, feigning humility, to gain the approval of his readers?

Remember when the woman was caught in adultery and brought to Jesus to entrap Him? Jesus said, he who is without sin cast the first stone. What age group was the first to drop their stones? The old. Let that sink in. Why? They had read, studied and learned more Torah, and Prophets, probably longer than some of the young ones had been alive. They had prayed, fasted, given to God and the poor far more. They had gone to synagogue, and Temple, observed the feasts, and festivals far longer than any of the young. They knew more, and out performed, any of the young who held their rocks tightly in their clenched, fists of rage. But they also knew one thing that the young had yet to see clearly: they had failed God, themselves, and others miserably. The Apostle Paul understood life from this perspective.

Recently, I was engaged in a conversation with one of our younger church members. They had an equally young friend who was growing as a follower of Jesus. Somewhere along the way he picked up the doctrine that he could achieve sinless perfection before the Lord. My response in a nutshell was, he has read the Bible but how much of it has he attempted to obey? In Luke 18:18-19, five verses away from Jesus’ Parable mentioned above, a man approached Jesus regarding what he could do to obtain eternal life. He said: Good Teacher [You who are essentially and perfectly morally good], what shall I do to inherit eternal life [to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]? 19 Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me [essentially and perfectly morally] good? No one is [essentially and perfectly morally] good—except God only.

Jesus wasn’t saying that He wasn’t good, or morally perfect. But one thing He made crystal clear: No one is [essentially and perfectly morally] good—except God only. Only God is Good. Only God is Perfect. To claim either is to claim equality with God (and believe it or not there are some that teach that). What am I saying? Often I will say, I deserve to go below hell. Those who are “do-it-yourself” Christians become highly offended at that statement. They pity me. What they don’t understand is I fit in the category of the old pharisees above. I know more, and have experienced more than most. Because of that alone I have a higher responsibility. Because of that I have failed more than most – simply because of what I know, and how I know Jesus. I’ve sinned horribly, and disobeyed things I knew I was to do and not do. Do-it-yourself righteousness has a convenient way of excusing disobedience because of willful ignorance. They compare themselves to others – not Jesus – and congratulate themselves at not being like the other sinners. 2 Corinthians 2:12 addresses that foolishness when it says: Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.

The only trophy we are going to receive is Jesus and a crown, or crowns that reward faithfulness. Avoid the snare of patting yourself on the back, and collecting “trophies” for your Christian performance. One day we will dine with saintly nobility who have paid, unimaginable sacrifices, in order to simply love their Savior. In this life we pity them as paupers, but in Jesus’ eyes they are His royalty. When you are tempted to congratulate yourself for your performance – get some perspective. Read or watch what 75% of your brothers and sisters, around the world suffer to faithfully follow, and obey Jesus. You will hang your head in shame. (I have more than once)

Double Down!

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When I woke up this morning I was dreading hearing the news regarding our country’s election results. (I did not stay up late to watch the election returns for each state). But then I read Brad McClendon’s facebook post. It was titled the “Season of America Today.” Brad quoted Luke 13:6-9 And He told them this parable: A certain man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but did not find [any].7 So he said to the vinedresser, See here! For these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down! Why should it continue also to use up the ground [to deplete the soil, intercept the sun, and take up room]?8 But he replied to him, Leave it alone, sir, [just] this one more year, till I dig around it and put manure [on the soil]. 9 Then perhaps it will bear fruit after this; but if not, you can cut it down and out.

Brad went on to say, “We have been given a chance to turn back to the Lord, and to bring forth His righteousness in our lives through the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, we must allow the Spirit of Truth to dig deep within our souls, to bring forth fruit of repentance to walk the path of Jesus, and completely leaving what our carnal desires want. We have been given time to turn, even in this era of great conflict with our country. I pray that the Holy Spirit be poured out again to allow America to turn back to Jesus Christ. It starts with us individually. Let’s walk with Jesus, not ourselves. God bless America.”

After reading his devotional the phrase double down crossed my mind. I knew this phrase was from the Lord because I don’t use this terminology. Not being exactly sure of what the term meant I “googled” it discovering two dictionary articles: to double one’s original stake after having looked at one’s cards and before receiving an additional card (Cambridge Dictionary); to make a stronger commitment to a strategy or course of action, especially one that may be dangerous, or risky(Oxford Learner’s Dictionary). God has given true followers of Jesus a narrow window of time to repent (be transformed in your thinking and living) and pursue Him to make Him known. Our country is in the condition it’s in because the Church, and its attenders, have chosen to be passive, judgmental, and critical of governmental policies and practices we do not agree with while remaining luke warm in our obedience to and pursuit of Jesus. The question is, Have you taken as much time in prayer for the very things you have criticized and judged? Have you taken as much time in submitting to Jesus – His Word, and Spirit – as you have in avoiding what Jesus has clearly commanded? For example, Jesus has clearly commanded that our relationship with Him should be shared with the world. What would happen in this nation if every true, follower of Jesus took the time to share their walk with Jesus – in some way, every day? Doubling down would mean, making a stronger commitment to a strategy or course of action which may be dangerous or risky. What would happen in this nation if every true, follower of Jesus took the time to pray for our governmental leaders – in some way, every day? What would happen in this nation if every true, follower of Jesus took the time to pray for the lost and “prodigals” you know to become true followers of Jesus? Doubling down would mean, making a stronger commitment to a strategy or course of action which may be costly. (Can you name the lost and prodigals you have tried to share Jesus with?)

Judging Angels?!

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In the book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis introduces four children from England: Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie – who travel through a mystical wardrobe to discover the land of Narnia. In that enchanted land they are introduced to the Lion, Aslan and Narnia’s nemesis, the White Witch. Eventually a battle ensues between the children, and the White Witch. But Aslan prevails, sacrificially laying down his life as a ransom for Edmund. From the sacrificial stone table Aslan is raised from the dead emerging to end the White Witch’s reign, and restoring the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve to their rightful place as co-regents of Narnia. One writer stated: After a few days, the Pevensies were taken to Cair Paravel to be crowned as the Kings and Queens of Narnia. Peter was called High King Peter the Magnificent, Susan was called Queen Susan the Gentle, Edmund was called King Edmund the Just, and Lucy was called Queen Lucy the Valiant.

Yet Lewis’ fictional work for children, has its root in Biblical truth. His words direct us prophetically to look beyond the temporal booths of Tabernacles to the Reign of Jesus. To a time when all things which were stolen from mankind will be restored. What is our destiny?

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 Do you not know that the saints (the believers) will [one day] judge and govern the world? And if the world [itself] is to be judged and ruled by you, are you unworthy and incompetent to try [such petty matters] of the smallest courts of justice?3 Do you not know also that we [Christians] are to judge the [very] angels and pronounce opinion between right and wrong [for them]? How much more then [as to] matters pertaining to this world and of this life only! AMPC

Revelation 20:6 Blessed (happy, to be envied) and holy (spiritually whole, of unimpaired innocence and proved virtue) is the person who takes part (shares) in the first resurrection! Over them the second death exerts no power or authority, but they shall be ministers of God and of Christ (the Messiah), and they shall rule along with Him a thousand years. AMPC

Matthew 24:44-47 You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him.45 Who then is the faithful, thoughtful, and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household to give to the others the food and supplies at the proper time? 46 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is that servant whom, when his master comes, he will find so doing.47 I solemnly declare to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

Tabernacles reminds us Jesus is coming back to reign on the earth and when He does He will set His servants over ALL His possessions! (That includes earth) These Scriptures, along with other parables, infer believers will be given responsibility to co-reign with Jesus on earth. Until then, keep watch, and be faithful over what the Lord has placed in your hands. This includes family, marriage, co-workers, church family, neighbors, and all other areas of influence.

Last Day Cowards?

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Throughout the Old Testament, God the Father, repeatedly calls people to revival and repentance. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, Jesus’ message to the seven churches echoes the same refrain. Why? Mt. 24:10-12 And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred. And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity,… AMPC

As lawlessness, and iniquity increase the love of many grows cold. Sound familiar? Lk. 18:8 However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [persistence in] faith on the earth? AMPC

What’s frightening about this passage is its context: Luke 17:33 Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve and quicken it. Luke 18:1 Also [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up). AMPC The parable ends with Jesus’ summation: Lk. 18:8 However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [persistence in] faith on the earth? AMPC

What’s the overall message? Lose your life – praying. Don’t become a coward and lose heart and give up praying. But when Jesus returns will He find people of faith – praying? What’s frightening about this passage? – We have arrived! I have been in ministry since the 80’s and have observed the attendance of corporate prayer dwindle down to a hand full of people. Why? We have lost heart because we have lost faith and hope. Losing heart is connected to this very thing. We have succumbed to a “spirit” (demon) of heaviness instead of having the Spirit of Faith and Hope!

Hosea 10:12 reminds us: Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. NKJV

Fallow ground is cold, hard ground. C.H. Spurgeon reminds us: “BREAK up your fallow ground.” Our nature at its largest is but a small farm, and we had need to get a harvest out of every acre of it, for our needs are great. Have we left any part of our small allotment uncultivated? If so, it is time to look into the matter and see if we cannot improve this wasteful state of things. What part of our small allotment have we left fallow? We should think very poorly of a farmer who for many years allowed the best and the richest part of his farm to lie altogether neglected and untilled. An occasional fallow has its benefits in the world of nature; but if the proprietor of rich and fruitful land allowed the soil to continue fallow year after year we should judge him to be out of his wits. The wasted acres ought to be taken from him and given to another husbandman who would worthily cherish the generous fields and encourage them to yield their harvests.

Jesus said, His house is to be a House of Prayer. Are churches ceasing to be Houses of God? You and I are to be God’s House. Are we ceasing to be God’s House because of a cold love, and a hard heart? Have we become cowards? The opposite of faith is fear. Faith and hope are what fuel prayer. It’s time to seek Him for rains of righteousness in the gift of tears to break up the fallow, cold, hardened soil of our heart.

Wake Up Call!

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We’ve all had it happen. That abrupt, intrusive, and startling awakening while lost in sleep. It’s annoying at best and at worse, can make you angry at whoever, or whatever was the source of disturbance. Yet in Revelation 3 a message is delivered by God the Father’s Heavenly Alarm Clock – Jesus. Revelation 3:2-3 states, Rouse yourselves and keep awake, and strengthen and invigorate what remains and is on the point of dying; for I have not found a thing that you have done [any work of yours] meeting the requirements of My God or perfect in His sight.3 So call to mind the lessons you received and heard; continually lay them to heart and obey them, and repent. In case you will not rouse yourselves and keep awake and watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not know or suspect at what hour I will come. AMPC

From chapters one to three startling images intrude upon all who read the unveiling, apocalyptic messages from Jesus. For example, while John is in the Spirit worshipping, a “Man on Fire” appears. Not in front of, but from behind him. If that wasn’t bad enough Revelation 1:10 records: “…a great voice like the calling of a war trumpet,…” AMPC

The AMPC translates this as a “war trumpet,” drawing upon a Hebraic understanding of the type of trumpet used by watchmen on the walls of a city warning its citizens of approaching danger. This war trumpet wasn’t like the silver trumpets used in Solomons Temple calling people to prayer, or worship through sacrifice. No, this was what is known as a shofar, or rams horn. It was used by soldiers in battle, and prophets anointing men to become kings.

Imagine. You are John trying to worship in the Spirit and the sound of a war trumpet blasts and blares in your ear. And don’t forget: it’s coming from behind you. This imagery occurs throughout Revelation addressed to churches and their members. Jesus appears walking among seven blazing menorahs, wielding a sharp, two-edged sword – from His mouth! His eyes and feet are on fire, threatening to strike their children with a rod of iron with which He rules and reigns. He knocks on the door of a church, calling out to any who would listen, opening doors in the heavens, trumpeting for John (and all who heed His Voice and overcome) to Come Up Here; to enter God’s Throne room; to see prophetic events about to occur. This was, and still is, a rude awakening for Last Days saints who fall asleep under the spell of a satanic lullaby.

But, Jesus in His Mercy calls to saints and sinners, Spirit-filled followers and prodigals – Repent! Change your thinking. Be transformed or “metamorpho-sized” in your lifestyle, and actions. Be zealous! Be on FIRE! Pay the price to purchase what it takes to awaken, hear His invitation, and sit on His Throne.

But where do you begin? The answer lies in waking up – setting aside a time to keep an appointment with Him. The Jewish emphasis on 10 Days of Awe is a good place to begin. Why stop at ten days? Why not make a commitment to meet daily – before any thing else? You may say, Well, Robert, I’m not a morning person. The believers throughout the Bible understood that. That’s why they set aside three times a day to meet with God through thanksgiving, praise, worship and prayer. You can set aside your lunch time. You can set aside time to meet and connect before going to bed. But I caution you. Over the years I have had people take me aside and say, Pastor, if I win the lottery, get a new job, or a raise – the church is going to be the first place I make a donation. Can I counsel you in something? If you aren’t giving with your little you will most definitely not give with your surplus. What’s the point? If you do not value meeting with Jesus in the morning you will most certainly not meet with Him at another time of day. May I encourage you to take this holy season to make a fresh commitment to wake up and draw near to Jesus. Pray and ask for His Grace to Wake Up. Tis the season!

Prayers for Safe Travels and Breakthroughs

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Micah 2:13 The Breaker [the Messiah] will go up before them. They will break through, pass in through the gate and go out through it, and their King will pass on before them, the Lord at their head.

Kristy Whittington, our resident missionary, is returning from Africa this week and should be on American soil by February 28. Could you keep her in your prayers for safe travels?

Also, our mission team leadership has received the following emergency email from our director of missions on the ground in Nicaragua. She wrote: Dear Bethany Friends, The church that was going to sponsor your team to get into the country as a group has not been able to obtain their government paperwork. The government now requires churches and non-profits to register every two months!  It’s ridiculous bureaucracy that is hard for churches/organizations to achieve. Then, when they don’t have the proper paperwork, they are technically operating illegally and the government uses this reason to shut them down. We have another option that we are pursuing but we REALLY need prayers for this to happen quickly! Thank you, Naomi

Soooo, as you can see Kristy and our Nicaragua Mission Outreach desperately needs your prayers.

Thank you and have a great week.

John Hancock

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Often when we ask for a person’s signature, we will call it their “John Hancock.” This is because of the fifty-six signatures on the Declaration of Independence, one stands out above the rest. That signature belongs to John Hancock. He was the first to sign the declaration and he signed it in a large and legible script so that the King of England could read his name without using glasses. Mr. Hancock wanted it to be very clear where his allegiance lay. His commitment to his country was so clear that when King George III offered amnesty to all who would cease fighting, John Hancock was among the select few who were left out of the offer.

A similar thing happened to Moses. Its found in Exodus 34:5-7 Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

At first it appears to be pretty pompous of the Lord. But when we seek to connect to the Lord, listening for His still small Voice to teach us, He will lead us to the Truth, guiding us beyond what offends our natural minds. As I sought Him He surprised me with His answer. Numbers 6:24-27 “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” God places His Name upon His people through His Word. Add to that this revelation: Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name! God magnifies His Word above His Name. Let that sink in. Reading this for the first time you immediately think of the Scripture, and that would be right. Yet consider that Jesus is the Living Word of God. In essence, God was exalting Jesus – the Word above His Name, and writing His Sons’ Name onto the heart of Moses. And don’t forget Acts 11:26 …and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christ…..ians. Jesus put His Word in their hearts along with His Name! The good news for us is that God writes His Name – Jesus, Yeshua – on our hearts through His Word. Through our obedience and surrender in our wilderness; and in our dying spiritually to ourselves through prayer, fasting, seeking, submission, and obedience. As we meet Him – the Word, outside the camp, at Christ’s crucifixion, He is, and will continue to write His Name – His Word – His Story – on our hearts. That’s pretty powerful.

Confession & Declaration 23

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Romans 8:9 But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].

The point I want you to see from this passage is that you are Jesus’ purchased possession. You can know that you belong to Jesus because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. How can we know for sure that we have the Indwelling Holy Spirit? The internet site, Got Questions, gives us a list of 12 things the Holy Spirit does for a believer:

As the Holy Spirit lives in the believer, He brings about some life-changing results:

1) The indwelling Spirit comes to a soul dead in sin and creates new life (Titus 3:5). This is the new birth Jesus spoke of in John 3:1–8.

2) The indwelling Spirit confirms to the believer that he belongs to the Lord and is an heir of God and fellow-heir with Christ (Romans 8:15–17).

3) The indwelling Spirit gives spiritual gifts (God-given abilities for service) to the believer to edify the church and serve the Lord effectively for His glory (1 Corinthians 12:11).

4) The indwelling Spirit helps the believer understand and apply the Scripture to his daily life (1 Corinthians 2:12).

5) The indwelling Spirit enriches the believer’s prayer life and intercedes for him in prayer (Romans 8:26–27).

6) The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers the yielded believer to live for Christ to do His will (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit leads the believer in paths of righteousness (Romans 8:14).

7) The indwelling Spirit gives evidence of new life by producing the fruit of the Spirit in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22–23).

8) The indwelling Spirit is grieved when the believer sins (Ephesians 4:30), and He convicts the believer to confess his sin to the Lord so that fellowship is restored (1 John 1:9).

9) The indwelling Spirit seals the believer unto the day of redemption so that the believer’s arrival in the Lord’s presence is guaranteed after this life (Ephesians 1:13–14).

10) The indwelling Holy Spirit reminds the believer of things that Jesus has said, and teaches them all things (John 14:26)

11) The indwelling Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus to the believer (John 15:26)

12) The indwelling Holy Spirit will guides the believer into all truth, telling them of things that will happen in the future. (John 16:13, 14)

When you accept Christ as your Savior (Romans 10:9–13), the Holy Spirit takes up residence in your heart, bringing with Him an entirely new life of love, relationship, and service to the Lord.

Because you belong to Jesus the Holy Spirit builds God’s Home in You and fills it with Him – the Spirit of Truth!

Declaration 23: I thank You Jesus that I overcome the accuser of the brothers through Your Blood and the Indwelling Holy Spirit. Because of His Indwelling Presence I know that I belong to You. Through Him new life has been created in me, and I have died to sin. Through Him I have His Inner Witness that I belong to Jesus and He belongs to me. Through the Holy Spirit I have access to the Gifts of the Spirit resident in Him. Through Him I know I belong to Jesus because He prays through me. I know that I belong to Jesus because the Holy Spirit leads me to righteousness, empowering me to yield my life to daily surrender to Jesus. I know that I belong to Jesus because the fruits of the Spirit manifest through my life, especially when I desperately need them. I know that I belong to Jesus because the Spirit reminds me of things that Jesus has said, and teaches me the meaning of God’s Word. I know that I belong to Jesus because the Holy Spirit helps me to know Who Jesus is, leading me into all truth and even revealing to me things that will happen in the future. Thank You Jesus! I am Yours and You are mine! Thank You that we belong together!

Who’s Your One? Day 19, Friday, January 31

“Prepare the Way – Forty Days of Seeking God for the Feast of Trumpets”

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During this season God is drawing near to us inviting us to come up to His Mountain. Use this season of seeking the Lord to seek an answer to the following questions:
1. What does the Lord think about my relationship with Him?
2. What does He want to do to enhance our relationship?
3. What did you do in the past to get closer to Him when nothing else took priority?
4. What activities can you do together to develop greater intimacy – especially during this season of 40 days?
5. What ideas does He have about your getting closer to Him?
Isa 55:6-7 Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
Jer 3:12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: ‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the LORD; ‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the LORD; ‘I will not remain angry forever.
Eph 5:14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
The “Prepare the Way” Commitment
Q. How could Christians prepare the way for the Return of Jesus?
40 Days of Seeking God through…thanksgiving, praise, confession, prayer, QT, and the Word
40 Days of Seeking God through…a fast of turning off the distractions
40 Days of Seeking God through…partner prayer
40 Days of Seeking God through…prayer room deposits
40 Days of Seeking God through…committing to become sons and daughters of the Word
This Weeks Commitment?- Thanksgiving Journaling and Rigorous Thanksgiving.
10 things a day that you are thankful for – journaled and expressed aloud to God.
Throughout the day especially when you are tempted to be negative, critical, anxious, angry, discouraged – thank God for the opposite; through it; in spite of it.
Seek to enter in and remain in His Presence through thanksgiving.
Thank God for the things you’ve been praying that haven’t happened – as if they have happened.