INTERCESSION
The Bible has some things to say about us being able to pray in behalf of other people who stand in need. We are encouraged to do it.
Actually, however, it is a sad fact that most of us are so caught up in our own little crises and problems that we find it impossible to pray very much for others. It would make the Lord very happy if we would mature enough to rise above our own troubles (carry our own weight), and become a positive force in the Christian Community.
I Timothy 2:1 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;"
Intercession for others is one of the "High-Priority" ministries in the eyes of the Lord. ANY PERSON can develop this Ministry. It can become, and often is, more effective for the Kingdom than the Pulpit Ministries have become. It is, in the sight of the Lord, "Of Great Price." We should all cultivate this Ministry.
Rom. 8:26-27 tells us that often we do not know what is best when we pray. To offset our finite abilities, God has made a provision whereby we can pray EXACTLY ON TARGET each and every time we pray.
The secret is: Pray into the Spirit, and then allow the Spirit to pray through us. The Spirit will ZERO IN ON THE TARGET WHICH THE LORD CHOOSES. We are also told that some of the inner groanings will not, or can not be uttered. In other words, noise is not always a measure of Spiritual Authority.
ONE MISTAKE WHICH MANY FOLKS MAKE is in trying to get God to "leverage" other folks into doing WHAT WE THINK THEY SHOULD DO. This practice can easily become witch craft, and endanger the whole plan of God for the individual we are concerned about. God knows them better than we do, and loves them more than we can. We can safely present their needs before the Lord, and beg (supplication) Him to perform His Will in their life.
Friday, September 28, 2007
THE NEW ALTAR
THE NEW ALTAR
Let me quote Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Usually, when we think of an altar, we automatically think of a sacrifice being made by ourselves or someone else. But the writer is not using it in that sense here.
It is from this Altar that we are to "eat and grow fat" in our Christian life.
No, there is no "bread and potatoes" on this altar. Nothing for the physical man at all-- only for the Spirit Man. And there is PLENTY FOR ALL.
But we can only have it AS WE ARE WILLING TO TAKE IT. That is the entire secret of being healthy or sickly and weak as Christians. TAKING OUR FOOD FROM THE ALTAR.
Jesus AMPLY SUPPLIED THE ALTAR with meat (His Flesh) and drink (His blood) from the Cross of Calvary.
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. -- Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
But, HOW DO WE TAKE THIS FOOD FROM THE ALTAR? Listen to Jude
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST , Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
I Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
The KNOWLEDGE of the Word of God is GOOD, but INSUFFICIENT IN ITSELF to make us strong. LARGE DOSES OF THE SPIRIT are also vital to good Spiritual health.
The BEST WAY (though perhaps not the ONLY way) to eat of the Spirit is by the way of praying in the unknown tongue. Sometimes it might seem such a waste of time-- to not know what is being communicated between you and the Lord, but rest assured-- GOD KNOWS THE NEED in your life, and is not mincing words, nor skirting the issues, as we are prone to do when we vocalize our prayers. We are so prone to attempting to tell God what the siruation is, which is a waste of time. He KNOWS IT BETTER THAN WE DO.
What a wonderful source of supply we have. It is the ALTAR OF THE SPIRIT, supplied by Jesus Himself.
"COME AND DINE."
Let me quote Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Usually, when we think of an altar, we automatically think of a sacrifice being made by ourselves or someone else. But the writer is not using it in that sense here.
It is from this Altar that we are to "eat and grow fat" in our Christian life.
No, there is no "bread and potatoes" on this altar. Nothing for the physical man at all-- only for the Spirit Man. And there is PLENTY FOR ALL.
But we can only have it AS WE ARE WILLING TO TAKE IT. That is the entire secret of being healthy or sickly and weak as Christians. TAKING OUR FOOD FROM THE ALTAR.
Jesus AMPLY SUPPLIED THE ALTAR with meat (His Flesh) and drink (His blood) from the Cross of Calvary.
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. -- Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
But, HOW DO WE TAKE THIS FOOD FROM THE ALTAR? Listen to Jude
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST , Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
I Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
The KNOWLEDGE of the Word of God is GOOD, but INSUFFICIENT IN ITSELF to make us strong. LARGE DOSES OF THE SPIRIT are also vital to good Spiritual health.
The BEST WAY (though perhaps not the ONLY way) to eat of the Spirit is by the way of praying in the unknown tongue. Sometimes it might seem such a waste of time-- to not know what is being communicated between you and the Lord, but rest assured-- GOD KNOWS THE NEED in your life, and is not mincing words, nor skirting the issues, as we are prone to do when we vocalize our prayers. We are so prone to attempting to tell God what the siruation is, which is a waste of time. He KNOWS IT BETTER THAN WE DO.
What a wonderful source of supply we have. It is the ALTAR OF THE SPIRIT, supplied by Jesus Himself.
"COME AND DINE."
Monday, September 24, 2007
A HOUSE CLEANING
A HOUSECLEANING
The question has often been voiced, “Where are the miracles and signs that accompanied the preaching of the early Apostles?”
I have wondered about that many times myself, and I am not ready to give a definitive answer yet. However, I see a few possibilities, and they ALL point directly at ME, and other folks just like me. I DON’T LIKE WHAT I SEE!
First, I think we might have departed from a form of Worship that God can put His Blessing on.
I realize that we have very little to guide us in our manner of Worship, but I also realize that Godly men of ALL TIMES were heard and answered when they poured out their heart to God, crying for Mercy and Intervention from Him.
We have very little way to know what sort of service they conducted when they came together to worship God. How can we tell if we have LOST something vital along the way we have traveled these last 2000 years?
Are our meetings conducted in a fashion that REALLY PLEASES God? Is He satisfied with what we do while we are gathered in His Presence?
If Jesus were to physically visit our services, as He did those times in the Temple, would He be tempted to do the same type of Housecleaning He did those two times? And if He WAS inclined to clean house, WHERE WOULD HE START? Do any of us know?
I have been associated with Charismatic folks for nearly 60 years now (2007), and I am shamed to try to count the number of attempts that have been made to “Return to Bible Pattern” for our services, and Church Government. None of the attempts have gotten very far, and MOST of them didn’t even make it to “first base”. (You didn’t think I knew anything about Baseball, did you?)
Every one of the plans (attempts) had the fingerprints of MAN on them. Those fingerprints CONTAMINATE everything they come in contact with.
Jesus had explicitly stated that HE WOULD BUILD THE CHURCH upon the acknowledgment that HE was the SON OF GOD. (There is a subject that invites more study)
I wonder if we FULLY REALIZE what we are giving assent to when we say that He is the SON OF GOD. Think about it.
Does it mean that as such, He is the MASTER and we are His SERVANTS (slaves)?
Does He GIVE THE ORDERS and we UNQUESTIONINGLY OBEY?
Do we do things the WAY HE SAYS, or do we operate according to our own ideas?
Are we producing a product that is SPIRITUAL, or one that is designed by the skills of smart men, even Spiritual men?
When the Disciples asked Jesus why they had not been able to help those who had come to them for help—Jesus told them that the culprit had been UNBELIEF.
Mat 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mat 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
What, exactly, constitutes UNBELIEF?
There are two original words that are translated “Unbelief”. One means a lack of faith—the other means “disobedience”. Three other translations call it “too stubborn”. (the spirit of MAN in the driver seat instead of the Spirit of God).
Most of the “disobedience” scriptures refer to the neglect of the Law, Statutes, and Judgments of the Old Testament.
Most of the others refer to not having enough “Fruit faith” to pay the bill, and so very few Christians even KNOW ABOUT “Gift Faith”, that can often get the very difficult jobs done.
Unbelief usually stems from an admixture of obedience to God, and obedience to the impulses of our human nature that is diametrically opposite to God’s Ways.
Another way of saying it would be, “We are lacking in the “obedience” department.”
Oftentimes, our “obedience” is slanted heavily toward the particular Fellowship” we belong to, rather than strictly to the Spirit of the Living God. Peer pressure is a very strong motivating force.
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Luk 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD will, of necessity, involve being SENSITIVE to the voice of the Spirit of God.
It also involves being HUMBLE enough to DO EXACTLY WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO DO, and WHEN He prompts us to do it.
Anything short of this constitutes “Unbelief” on our part, and will (does) greatly hinder our progress in God.
Another element contributing to our lack of seeing God move in our midst is the ATTITUDE we harbor toward those who see things differently than we do, or that seem to be getting more from God than we are.
Have you ever wondered what went through Peter’s mind as he began to walk on the water? I have, and I don’t like what I believe the Lord showed me. If I were to have had an experience like that, the first probably thing that would have gone through my mind would have been, “Wow, LOOK WHAT I’M DOING.”
Peter HAD TO SINK. Just like I had to fall flat on my face after bragging to some other Christians about six young students getting the Holy Ghost in an evening prayer meeting where they had gathered to pray for the healing of one of their peers.
PRIDE AND RIVALRY are “hard taskmasters” and they take people over some rocky spots. They are “Widow Makers”. “Nobody but Us’ns is gonna go to Heaven.”
Our hearts (YOURS AND MINE) are “deceitful above all things, and DESPERATELY WICKED”. “Oh, Wicked Heart, Why did you deceive me?”
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Remember that God KNOWS the heart and motives of each one of us.
Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
David prayed: Psa 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
I am also wondering about the fine-tuned business affairs of some of our churches. I wonder if God REALLY approves of our mode of carrying on the affairs of the church.
Do we REALLY NEED a CEO to manage the business of the church or denomination? Does it really PLEASE GOD, or does He frown on it? Since when does the Church need to be run like a business?
If you were the LORD OF GLORY, would you add your “signs and wonders” approval to the admixture of Spiritual and Carnal methods carried on by most of the individual congregations of today?
The news is not ALL BAD however, for the Lord has promised, in several ways,, to take care of the mess we find ourselves in today. When He drove out the money changers, he was acting out a prophecy about His intentions to “clean house” in His Church before He is finished with it.. He has promised that it will be a “Glorious Church” that He presents to Himself.
I am glad for that assurance, but I also see a desperate need for us to be fully aware of the fact that HE WILL DO THE BUILDING OF IT.
He HAS NOT (WILL NOT) DELEGATE THAT JOB TO ANY HUMAN BEING.
Are we with HIS PROGRAM, or are we “DOING IT OUR WAY”?
WHAT I HAVE BEEN SEEING SCARES ME.
The question has often been voiced, “Where are the miracles and signs that accompanied the preaching of the early Apostles?”
I have wondered about that many times myself, and I am not ready to give a definitive answer yet. However, I see a few possibilities, and they ALL point directly at ME, and other folks just like me. I DON’T LIKE WHAT I SEE!
First, I think we might have departed from a form of Worship that God can put His Blessing on.
I realize that we have very little to guide us in our manner of Worship, but I also realize that Godly men of ALL TIMES were heard and answered when they poured out their heart to God, crying for Mercy and Intervention from Him.
We have very little way to know what sort of service they conducted when they came together to worship God. How can we tell if we have LOST something vital along the way we have traveled these last 2000 years?
Are our meetings conducted in a fashion that REALLY PLEASES God? Is He satisfied with what we do while we are gathered in His Presence?
If Jesus were to physically visit our services, as He did those times in the Temple, would He be tempted to do the same type of Housecleaning He did those two times? And if He WAS inclined to clean house, WHERE WOULD HE START? Do any of us know?
I have been associated with Charismatic folks for nearly 60 years now (2007), and I am shamed to try to count the number of attempts that have been made to “Return to Bible Pattern” for our services, and Church Government. None of the attempts have gotten very far, and MOST of them didn’t even make it to “first base”. (You didn’t think I knew anything about Baseball, did you?)
Every one of the plans (attempts) had the fingerprints of MAN on them. Those fingerprints CONTAMINATE everything they come in contact with.
Jesus had explicitly stated that HE WOULD BUILD THE CHURCH upon the acknowledgment that HE was the SON OF GOD. (There is a subject that invites more study)
I wonder if we FULLY REALIZE what we are giving assent to when we say that He is the SON OF GOD. Think about it.
Does it mean that as such, He is the MASTER and we are His SERVANTS (slaves)?
Does He GIVE THE ORDERS and we UNQUESTIONINGLY OBEY?
Do we do things the WAY HE SAYS, or do we operate according to our own ideas?
Are we producing a product that is SPIRITUAL, or one that is designed by the skills of smart men, even Spiritual men?
When the Disciples asked Jesus why they had not been able to help those who had come to them for help—Jesus told them that the culprit had been UNBELIEF.
Mat 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mat 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
What, exactly, constitutes UNBELIEF?
There are two original words that are translated “Unbelief”. One means a lack of faith—the other means “disobedience”. Three other translations call it “too stubborn”. (the spirit of MAN in the driver seat instead of the Spirit of God).
Most of the “disobedience” scriptures refer to the neglect of the Law, Statutes, and Judgments of the Old Testament.
Most of the others refer to not having enough “Fruit faith” to pay the bill, and so very few Christians even KNOW ABOUT “Gift Faith”, that can often get the very difficult jobs done.
Unbelief usually stems from an admixture of obedience to God, and obedience to the impulses of our human nature that is diametrically opposite to God’s Ways.
Another way of saying it would be, “We are lacking in the “obedience” department.”
Oftentimes, our “obedience” is slanted heavily toward the particular Fellowship” we belong to, rather than strictly to the Spirit of the Living God. Peer pressure is a very strong motivating force.
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Luk 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD will, of necessity, involve being SENSITIVE to the voice of the Spirit of God.
It also involves being HUMBLE enough to DO EXACTLY WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO DO, and WHEN He prompts us to do it.
Anything short of this constitutes “Unbelief” on our part, and will (does) greatly hinder our progress in God.
Another element contributing to our lack of seeing God move in our midst is the ATTITUDE we harbor toward those who see things differently than we do, or that seem to be getting more from God than we are.
Have you ever wondered what went through Peter’s mind as he began to walk on the water? I have, and I don’t like what I believe the Lord showed me. If I were to have had an experience like that, the first probably thing that would have gone through my mind would have been, “Wow, LOOK WHAT I’M DOING.”
Peter HAD TO SINK. Just like I had to fall flat on my face after bragging to some other Christians about six young students getting the Holy Ghost in an evening prayer meeting where they had gathered to pray for the healing of one of their peers.
PRIDE AND RIVALRY are “hard taskmasters” and they take people over some rocky spots. They are “Widow Makers”. “Nobody but Us’ns is gonna go to Heaven.”
Our hearts (YOURS AND MINE) are “deceitful above all things, and DESPERATELY WICKED”. “Oh, Wicked Heart, Why did you deceive me?”
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Remember that God KNOWS the heart and motives of each one of us.
Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
David prayed: Psa 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
I am also wondering about the fine-tuned business affairs of some of our churches. I wonder if God REALLY approves of our mode of carrying on the affairs of the church.
Do we REALLY NEED a CEO to manage the business of the church or denomination? Does it really PLEASE GOD, or does He frown on it? Since when does the Church need to be run like a business?
If you were the LORD OF GLORY, would you add your “signs and wonders” approval to the admixture of Spiritual and Carnal methods carried on by most of the individual congregations of today?
The news is not ALL BAD however, for the Lord has promised, in several ways,, to take care of the mess we find ourselves in today. When He drove out the money changers, he was acting out a prophecy about His intentions to “clean house” in His Church before He is finished with it.. He has promised that it will be a “Glorious Church” that He presents to Himself.
I am glad for that assurance, but I also see a desperate need for us to be fully aware of the fact that HE WILL DO THE BUILDING OF IT.
He HAS NOT (WILL NOT) DELEGATE THAT JOB TO ANY HUMAN BEING.
Are we with HIS PROGRAM, or are we “DOING IT OUR WAY”?
WHAT I HAVE BEEN SEEING SCARES ME.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
ALTHOUGH
ALTHOUGH
Habakkuk 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
Habakkuk was praying to the Lord about the evils he was beholding in the midst of God's people who were called by His Name. He wanted to know how long God was going to put up with it, ahd what He was going to do about it when He did take action.
The Lord assured the prophet that He had the situation under control-- it was all in His hands.
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].
What the Lord showed him surprised and scared the prophet. God said, "I'm going to send the Chaldeans." That spelled bad news, for the Chaldeans were a very cruel people. They are the ancestors of the present Iraqi people. A treacherous people.
But, the Lord also put within the prophet an assurance that He would set a limit to what the invading armies could do. Complete destruction was not in the picture. But a severe whipping of God's people was in order-- a cruel whipping. God was setting the time, and also the extent of the punishment.
Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
God assured the prophet that when the dust had settled, His people would be in better shape than they presently were. Isn't that just like the Lord? He also promised that He would never abdicate His position of total control.
Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
He then gave Habakkuk a song of victory and confidence to proclaim to all the world.
Habakkuk 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Friends, the picture of Israel of old, portrayed by Habakkuk, very closely parallels what exists in the Churches of today. Is there punishment scheduled for the churches, and if so, when and how shall it come?
I am convinced that if God should need another Chaldean to punish His flock-- He can raise up one.
If God needs another antichrist for today, He can certainly raise one up.
But my vision of Jesus is such that I am expecting Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Jesus came in the first place to accomplish what we could not do. Every awakening the Church and humanity in general has ever had has been the moving of God's hand over His people whom He purchased on Calvary.
The blueprint of the building of the Church of the Living God is the seven feasts of the old Levitical year. Passover is past-- Jesus became our Passover at Calvary. Firstfruits and Unleavened Bread are past-- Jesus became them to us after Calvary.
We are now (for 2000 years) in Pentecost. It was Jesus who gave us the Firstfruits Of the Spirit. It was only an Earnest deposit-- until the remainder should be delivered.
The fulness of the Spirit will arrive when it is time for the Day of Atonement. The year of release, and the Jubile always began on the Day of Atonement.
We can, like the prophet, sing our song of confidence in our God, for He will not fail us.
Habakkuk 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
Habakkuk was praying to the Lord about the evils he was beholding in the midst of God's people who were called by His Name. He wanted to know how long God was going to put up with it, ahd what He was going to do about it when He did take action.
The Lord assured the prophet that He had the situation under control-- it was all in His hands.
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].
What the Lord showed him surprised and scared the prophet. God said, "I'm going to send the Chaldeans." That spelled bad news, for the Chaldeans were a very cruel people. They are the ancestors of the present Iraqi people. A treacherous people.
But, the Lord also put within the prophet an assurance that He would set a limit to what the invading armies could do. Complete destruction was not in the picture. But a severe whipping of God's people was in order-- a cruel whipping. God was setting the time, and also the extent of the punishment.
Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
God assured the prophet that when the dust had settled, His people would be in better shape than they presently were. Isn't that just like the Lord? He also promised that He would never abdicate His position of total control.
Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
He then gave Habakkuk a song of victory and confidence to proclaim to all the world.
Habakkuk 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Friends, the picture of Israel of old, portrayed by Habakkuk, very closely parallels what exists in the Churches of today. Is there punishment scheduled for the churches, and if so, when and how shall it come?
I am convinced that if God should need another Chaldean to punish His flock-- He can raise up one.
If God needs another antichrist for today, He can certainly raise one up.
But my vision of Jesus is such that I am expecting Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Jesus came in the first place to accomplish what we could not do. Every awakening the Church and humanity in general has ever had has been the moving of God's hand over His people whom He purchased on Calvary.
The blueprint of the building of the Church of the Living God is the seven feasts of the old Levitical year. Passover is past-- Jesus became our Passover at Calvary. Firstfruits and Unleavened Bread are past-- Jesus became them to us after Calvary.
We are now (for 2000 years) in Pentecost. It was Jesus who gave us the Firstfruits Of the Spirit. It was only an Earnest deposit-- until the remainder should be delivered.
The fulness of the Spirit will arrive when it is time for the Day of Atonement. The year of release, and the Jubile always began on the Day of Atonement.
We can, like the prophet, sing our song of confidence in our God, for He will not fail us.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD
KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD
I Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
How much of our walk with God does He control? How much do we control?
Perhaps thousands of discussions have taken place on the subject. Church camps have been divided over differences of opinion about it.
Indeed, there could be scriptures which would seem to favor almost any stance you would want to take.
A look at Gen 7:14-16 would lead us to believe that GOD CAUSED THE ANIMALS to come to the Ark-- two by two. Noah would have had a real job on his hands to round them up by himself. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF GOD.
Moses, in his song (Exo 15) seems to favor the idea that the deliverance of Israel from the hand of Pharoah of Egypt was the hand of God. Of course, we know it was the result of a commitment which God had made to Abraham, recorded in Gen 15. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD.
Hannah, in her song said: I Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
David, in Psa 37 said: Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.
Again, in Psa 51 he cried: Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
Psalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. Psalms 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
The key which unlocks the mystery is the phrase "KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH". Our job is to maintain Faith in Jesus for the well being of our soul. His job is to KEEP us, in response to that Faith.
Many people are struggling under a burden which the Lord did not put on them. Try as we might, we cannot KEEP ourselves from falling, or failure. Only He can do that. And He WILL, if we maintain Faith in Him.
Faith, of course, involves OBEDIENCE. But the obedience MUST BE TO HIM-- not to a creed or doctrine or a set of rules.
Psalms 125:1 They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.
Psalms 145:20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
I Peter 1:7 That the TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
I Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
How much of our walk with God does He control? How much do we control?
Perhaps thousands of discussions have taken place on the subject. Church camps have been divided over differences of opinion about it.
Indeed, there could be scriptures which would seem to favor almost any stance you would want to take.
A look at Gen 7:14-16 would lead us to believe that GOD CAUSED THE ANIMALS to come to the Ark-- two by two. Noah would have had a real job on his hands to round them up by himself. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF GOD.
Moses, in his song (Exo 15) seems to favor the idea that the deliverance of Israel from the hand of Pharoah of Egypt was the hand of God. Of course, we know it was the result of a commitment which God had made to Abraham, recorded in Gen 15. DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD.
Hannah, in her song said: I Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
David, in Psa 37 said: Psalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.
Again, in Psa 51 he cried: Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
Psalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. Psalms 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
The key which unlocks the mystery is the phrase "KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH". Our job is to maintain Faith in Jesus for the well being of our soul. His job is to KEEP us, in response to that Faith.
Many people are struggling under a burden which the Lord did not put on them. Try as we might, we cannot KEEP ourselves from falling, or failure. Only He can do that. And He WILL, if we maintain Faith in Him.
Faith, of course, involves OBEDIENCE. But the obedience MUST BE TO HIM-- not to a creed or doctrine or a set of rules.
Psalms 125:1 They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.
Psalms 145:20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
I Peter 1:7 That the TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
FAITH
CHRISTIAN INSIGHTS
FAITH
Almost every time there is an attempt made to describe Faith,we turn to Heb. 11:1
"Now faith is--". It is a wonderful description, but I doubt if very many people REALLY
understand it. Ask a few people to explain it, and you will know what I mean.
Personally,it blows my mind. I cannot get the meaning of it. It goes without
saying, that when there is a problem with us understanding God's Word, the problem is with
us rather than the Word. Nevertheless, it still blows my mind, and I am not ashamed to
admit it.
HOWEVER, I have no difficulty with verse 6, "But without FAITH [it is] IMPOSSIBLE
TO PLEASE [HIM]: for he that cometh to God must believe THAT HE IS, AND [THAT] HE IS A
REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM." I CAN UNDERSTAND THIS VERSE.
Verse 8 says of Abraham, that "When he was CALLED, he OBEYED, and he WENT OUT, NOT
KNOWING WHITHER HE WENT." Also, in verse 17, "When he was TRIED, OFFERED UP ISAAC,---HIS
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON". I UNDERSTAND.
The "Faith" we are hearing so much about these days has a tendency to be a little
nebulous, or hazy --a little difficult to identify with any great degree of certainty. It
seems to fluctuate with our moods and feelings, and this causes us to gravitate to those
circumstances which promote good moods and feeling.
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS.
To my thinking, enduring faith springs out of a definite contact with the VOICE OF
ETERNITY, speaking from God's dwelling place, to me. In other words, "GOD SPEAKS, and I
HEAR" becomes a solid foundation for my faith. God is capable of speaking in many various
ways to our hearts.
I do say HEARTS, not MINDS. Not EMOTIONS. My mind is capable of garbling and
perverting any message that it has access to. With my mind I can REASON myself away from the
reality of what God is saying. "WITH THE HEART (SPIRIT) MAN BELIEVETH"
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word (Rhema) of God."
My emotions, at their best, serve only as a blind guide, leading me astray.
FAITH
Almost every time there is an attempt made to describe Faith,we turn to Heb. 11:1
"Now faith is--". It is a wonderful description, but I doubt if very many people REALLY
understand it. Ask a few people to explain it, and you will know what I mean.
Personally,it blows my mind. I cannot get the meaning of it. It goes without
saying, that when there is a problem with us understanding God's Word, the problem is with
us rather than the Word. Nevertheless, it still blows my mind, and I am not ashamed to
admit it.
HOWEVER, I have no difficulty with verse 6, "But without FAITH [it is] IMPOSSIBLE
TO PLEASE [HIM]: for he that cometh to God must believe THAT HE IS, AND [THAT] HE IS A
REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM." I CAN UNDERSTAND THIS VERSE.
Verse 8 says of Abraham, that "When he was CALLED, he OBEYED, and he WENT OUT, NOT
KNOWING WHITHER HE WENT." Also, in verse 17, "When he was TRIED, OFFERED UP ISAAC,---HIS
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON". I UNDERSTAND.
The "Faith" we are hearing so much about these days has a tendency to be a little
nebulous, or hazy --a little difficult to identify with any great degree of certainty. It
seems to fluctuate with our moods and feelings, and this causes us to gravitate to those
circumstances which promote good moods and feeling.
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS.
To my thinking, enduring faith springs out of a definite contact with the VOICE OF
ETERNITY, speaking from God's dwelling place, to me. In other words, "GOD SPEAKS, and I
HEAR" becomes a solid foundation for my faith. God is capable of speaking in many various
ways to our hearts.
I do say HEARTS, not MINDS. Not EMOTIONS. My mind is capable of garbling and
perverting any message that it has access to. With my mind I can REASON myself away from the
reality of what God is saying. "WITH THE HEART (SPIRIT) MAN BELIEVETH"
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word (Rhema) of God."
My emotions, at their best, serve only as a blind guide, leading me astray.
Monday, September 17, 2007
WHAT GOES AROUND
WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND
A few years ago, a man I was working with made the statement that the law of Karma meant, basically, that "What Goes Around, Comes Around". We had been talking about "Chickens Come Home To Roost" and a few other aspects of the law of Sowing and Reaping.
Today, I was reminded of some scriptures in the Old Testament which could add credence to those wise sayings of yester year.
Deuteronomy 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
What the Lord was saying to His People in this passage is: If you "send around" obedience to the principles of the Word of God, as you make choices of conduct and habit in your everyday life as you deal with other men and women, you can expect something to "come around" in response to those actions and motives.
Imagine being OVERTAKEN and RUN OVER by the blessings of the Lord! What a happy "catastrophe" to have befall you. Overtaken by the Blessing of the Lord! Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
I'm sure we would all like to brush some of that kind of "DUST" off of ourselves-- every now and then.
We can look forward to that, if we "send around" a goodly portion of "obedience to God" in our daily course of life.
But the same law of "sowing and reaping" works in the reverse fashion also.
Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
If we take the attitude that it doesn't really matter too much whether we follow Godly principles in our dealings with other people-- if we "fudge" a little here and there for personal advantage or gain, we can expect a return which is fitting for such a pattern of conduct.
Perhaps Abraham Lincoln wasn't so "dumb" after all when he walked that great distance to return the very small amount of money he had, unknowingly, shorted a customer of the store where he was working. How far would we go, to make right a wrong we had done to another human being? Will it make any difference in the long run?
A few years ago, a man I was working with made the statement that the law of Karma meant, basically, that "What Goes Around, Comes Around". We had been talking about "Chickens Come Home To Roost" and a few other aspects of the law of Sowing and Reaping.
Today, I was reminded of some scriptures in the Old Testament which could add credence to those wise sayings of yester year.
Deuteronomy 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
What the Lord was saying to His People in this passage is: If you "send around" obedience to the principles of the Word of God, as you make choices of conduct and habit in your everyday life as you deal with other men and women, you can expect something to "come around" in response to those actions and motives.
Imagine being OVERTAKEN and RUN OVER by the blessings of the Lord! What a happy "catastrophe" to have befall you. Overtaken by the Blessing of the Lord! Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
I'm sure we would all like to brush some of that kind of "DUST" off of ourselves-- every now and then.
We can look forward to that, if we "send around" a goodly portion of "obedience to God" in our daily course of life.
But the same law of "sowing and reaping" works in the reverse fashion also.
Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
If we take the attitude that it doesn't really matter too much whether we follow Godly principles in our dealings with other people-- if we "fudge" a little here and there for personal advantage or gain, we can expect a return which is fitting for such a pattern of conduct.
Perhaps Abraham Lincoln wasn't so "dumb" after all when he walked that great distance to return the very small amount of money he had, unknowingly, shorted a customer of the store where he was working. How far would we go, to make right a wrong we had done to another human being? Will it make any difference in the long run?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
CONVICTIONS-- Cook
CONVICTIONS
DAVID COOK at Mirror Lake Chapel 1985
A conviction is a principle that
we determine to follow, whatever the
Circumstance.
1. The Bible is the inspired
Word of God, and is the final
authority for my life. 2 Tim 3;16
Mat 4:4
2. My purpose in life is to seek
God with all my heart, and to build
my goals around His priorities. Mt
6:33 Phil 3:8
3. My body is the temple of God,
and must not be defiled by the lust
of the world. 1 Cor 3:16-17 19-20
1 Pet 2:11
4. My Church must teach the
Foundational truths of the Bible,
and reinforce my basic convictions.
1 Pet 4:17 2 Cor 6:14-17
5. My children and grandchildren
belong to God, and it is my respons-
ibility to teach them Scriptural
Principles, Godly character and bas-
ic convictions. Pro 22:6 Deut 6:7
6. My activities must never
in. weaken the scriptural convictions of
another Christian. Rom 14:13-15 1
Cor 8:9-13
7. My marriage is a life-long
commitment to God and to my
partner. 1 Cor 7:10-11, 17, 39
8. My money is a trust from God,
and must be earned and managed
According to Scripture. Pro 3:9-10
Mal 3:10
9. My words must be in harmony
with God's Word--especially when
reproving and restoring another
Christian. Rom 12:18 Gal 6:1
10. My affections must be set on
things above, and not on things of
earth. Col 3:1
DAVID COOK at Mirror Lake Chapel 1985
A conviction is a principle that
we determine to follow, whatever the
Circumstance.
1. The Bible is the inspired
Word of God, and is the final
authority for my life. 2 Tim 3;16
Mat 4:4
2. My purpose in life is to seek
God with all my heart, and to build
my goals around His priorities. Mt
6:33 Phil 3:8
3. My body is the temple of God,
and must not be defiled by the lust
of the world. 1 Cor 3:16-17 19-20
1 Pet 2:11
4. My Church must teach the
Foundational truths of the Bible,
and reinforce my basic convictions.
1 Pet 4:17 2 Cor 6:14-17
5. My children and grandchildren
belong to God, and it is my respons-
ibility to teach them Scriptural
Principles, Godly character and bas-
ic convictions. Pro 22:6 Deut 6:7
6. My activities must never
in. weaken the scriptural convictions of
another Christian. Rom 14:13-15 1
Cor 8:9-13
7. My marriage is a life-long
commitment to God and to my
partner. 1 Cor 7:10-11, 17, 39
8. My money is a trust from God,
and must be earned and managed
According to Scripture. Pro 3:9-10
Mal 3:10
9. My words must be in harmony
with God's Word--especially when
reproving and restoring another
Christian. Rom 12:18 Gal 6:1
10. My affections must be set on
things above, and not on things of
earth. Col 3:1
Friday, September 14, 2007
THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT
THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT
Jesus told Peter one day that He had PRAYED FOR HIM. He had NOT prayed that Peter would
stay out of trouble-- desirable as that may have been. He had NOT prayed that Peter would
never become confused or disoriented along the way. He had NOT prayed that Peter would
never stand at the place where the road forks, and wonder which way he should go. Rather,
He had prayed that:
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that
he may sift [you] as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that THY FAITH FAIL NOT: and when
thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Success, in our Christian walk, is not gaged by how well we avoid making mistakes and
becoming confused or disoriented. Neither is our progress dependent upon how many times we
fall or do not fall.
Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock
crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Psalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
Psalms 145:14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed
down.
So many times we become discouraged with ourselves, as we endeavor to walk the walk of Faith
(trusting Jesus for the welfare of our soul), because of our failings and fallings. But the
Lord views them in an entirely different light.
Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he
shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ
Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle
[you].
We are admonished to jealously guard one thing. Not perfection-- not Spiritual
correctness-- not avoiding mistakes and confusion, etc., but:
I Timothy 6:12 FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, whereunto thou art
also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
The verb "fight" and the noun "good fight" both come from the Greek work from which we get
our word "agony". It is often (more times than not) a painful experience when we struggle
to hold on to our confidence that Jesus is willing and able to keep our soul from the
destruction of hell, and bring us into victory.
II Timothy 4:7 I have FOUGHT a good FIGHT, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the
faith:
Whatever you are struggling with today, HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH IN JESUS!
Jesus told Peter one day that He had PRAYED FOR HIM. He had NOT prayed that Peter would
stay out of trouble-- desirable as that may have been. He had NOT prayed that Peter would
never become confused or disoriented along the way. He had NOT prayed that Peter would
never stand at the place where the road forks, and wonder which way he should go. Rather,
He had prayed that:
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that
he may sift [you] as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that THY FAITH FAIL NOT: and when
thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Success, in our Christian walk, is not gaged by how well we avoid making mistakes and
becoming confused or disoriented. Neither is our progress dependent upon how many times we
fall or do not fall.
Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock
crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Psalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
Psalms 145:14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed
down.
So many times we become discouraged with ourselves, as we endeavor to walk the walk of Faith
(trusting Jesus for the welfare of our soul), because of our failings and fallings. But the
Lord views them in an entirely different light.
Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he
shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ
Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle
[you].
We are admonished to jealously guard one thing. Not perfection-- not Spiritual
correctness-- not avoiding mistakes and confusion, etc., but:
I Timothy 6:12 FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, whereunto thou art
also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
The verb "fight" and the noun "good fight" both come from the Greek work from which we get
our word "agony". It is often (more times than not) a painful experience when we struggle
to hold on to our confidence that Jesus is willing and able to keep our soul from the
destruction of hell, and bring us into victory.
II Timothy 4:7 I have FOUGHT a good FIGHT, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the
faith:
Whatever you are struggling with today, HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH IN JESUS!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
THE BABE
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THE BABE IN THE MANGER
Was the world ready for it when Jesus was born of Mary in the stable of Bethlehem?
How many people were aware of the impending appearing of the Saviour of the world? Very few were cognizant of His coming that night, or of His arrival at the Temple to be dedicated according to the law of the firstborn.
The shepherds at the stable were filled with wonder. The wise men from the East knew of it.
In the Temple, Simeon and Anna recognized Him and paid their respects.
Otherwise, the world went on about its business.
Herod heard of it, and proceeded to try to eliminate the child who might present a threat to him.
This all causes me to wonder what may be going on right under our noses today which will have tremendous impact on the entire world in a short while.
Many prognosticators of Bible Prophecy are grinding out volumes of information-- each trying to out-do the rest. I discount about 95% of what the world is hearing today.
The world had "learned" men in that time also, who had a real good "grip" on the sequence of events which would surround the coming of the Messiah. But they ALL missed it by a country mile. How far are we missing it today? Have you ever wondered? I have, many times.
I am convinced that God has given us a blueprint of His dealings with the Church, and the world as a whole. We find that blueprint in the seven feast of the Levitical Year, which was enacted every year for 1500 years.
Jesus, in a few days in AD 30, BECAME TO THE CHURCH the first four of those seven feasts or observances.
Jesus HAS NOT YET BECOME THE LAST THREE of those feasts to the Church.
BUT HE WILL-- before it is all finished. We can "go to the bank" with it.
We will, probably, be quite surprised by the way in which it happens.
The sheer magnitude of the process will tend to "blow our minds" unless we can manage to change our thinking somewhat before it happens.
THE BABE IN THE MANGER
Was the world ready for it when Jesus was born of Mary in the stable of Bethlehem?
How many people were aware of the impending appearing of the Saviour of the world? Very few were cognizant of His coming that night, or of His arrival at the Temple to be dedicated according to the law of the firstborn.
The shepherds at the stable were filled with wonder. The wise men from the East knew of it.
In the Temple, Simeon and Anna recognized Him and paid their respects.
Otherwise, the world went on about its business.
Herod heard of it, and proceeded to try to eliminate the child who might present a threat to him.
This all causes me to wonder what may be going on right under our noses today which will have tremendous impact on the entire world in a short while.
Many prognosticators of Bible Prophecy are grinding out volumes of information-- each trying to out-do the rest. I discount about 95% of what the world is hearing today.
The world had "learned" men in that time also, who had a real good "grip" on the sequence of events which would surround the coming of the Messiah. But they ALL missed it by a country mile. How far are we missing it today? Have you ever wondered? I have, many times.
I am convinced that God has given us a blueprint of His dealings with the Church, and the world as a whole. We find that blueprint in the seven feast of the Levitical Year, which was enacted every year for 1500 years.
Jesus, in a few days in AD 30, BECAME TO THE CHURCH the first four of those seven feasts or observances.
Jesus HAS NOT YET BECOME THE LAST THREE of those feasts to the Church.
BUT HE WILL-- before it is all finished. We can "go to the bank" with it.
We will, probably, be quite surprised by the way in which it happens.
The sheer magnitude of the process will tend to "blow our minds" unless we can manage to change our thinking somewhat before it happens.
Monday, September 10, 2007
THE PITCHED TENT
THE PITCHED TENT
No doubt, you know the story of how Abram and Lot had to part ways because God had blessed them with large herds of cattle and sheep. The land could not support so many animals, so Abram told Lot: Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren. Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and PITCHED [HIS] TENT TOWARD SODOM.
Those are fateful words. He pitched his tent toward Sodom. There was deep trouble ahead, and Lot was oblivious to that fact.
Often, seemingly simple, harmless decisions on our part have within them the embryo of a catastrophy luring within them. Especially those which are made from a self-seeking motive, as Lot did.
Sometime later, the trouble began hatching out around Lot. He and his family, along with his herds were taken captive by some marauding kings and their armies.
Genesis 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Abraham had to go to the rescue by overcoming the five kings and confiscating the loot they had collected in their forays.
A lesson for us is contained in this story. Be very careful about whom you choose to associate with.
I Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Lot MAY HAVE been able to keep his own soul free from contamination, but the influence rubbed off on his family. His decision to remain in Sodom was based upon taking care of what he possessed, rather than the Spiritual and moral welfare of his family.
The end was not good, which it never can be in such decisions. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Again, it was Abraham who intervened by intercession with God. His prayers affected the sparing of Lot and part of his family. But the evil influence of Sodom had attached itself to his two daughters. The world is still paying for the mistakes of those two girls.
II Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
II Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)
We each need to ask ourselves, "Which direction is MY tent pitched?" Wealth? Pleasure? Popularity? Etc. Etc.
No doubt, you know the story of how Abram and Lot had to part ways because God had blessed them with large herds of cattle and sheep. The land could not support so many animals, so Abram told Lot: Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren. Genesis 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and PITCHED [HIS] TENT TOWARD SODOM.
Those are fateful words. He pitched his tent toward Sodom. There was deep trouble ahead, and Lot was oblivious to that fact.
Often, seemingly simple, harmless decisions on our part have within them the embryo of a catastrophy luring within them. Especially those which are made from a self-seeking motive, as Lot did.
Sometime later, the trouble began hatching out around Lot. He and his family, along with his herds were taken captive by some marauding kings and their armies.
Genesis 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Abraham had to go to the rescue by overcoming the five kings and confiscating the loot they had collected in their forays.
A lesson for us is contained in this story. Be very careful about whom you choose to associate with.
I Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Lot MAY HAVE been able to keep his own soul free from contamination, but the influence rubbed off on his family. His decision to remain in Sodom was based upon taking care of what he possessed, rather than the Spiritual and moral welfare of his family.
The end was not good, which it never can be in such decisions. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Again, it was Abraham who intervened by intercession with God. His prayers affected the sparing of Lot and part of his family. But the evil influence of Sodom had attached itself to his two daughters. The world is still paying for the mistakes of those two girls.
II Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
II Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)
We each need to ask ourselves, "Which direction is MY tent pitched?" Wealth? Pleasure? Popularity? Etc. Etc.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
KEEP THY HEART
KEEP THY HEART
The wisest man who ever lived wrote some things about our responsibility to ourselves.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
God has not obligated Himself to maintain the condition of our inner being.
Just as He started the fire on the Brazen Altar in the wilderness, and commanded that the people keep it going (He commanded that it should never be allowed to go out, even though it was eternal fire).
The life of Solomon points up the fact that we can, by neglect and dis-use, dissipate and diminish that which was given to us by the Lord Himself. Solomon also BECAME one of the greatest fools the world has ever produced. It is a solemn warning to us, lest we fall into the same trap.
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
The story is told of a man who was having problems with his mind. He went to see the Doctor about his problem. The Dr. asked him if he was bothered with improper thoughts. His answer revealed the root of his problem. He said, "To tell you the truth, Doc, I rather enjoy them."
Another story is told of an older man who was heard to pray at the altar, "Lord, sweep away all the cob webs." A Godly woman who heard him praying that way, said to the Lord, "Tell him to kill the spider."
Sometimes we tend to get discouraged with our progress in the Holiness of God. We have been schooled to expect a miracle to happen in an instant (give me patience, and do it right now).
But, Moses, in his famous song, gives us a clue to how the Lord works in our lives as we seek His Face. If we can grasp the truth, it will give us courage in our seeking.
Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Our safest approach to God is that of David in his time of pleading with the Lord for forgiveness of his terrible sin.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
It may not happen over night, but God WILL HONOR such a prayer from our hearts. Take courage.
The wisest man who ever lived wrote some things about our responsibility to ourselves.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
God has not obligated Himself to maintain the condition of our inner being.
Just as He started the fire on the Brazen Altar in the wilderness, and commanded that the people keep it going (He commanded that it should never be allowed to go out, even though it was eternal fire).
The life of Solomon points up the fact that we can, by neglect and dis-use, dissipate and diminish that which was given to us by the Lord Himself. Solomon also BECAME one of the greatest fools the world has ever produced. It is a solemn warning to us, lest we fall into the same trap.
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
The story is told of a man who was having problems with his mind. He went to see the Doctor about his problem. The Dr. asked him if he was bothered with improper thoughts. His answer revealed the root of his problem. He said, "To tell you the truth, Doc, I rather enjoy them."
Another story is told of an older man who was heard to pray at the altar, "Lord, sweep away all the cob webs." A Godly woman who heard him praying that way, said to the Lord, "Tell him to kill the spider."
Sometimes we tend to get discouraged with our progress in the Holiness of God. We have been schooled to expect a miracle to happen in an instant (give me patience, and do it right now).
But, Moses, in his famous song, gives us a clue to how the Lord works in our lives as we seek His Face. If we can grasp the truth, it will give us courage in our seeking.
Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Our safest approach to God is that of David in his time of pleading with the Lord for forgiveness of his terrible sin.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
It may not happen over night, but God WILL HONOR such a prayer from our hearts. Take courage.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
KEEPING OUR GARMENTS
KEEPING OUR GARMENTS
An old story I heard when a very young minister keeps surfacing in my mind... usually a sign that someone to whom I minister is needing encouragement along certain lines.
The story is about the system of the Temple Guards, who were on duty night and day by the time David turned the Kingdom over to Solomon.
Either by decree, or by a custom that developed gradually, any guard who was caught asleep during his watch could be stripped of his clothing by the person who found him sleeping on the job. We hope there were barrels close at hand, which the sleeping guard could use while walking home.
It would appear, from the fact that the Spirit seemed to mention the custom or decree in the writings of John the revelator, that the Lord was not opposed to such a practice.
We read in Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. It would appear that this refers to a sleeping Temple guard.
To be naked in public is very shameful, and is to be avoided vigorously. Oddly enough, however, it was once a part of a religious rite. We read in Exodus 32:25 And when Moses saw that the people [were] naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto [their] shame among their enemies:) The setting was at the time of the making of the golden calf while Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Law.
Another scripture which has a bearing upon the subject is Proverbs 29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he. The word which is translated "perish" is more correctly translated in other languages "cast off restraint." The key thought is that people are prone to "live carelessly" as they lose the vision of holiness and purity before God.
Though a people may be completely covered by clothing, they can be naked in spirit by the lifestyle they have adopted... that of failing to esteem the holiness and purity of a Godly life. Other interests have been allowed to crowd righteousness and integrity into the back ground.
We read in Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
We find the recommended remedy for the condition in Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
I Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.
An old story I heard when a very young minister keeps surfacing in my mind... usually a sign that someone to whom I minister is needing encouragement along certain lines.
The story is about the system of the Temple Guards, who were on duty night and day by the time David turned the Kingdom over to Solomon.
Either by decree, or by a custom that developed gradually, any guard who was caught asleep during his watch could be stripped of his clothing by the person who found him sleeping on the job. We hope there were barrels close at hand, which the sleeping guard could use while walking home.
It would appear, from the fact that the Spirit seemed to mention the custom or decree in the writings of John the revelator, that the Lord was not opposed to such a practice.
We read in Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. It would appear that this refers to a sleeping Temple guard.
To be naked in public is very shameful, and is to be avoided vigorously. Oddly enough, however, it was once a part of a religious rite. We read in Exodus 32:25 And when Moses saw that the people [were] naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto [their] shame among their enemies:) The setting was at the time of the making of the golden calf while Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Law.
Another scripture which has a bearing upon the subject is Proverbs 29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he. The word which is translated "perish" is more correctly translated in other languages "cast off restraint." The key thought is that people are prone to "live carelessly" as they lose the vision of holiness and purity before God.
Though a people may be completely covered by clothing, they can be naked in spirit by the lifestyle they have adopted... that of failing to esteem the holiness and purity of a Godly life. Other interests have been allowed to crowd righteousness and integrity into the back ground.
We read in Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
We find the recommended remedy for the condition in Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
I Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
BUZZARDS
BUZZARDS
Genesis 15:11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
Have you ever started to pray, only to have your mind wander to other things-- anything other than what you were praying about? Sure you have! I'm no different than you.
Abraham was faced with a similar situation. The buzzards kept trying to *steal his sacrifice* off his altar. He kept driving them away.
When our thoughts begin to wander while we are trying to pray, we have to *rope 'em in*, as the cowboys say.
Sometimes it seems so futile, for there are so many things that want our attention. But persistence does pay off-- the Lord helps us when we try diligently to ward off the intruding thoughts.
It probably is true that when the * buzzards * are the thickest, it is when the *need * to pray is the greatest.
The Lord may be depending on you to fight off the * buzzards * and pray the matter before you through to victory.
Don't let them devour your sacrifice. The answer will come, if you are persistent.
God Bless!
Genesis 15:11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
Have you ever started to pray, only to have your mind wander to other things-- anything other than what you were praying about? Sure you have! I'm no different than you.
Abraham was faced with a similar situation. The buzzards kept trying to *steal his sacrifice* off his altar. He kept driving them away.
When our thoughts begin to wander while we are trying to pray, we have to *rope 'em in*, as the cowboys say.
Sometimes it seems so futile, for there are so many things that want our attention. But persistence does pay off-- the Lord helps us when we try diligently to ward off the intruding thoughts.
It probably is true that when the * buzzards * are the thickest, it is when the *need * to pray is the greatest.
The Lord may be depending on you to fight off the * buzzards * and pray the matter before you through to victory.
Don't let them devour your sacrifice. The answer will come, if you are persistent.
God Bless!
Monday, September 03, 2007
GOD'S DOWNLOADING
GOD'S DOWNLOADING
A few days ago a thought came to me about Heb 13:10 "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
The writer was referring to our source of supply, rather than any sacrifices we might want to offer. The Priests of the Tabernacle ATE from the altar (and took home to the family), and grew fat.
We are invited to EAT from the Altar which God has provided and supplied for us.
He PUT HIMSELF on that altar, and all that we need for our Spiritual food is there, waiting for us to make contact with Him so that He can DOWNLOAD to us what he sees that we need.
He will gladly impart to us what we need AS LONG AS WE ARE ON LINE.
Ah! That is our problem! We spend far too little time in Spiritual CONTACT with Him for much transferring of Spiritual strength to take place.
Hence, many of us are sickly and emaciated Christians, laden with traits of humanity (the spirit of man), doing what the spirit of man dictates because it is the stronger in our lives.
How badly we need to be praying in the Spirit (the unknown tongue), in order for God to impart to us those traits of Himself, in large enough quantities to gain the mastery in our lives.
Our lack of His Spirit shows up in every aspect of our lives. Yet, in HIS SPIRIT is the antidote for all of our Spiritual shortcomings.
For my RASHNESS, He can download His TEMPERANCE.
For my BIGOTRY, He can download His MODERATION and TOLERANCE.
For my HARSHNESS, He can download His TENDERNESS.
For my PRIDE, He can download His HUMILITY.
For my HARDNESS, He can download His MEEKNESS and GENTLENESS.
The list could go on much further, but this is enough to point up our need of daily prayer in the Spirit (unknown tongue), in order for the proper transfer to take place.
A few days ago a thought came to me about Heb 13:10 "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
The writer was referring to our source of supply, rather than any sacrifices we might want to offer. The Priests of the Tabernacle ATE from the altar (and took home to the family), and grew fat.
We are invited to EAT from the Altar which God has provided and supplied for us.
He PUT HIMSELF on that altar, and all that we need for our Spiritual food is there, waiting for us to make contact with Him so that He can DOWNLOAD to us what he sees that we need.
He will gladly impart to us what we need AS LONG AS WE ARE ON LINE.
Ah! That is our problem! We spend far too little time in Spiritual CONTACT with Him for much transferring of Spiritual strength to take place.
Hence, many of us are sickly and emaciated Christians, laden with traits of humanity (the spirit of man), doing what the spirit of man dictates because it is the stronger in our lives.
How badly we need to be praying in the Spirit (the unknown tongue), in order for God to impart to us those traits of Himself, in large enough quantities to gain the mastery in our lives.
Our lack of His Spirit shows up in every aspect of our lives. Yet, in HIS SPIRIT is the antidote for all of our Spiritual shortcomings.
For my RASHNESS, He can download His TEMPERANCE.
For my BIGOTRY, He can download His MODERATION and TOLERANCE.
For my HARSHNESS, He can download His TENDERNESS.
For my PRIDE, He can download His HUMILITY.
For my HARDNESS, He can download His MEEKNESS and GENTLENESS.
The list could go on much further, but this is enough to point up our need of daily prayer in the Spirit (unknown tongue), in order for the proper transfer to take place.
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