DAYS OF OCTAVIUS

Roman’s history is not the intent of this blog so I won’t go into much detail but instead, will rely on your own knowledge of same to be able to follow my metaphor.

Suffice it to say that Octavius was Caesar’s predecessor and that Rome was a Republic.

The prevailing thought at that time was whether it was better that all people had a voice, which could lead to chaos, or was it better that one man led everybody so that there’d be peace among the people. Octavius solved his dilemma by giving the appearance of a Democracy but ran Rome as a tyrannical one man show, while the people applauded and revered him.

Is America in the days of Octavius? Is history repeating itself? Does any of this ring a bell in today’s world? Does Octavius’ solution remind you of any leader today who is acting like a tyrant, bypassing Congress, ignoring the Law, and campaigning for “equality,” which is nothing more than redistribution, while the people blindly applaud and revere him because of entitlements.

v2 How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save.
v3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
v4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. [Habakkuk 1:2-4].

On the surface, the appearance is still that of a Constitutional Republic while America seems to be going crazy and down the tube.

Lybia
Benghazi
Nationalizing of auto, mortgage, banks, schools
Deadly and costly healthcare shoved down our throats
President unilaterally changing ACA. . .twice
24/7/365 surveillance in our lives
TSA
NDAA
IRS Scandal
DOJ scandal
Open borders
Amnesty
Gun control
Systematic dismantling of America and the Constitution
Decimating the military in preparation for Martial Law
Dividing the country
Bleeding the nation dry through deficit and debt
No fiscal budget for five years
Loading the courts
Loading cabinet with Socialist/Marxist/Communists czars
Government taking away Veteran’s guns
U.N. troops told to kill Americans that won’t give up their guns

This list is just from the White House and only scratches the surface. It is a complete and total attack on America and the American people. Crazy things abound in each of the states as well.

Five year old boy suspended from school using a finger like a gun
Voter fraud
Man arrested for carrying a legal gun
Man faces prison for refusing to sell wedding cake for gay couple
Police shoot at unarmed and charge him for bystanders they hit
City prevents girl from raising money for her braces
Innocent woman shot to death in D.C. by police
Cop searches driver’s car because he was acting too polite
Man arrested for trying to pick up kids at school.
Business owner jailed for loitering on his own property

The list goes on and on and on and on. If I were to list it all, it would probably fill a 1000 page book. . .maybe.

The main goal of government is the New World Order. It is NOT incompetence for Washington knows EXACTLY what they are doing (both parties). There must be three major affronts to liberty in order to transform a nation and world: Political [Revelation 13:7, Daniel 7:23], financial [Revelation 13:16, 17], and spiritual [Revelation 13:3, 4, 8].

Political corruption as described in the above list is wide-spread as they work to overwhelm us and push their socialist agenda [Fabian Socialism]. Our economic situation is not good at all as the President and Congress spend like drunken sailors. America is $17 trillion in debt and the CBO predicts 20 trillion by the year 2016. There are varying reports ranging from 80 to triple digit dollars spent on unfunded liabilities.

Christian persecution is here in the United States on a very large scale. There is also a resolution in the U.N. as we speak waiting for a vote that could make sharing our Christian faith a criminal offense [Revelation 13:5; Mathew 24:21]. Is there any doubt that America and Christianity is on the way out? Actually, America is the only bastion of faith in the world today.

However, let us not be weary and sleep as the world does but let us watch and be sober [1 Thessalonians 5:4, 6]. The message of Bible prophecy is the message of peace in the midst of the storm. So, what to do? I have come up with four things that we can do in preparation for the coming times.

1. Do not fear [Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7; Luke 21:9]
2. Get our eyes off of the world [2 Peter 3:10-13; Colossians 3:1-4]
3. Look up [Luke 21:28]
4. Keep focus [1 Corinthians 2:2]

Here is a link to a recent blog of mine that will be a good companion piece to revisit. Focus God bless you as you read and thanks for visiting me here. I pray that this helps you in the times that lay ahead.

WITHOUT FAITH

Recently while I was walking to StarBucks, I pulled a muscle in my lower back. Normally, I wouldn’t think anything of it because I’ve always had a high threshold to pain. So naturally, when my back started hurting with every twist and turn of my body, I began wondering, what in the world was going on.

At first I thought it was my joints that pained me but hey, I could still stand and walk with no apparent pain. It’s when I tried bending over to sit or moving back to a standing position that put me in the rafters. I began using SportCream™ right away. Although I have a high threshold, I still don’t like to hurt just like everybody else.

I have learned that pain is the body’s only way of telling us that something is physically wrong. Since all truth is parallel, it is the same with our spirit. When we hang onto the emotions of fear, guilt, shame, anger, resentment, bitterness, jealousy, and other bondages, it can cause our faith pain and discomfort as well. It will affect our walk with God because,

. . .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 [Hebrews 11:6 KJV].

Faith is a muscle and sometimes we can pull that muscle with any number of the above bondages and more. When it affects our walk with God, it can also be painful and discomforting. Depending on the severity, it can take a long time to heal.

Unless:

In the process of renewing our mind [Romans 12:2], we can pull that muscle many times. However, when this happens, remember that there is also a spiritual ointment we can use to ease the pain. We call that ointment the Holy Spirit.

Directions for use
Recommended dosage: Apply liberally as needed with prayer, worship, and repentance repeating application as many times as necessary.
Filling your prescription: Seek the great physician, Jesus Christ.

FOCUS

No, this is not an anecdote about my little Ford Focus, although I love the car and think that I’d make a good salesman for them. On the contrary, I am sitting on the deck of my rented room at the Proposal Rock Lodge in Neskowin, Oregon. It’s a beautiful but chilly 57° day as I look out over God’s creation in my T shirt and jeans. This is the day that you have made Lord and I plan on rejoicing and being glad in it.

I had plans of writing on my book today but I think the Lord had a different idea. (I love it when He does that.) The Lord then proceeded to give me a word to share with His children. If this is a true word of the Lord, then God has given the same word to other writers independent of one another. When the words coalesce into a single word of unity for the body, it will be a confirmation of credibility and a true word of God. I love when the Lord does this to many believers. I’ve been in corroboration and confirmation like this before.

Anyway:

The word focus is very strong in my spirit as I write these words to you. Man has split God’s church and this displeases Him. Each individual denomination has its own (man-made) doctrine. This split has been going on for centuries but it is now because of the lack of unity, we are a weakened church and the enemy senses this, to the point of wanting to move in for the kill. The end of human government is about to transpire. When are we going to learn? We’ve had 2000 years.

In the book of the Revelation Christ talks to the church at Ephesus and exhorts them:

v4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
v5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent  [Revelation 2:4-5].

So hear the word of the Lord, “Repent and return to me and I will come and heal thy land.”

The church has lost its focus. Why haven’t there been more miracles performed today? Why hasn’t there been more growth in the church? Why haven’t there been more outreaches? Why are there not more Peters walking on water? Why are there not more salvations due to the crossing through our shadows?

In Christ’s day, how did Peter’s shadow heal people? How were the Apostles able to heal a multitude of people of sickness and vexed with unclean spirits? How did 120 people receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost and speak in each other’s languages in the upper room? How did people raise from the dead? Why was Peter able to walk on water? Why did the whole world in Christ’s time change through the existence of one man? Let me tell you why, because the Apostles had one message and one message only:

“The Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” period. It’s ALL they preached, period.

The church is not about sprinkling or dunking. It is not about the Sabbath and which day. It is not about whether we have eternal security or not. It is not about whether we go to the Catholic Church, the Methodist church, the Lutheran church, the Baptist church, a Pentecostal church, a Charismatic church, or to any of the other five to ten splits of each of the above.

We ARE the church and the church is about repenting, salvation, and Jesus Christ crucified. Yes, we the church have lost our focus, and we need to repent and return to Christ. . .period. We need to dispel man’s doctrine, dispel man’s denominations, dispel the mindset of today’s Christians and “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

What good is any of man’s doctrines going to do for them in glory? The question will be, when we face the judgment seat; how many people have I brought with me. We need to refocus on what the Apostles and Disciples did in Jesus day. History repeats itself. . .today is the day of one message and one message only:

“The Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” period.

Watch things happen. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. What He did 2000 years ago He can and will do again today, but we have to be in one accord [Acts 2:1; Philippians 2:2] to do so, and that can only be accomplished with the proper focus in the unity of the faith [Ephesian 4:13-16]. Paul said it best in 1 Corinthians 2:2 and it is the word for today.

v2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

HALLELUJAH!!!

YOU CAN'T TAKE ANYONE

Part Two of Two: The Laying on of Hands

About four or five years ago, I can’t remember, I sat in church waiting for the worship session to begin. I loved their format and it is one reason why I attended. It was a little unorthodox but I didn’t care, I loved the format and the church.

Most churches that I’ve attended have 30 minutes to an hour of worship, praise, and singing. The pastor then gives his hour message after which we’d all go home. Church was over in an hour and a half to two hours. There is nothing wrong with that service format. . .nothing.

However, I was lucky enough to find a church here in Albany, Oregon where the pastor gave the hour message first and then we’d all go into worshiping the Lord. Sometimes we wouldn’t get out of church until 1:30 or better. Wow! Not many of the 1500 believers left during worship.

Anyway, while sitting there waiting for worship to begin, the women who sat next to me turned to me and asked if she could lay hands on me and pray. I respectfully declined her offer. To me, this was wrong on so many levels, not the least of which was the laying on of hands itself. The Bible says. . .well, here’s what the Bible says exactly:

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partakers of other man’s sins: keep thyself pure [1 Timothy 5:22 KJV].

Although Timothy directed the context of the passage toward the ordination of Elders, aren’t we all supposed to be ambassadors to Christ [2 Corinthians 5:20], fishers of men [Matthew 4:19], and followers of Christ [1 Thessalonians 1:6]? Since the word “followers” in the Thessalonians passage means “imitators,” Paul exhorts them that they should emulate the Apostles and Christ. We should do the same today as “followers” of Christ.

The word “suddenly” in Timothy’s exhortation refers to the amount of time that we know the person giving the impartation. A person should not give an impartation unless they know the recipient well. In addition, if the recipient does not know the imparter, he or she should gracefully and with love, decline the offer.

Last week I coined the phrase, “You can’t take anyone where you haven’t been.” I based that premise on 2 Corinthians 1:4 and my almost disastrous mistake of destroying my first book, The Final Cup. However, the opposite is true as well. Those who lay hands on you CAN take you EVERYWHERE they’ve been through impartation.

It is improper for a stranger or for someone you barely know to lay hands on you and speak into your life. Where have they been, and what have they done, notwithstanding that we are all sinners. Remember now how Timothy exhorted us that we would take on another man’s sins. Everything they are, they’ll impart to you. This was his message.

So, unless the one imparting is Kim Klement, Morris Cerullo, Billy Graham, or someone you know and trust to be Godly, don’t allow it, lest you receive another man’s sins as Timothy exhorted us 2000 years ago.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

See you in a couple weeks. Am heavy into my next book, but don't want to drop my readers off of the cliff. GBY all and thanks SO much for following me and my writing.

It blesses me.

.

YOU CAN'T TAKE ANYONE

Part One of Two: Using “where we’ve been”

Many years ago I wrote my first book, The Final Cup, the theme of which was horizontal relationships in parallel with our vertical relationships with God. Not long after that, my wife and I divorced. Once the shock was over, I thought about how could I write a book on relationship when my own marriage failed? I just about deleted the book file from my computer when the Lord spoke to my spirit as clear as a bell, “Who else would know the pitfalls of a marriage?”

The prevailing wisdom of today says that we cannot take anyone where we haven’t been. Have any of us given up on our calling or mandate from God like I just about did with my book because of the guilt, shame, or condemnation of our imagination?

v3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
v4 Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Many characters in the Bible didn’t want to go where God called them or did they want to do what God called them to do because of a condemning spirit. Take Moses for one of the many examples. He did not want to go to Egypt because of his fear of not having the right words. God had given him a big responsibility of his people’s deliverance.

Moses finally obeyed God and went to Egypt and look what happened because of his obedience. Through God, Moses delivered his people. By not deleting my book, I was able to publish The Final Cup to a printed copy and wrote two other books on relationship and the latest report is that they are blessing many.

Not that I’m comparing myself to Moses, but what I am saying is that I also didn’t want to finish what God called me to do because of the spirit of condemnation that plagued my soul.

Therefore, the next time you can’t bring yourself to finish what you feel God has mandated for you because of guilt, shame, fear, or condemnation, remember that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [Romans 8:1]. If you feel condemned, remember from where that emotion comes, and act accordingly [2 Timothy 1:7]. Look to Christ, the author and finisher of our faith [Hebrews 12:2], listen and hear His voice [John 10:27], remember that it is impossible to please God without faith [Hebrews 11:6], and that the opposite of faith is fear [1 John 4:18]. Remember who you are in Christ [Romans 3:24; 8:2; 8:39; 12:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26] and that you belong to Him [Mark 9:41; John 17:21-23].

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

November 3rd I will post Part Two: The Laying on of Hands. The phrase “You can’t take anyone where you haven’t been” is true in the opposite as well. I will explain to you what I mean by that on November third.

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD

Part Four: Bible Study Methods

We have learned quite a bit in the last three segments, especially trying to condense a very deep subject worthy of a book status, into five or six pages. I hope that these four segments have sparked you into not just reading God’s Word, but studying its pages.

Most generally, people need help with the KJV because of the archaic language. Like we have learned, the translators of the KJV used the Antioch Bible, which is the major text and they translated it in formal equivalency meaning word for word.

However, the translator’s translated all new translations from the Alexandria Bible, which is the minority text. Most, if not all were wrote using the dynamic equivalency. All new translations are more of a theological opinion as opposed to an actual translation. We, therefore, have to trust the translator’s theology. Unless a person is proficient in reading and understanding the Hebrew and Greek language, at one point in time, we all have to trust in another’s theology.

There are several methods in which to study and understand God’s Word. It all depends on what you are trying to learn, how deep you want to go, and whether it is a single word, single verse, a single Scripture, passage, or a particular phraseology that you don’t understand. Authors have written books on each method of study. Therefore, this blog will not be an exhaustive study.

To start, it’s probably a good idea to know in what language the transcribers wrote the Bible. First off, do not let the word transcribers mislead or scare you. The Bible IS God breathed by the Holy Spirit [2 Timothy 3:16] to a chosen people who then wrote what they heard from Him. This is an interesting study by itself. By learning who wrote each individual book of the Bible, gives us an indication of what the book is about.

Normally, where we start to study God’s Word is through Hebrew and Greek word studies using Lexicons. Etymologist assigned a number, with its definition, to each word. We can learn allot about a passage and its context by studying what a particular word means. This gives us insight as to what the author meant. Context IS everything.

It is my opinion that the KJV is the most accurate translation that we have today, even if some words mean different things today. It would still behoove us to make cross-references with other translations. This will give us an idea as to the projected meaning of Holy Scripture and that passage. Like we have learned, many words written thousands of years ago may not have the same meaning as today.

Another way to understand God’s Word is through a concordance or Topical Bible. The concordance will give cross-references to all other Scriptures using a particular word. Then study how each Scripture uses the word in each place. This could give you a context.

To study a particular topic and the word associated with it, you would use a topical Bible. For example, if you wanted a Scripture or proof text on the word anger, obedience, or marriage, then look up that topic in the topical Bible and you’ll find all Scripture pertaining to that topic. These two books are very useful in learning and understanding the Bible.

A study of God’s Word is incomplete unless we study the Bible in context by studying Jewish marriage customs and traditions. This study will net the context in which the authors transcribed the Bible.

I have used all of these methods in my 54 years of study and more, like the study of biblical Jewish customs and traditions, commentaries, and expository Bibles. However, the one method that I have learned the most about the Bible is through the Jewish marriage customs. (Below, please find a few links to get you started toward learning the context of the Bible through Jewish marriage customs. Alternatively, enter the search criteria and choose your own study site.)

Since the entirety of the Bible is about the Bride, her growth, guidance, proposal, and marriage to Christ, it stands to reason that a study of Jewish marriage customs is in order, and I highly recommend this endeavor. (Underline “highly.”)

I am now in the process of writing a book on understanding the Bible through a study of the Bride and Jewish marriage customs. Its title will be The Rose of Sharon. I should be done late next year providing the world lasts that long and Jesus doesn’t come. Like I said, we can find the Bride throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, from her betrothal to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Have fun as you study God’s Word. During this time in history, we should all be in prayer and be found devouring His Word. (Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation come to mind.)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

You can enter these in your browser window and do a search yourself
“Biblical Jewish Wedding Traditions”
"ancient jewish marriage customs"

Below find a few links to some Jewish marriage customs pages
http://focusonjerusalem.com/jewishwedtrad2.html
http://www.messianicfellowship.50webs.com/wedding.html
http://www.orthodox-jews.com/jewish-wedding-tradition.html#axzz2hB882akw
http://www.trackingbibleprophecy.com/jewish_wedding.php
http://www.bible.ca/marriage/ancient-jewish-three-stage-weddings-and-marriage-customs-ceremony-in-the-bible.htm
http://www.bible.ca/marriage/welcome.htm

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD

Part Three: Antioch and Alexandria Bibles

Last week, I talked about formal and dynamic equivalencies. Remember that these were just methods of translating the Bible. You might ask, “Why is this important in understanding God’s Word?” I would suggest to you that if we don’t know word for word what God is saying to us instead of the translator’s interpretation of what he thinks God meant, how will we know what truth to pull from the translation that we are reading?

Now that we know how translators translate the Bible, we need to know from what original manuscript or Bible they are translating. Is it God or not? It is an established fact that there are only two lines of Bibles: one coming from Antioch, Syria (known as the Syrian or Byzantine type text), and one coming from Alexandria, Egypt (known as the Egyptian or Hesycnian type text). Remember now from last week when we learned that the KJV is in formal equivalency in a word for word format.

The Syrian text is the majority text from which our KJV 1611 comes, and the Egyptian text is the minority text from which all new translations come. Whether they are word for word or not, these sources are important. As a side note of interest, notice how the Holy Spirit casts Egypt and Alexandria in a negative light, whereas His comments toward Antioch tend to be very positive.

This negative and positive light is the KJV purist’s most compelling argument. However, this argument falls apart when we ask the question, “Can the God who created the universe lead us into all truth [John 16:13] despite the perversion of His Word by Satan."

The KJV is a great Bible and if you are looking for an accurate, but admittedly a little archaic in language version, it is still the number one Bible in use today and in my opinion the most accurate word for word translation that we have. This is the general consensus among theologians today. Many pastors use the KJV exclusively. However, some believers (and even some on the pulpit) carry this to the extreme and end up out of balance and in a state of judgment against others and their chosen translation.

Many of the purist's assertions are accurate. For example would you be surprised to know that the NIV deletes about 40 verses from their Bible? Don’t shoot the messenger though; their own text proves the argument. Do your own research. Here are a few that will get you going: Matthew 18:11; 1 John 5:7; Mark 11:26, and Acts 8:37.

In my opinion, if the translators thought that their NIV was so true and accurate, why not, for example, make Matthew 18:12 number 11? In addition, make verse 13 number 12, and so on. In the NIV Bible, they remove the reference to the Trinity in 1 John 5:7, which is the greatest verse in the Bible that testifies to the Trinity. The Jehovah Witnesses leave it out because they do not believe in the Trinity. Makes you wonder why the NIV translators left it out. This is very offensive to me as it probably should be to every believer. (My opinion.)

The NIV also removes around 64,576 (equivalent to 30 books) words from their translation. In other words, don’t look for the words mercyseat, Jehovah, godhead, or sodomy. (The removal of the word sodomy sounds suspiciously PC, doesn’t it?) All this despite the warning of “taking away” from His words. (Proverbs 30:5, 6; Revelation 22:19)

The NIV also contradicts itself and other translations in John 3:16, one of the most famous Scriptures in the Bible. Check it out against the KJV. The contradiction lays in the Verses Genesis 6:2; Job 1:6; and John 1:12. The NIV even contradicts itself in Genesis 6:2.

However, here is the real tragedy in the NIV and by its own text. Read Isaiah 14:12 in the KJV and then in the NIV. This Scripture is ALL about Lucifer but when you continue to read the following verses, remember who the Morning Star is. Now go to Revelation 22:16.  Then read 2 Peter 1:19. The NIV has Jesus and Lucifer as the same person. Their own words make this irrefutable.

But don’t throw away those translations just yet. I used to be a KJV purist but since then have come to a higher understanding, which I believe is God inspired to my spirit.

In the beginning, there was one God, and He is the truth. He is also the way and the life. However, after Satan fell, he perverted everything. So. . .it is up to us to learn how to extract the truth and then to exalt the truth. Furthermore, God changes not, but language does. What an archaic word meant 2000 years ago might not mean the same thing today.

As language changes, so will the Bible. It is why I rely on the KJV because before too long as language changes, how much will be lost in translating the Scriptures? The Word is the conduit to our faith and the hearing from God. Food for thought.

In the meantime, as long as the translation has the SAME thought for thought and maybe NOT the word for word that we seek, does not invalidate the translation. However, I exhort you to check your findings against the KJV or maybe even the 1599 Geneva to see if the particular passage is missing or not, or if it contradicts any other passage. That is unless any of you read fluent Hebrew or Greek.

Now I do not have any titles or vegetable soup associated with my name and I am just His humble servant. However, I do, as we all do, have the Holy Spirit to guide us unto all truth. I hope that this has at least been interesting to you and that it has helped you in understanding God’s Word. It is really too deep a subject to cover in a simple blog, but that is where your research comes in. Have fun.

Next week: UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD
Part Four: Study methods.
We will learn of some ways to study the Bible. There are many books on the subject and the Lord has prompted me to add a book to that collection, but with a different angle. We will learn of some of it next week. I have the outline just about done.

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD

Part Two: Formal and Dynamic Equivalencies

Although poetic and beautiful, Old English is sometimes difficult at best to understand and it not only chases many a believer away from comprehending the Word of God, but also misrepresenting Scripture. Many times, we turn to newer translations, which have their own problems. We’ll cover this in Part Three.

Let me unequivocally state up front that this will NOT be a treatise or a crusade against any version of the Bible. I will though, be representing my humble opinion in terms of what I have learned in my own studies. I will leave it up to you to do your own research and decide for yourself. I did, and here’s what I found.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [2 Timothy 2:15 KJV].

How do we rightly divide the Word of God? The crux of part two is that to rightly divide the Word, is to study the Scripture not only in the context of itself (the whole passage), but more times than not, requires a study of the times in which they wrote the text.

For example, an understanding of the customs, traditions, and marriage rituals of the day, is requisite. We will cover this in part four, but right now, let’s see how the translators translate the Bible. This will help because of the aforementioned study guides.

Formal/dynamic equivalencies
Translators of the Bible use two basic methods to translate Scripture: formal equivalency and dynamic equivalency. When they translate the Bible in formal equivalency, they are rendering the original text in a specific language. . .that’s it, nothing more, nothing less. The King James Bible is the only available version today that uses the formal equivalency method of translation.

However, translators translate all present day versions with the dynamic equivalency method. These versions will read like a book in story type form. With this method, the translator will go into teaching mode and slip out of the translation mode and will explain what the Scripture means according to his understanding of the original text.

We must therefore trust the translator’s theology to lead us into the truth. The present day translations are more commentary than translations. However, don’t get rid of your new translations just yet.

NEXT WEEK
Part Three: Antioch and Alexandria Bibles. We’ll briefly get into manuscripts, Bibles, and some differences in them. There are many differences and some that will shock you, but I will only reference a few. I’ll leave the rest to your research and decision.

UNDER THE MASK

Stanley Ipkiss is a klutzy, push-over, and a don’t-know-how-he-makes-it-in-the-real-world idiot. Stanley’s existence is an absolute total disaster, so much so that he ends up on a rickety bridge in an old busted down Studebaker. However, he finds himself in the river trying to save what appears to be an attempted suicide. Instead of a suicidal victim, he finds a mask that literally changes his life. Later on in the movie and with the help of the mask, he eventually learns how to change himself into somebody that he is not.

How many of us end up on that bridge of life, looking to be somebody or something else other than what we are? Are we true to ourselves or do we put on a mask for another’s benefit? Actually, we all wear masks metaphorically speaking.

When we put on that mask, we are saying, “I’m blessed brother. I’m doing great, bless God,” but on the inside, we are hurting like crazy. On the other hand, maybe we are wearing that mask as a front that could garner us acceptance from someone else. In any event, when we put on that mask we are projecting to others something that we are not. Why do we do that? Is it because we fear rejection or are we afraid of not belonging to, or not fitting in, worrying about what others might think of us?

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well [Psalms 139:14].

Even the world knows this, when it says, "To thine own self, be true."

Let me illustrate with an example from my own life.

A couple decades ago, people called me the weeping prophet after the Prophet Jeremiah of the Bible. Not that I am a prophet by any stretch [1 Corinthians 13:9], but because I would weep many times at the drop of a hat as the emotional situations presented themselves.

I felt that I was a man and I’d been in the service and I thought I was hard enough for others to think of me in the same fashion as well. For example, when sharing Jesus at a Christmas party, I’d weep almost to the point of crying. This would happen frequently on other occasions  as well during sensitive and tender moments.

I’d notice that some folks would bow their heads in embarrassment for me. It got to where I didn’t even speak anymore. I was embarrassed for myself for always breaking down in front of everybody all the time.

I know that it’s OK for men to cry but to cry all the time. It made me feel very effeminate and I hated that. I was also ashamed as to what others would think of me as well. I didn’t feel like a real man standing in the midst of real men or standing in the presence of what society would call a man’s man.

I finally asked the Lord to remove this sensitivity from me. I prayed this whole scenario to Him. Well. . .God did just that and either removed it or only blocked my sensitivity. To this day, I have yet to totally breakdown over my mom and dad’s death. This bothers me terribly because I loved them with all my heart. Dad was my hero and mom was my support, my friend, and my spiritual leader [1].

There have been many other incidences that I should have wept and actually bawled but haven’t done so. It is at the point now that I hate who I am. Now I am not short on self-esteem but sometimes I feel like I do not know who I am.

I have asked God for forgiveness and to restore me emotionally but as yet, only He knows whether He will restore me or not. I know He has forgiven me but my emotions remain the same. So maybe this is my lesson for rejecting the way He made me. Maybe this is my cross to bear.

So. . .as someone who knows first-hand, each and every one of you are beautifully and wonderfully made. He made you like you are for a reason. So remove the mask and don’t reject who you are. In fact, embrace it, because you, like David, are the apple of God’s eye.
___________________________________

[1] Dad didn’t ask the Lord into his heart until the last 10-15 years of his life. But he was the most radically saved person I’ve ever seen.

NEXT WEEK: I will continue with Understanding God's Word, Part Two: Formal and Dynamic Equivalency. Sorry for any inconvenience to my readers.

UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WORD

Part One: Delight or Duty

How many times have you heard it said, "I just don't understand the Bible."

Why do so many believers struggle with understanding God's Word? Some think that if they only could go to school, maybe seminary, or class after class, they'd understand. Nothing wrong with either of these two avenues but for the average Joe - or Joe-lene - it's unrealistic.

Much of the secret is not so much in schooling, but through our obedience to God. It might sound overly simplistic, but the more we read God's Word, the more it becomes a living book to us and we begin to hear and understand the voice of God. However, if we have not obeyed Him, how can we expect Him to give us any deeper truths?

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant [Psalms 25:14].

So, who are those who "fear" Him? They are the ones who obey Him and promised a "good understanding." [Psalms 111:10]

Am I saying that if you do not understand God's Word, you are somehow trapped in some awful disobedience of some kind and you won't acquire understanding until you repent? Heavens no. Not saying that at all. As believers, we have the Lord living inside of us via the Holy Spirit and our disobedience can prevent us from tapping into the understanding of God's Word. Why then, would He give us deeper truths?

So, as we dive into the Bible, we can look for and meditate on His instructions. Then as we partnership with the Holy Spirit and obey Him, He will reveal His deeper truths and understanding. It won't be long and our time spent in His Word will become a delight and not a duty.

<>   <>   <>

Although the above is tantamount to finding His deeper truths, there is obviously more to understanding God's Word than obedience. Books have been written on this subject, so to cover this in a page or two or in a single blog, would be impossible. Therefore, as it stands now, this topic will be a four part series. 

NEXT WEEK: we will learn about how do we even know that it is God's words that we are reading? In "Formal and Dynamic Equivalencies," we will learn how the translators translate the Bible.

In the ensuing weeks, we'll learn about translations, manuscripts and their origins, and finally, I'll give you some suggestions as to how you can study God's Word. If any of you would like me to elaborate on any of those suggestions, please leave a comment stating your requests. I'll do my best to answer any and all requests. God bless you all and enjoy God's Word, our standard.

This will not be an exhaustive study but I pray that it sparks your interest in delving deeper into His Word.

DARN OLD SPEED BUMPS ANYWAY

All truth is parallel. For every natural truth, there is an equal and corresponding spiritual truth.

Not all, but much of what I accomplish with my writing I do by two methods. Either God directly gives me something to share with the body or He speaks to me through life’s natural occurrences. Most of my best ideas I’ve written through watching nature and/or people just living life.

Every day, the world around us is alive with activity and floods my mind with ideas for stories. Take today for instance, I was sitting at my table at StarBucks enjoying my normal tall/decaf/no-room/Americano, when I noticed drivers and their different techniques for going over a speed bump. Some stopped and crept over the bump while others never even slowed down. I watched them for about five minutes or so as they entertained me with their driving techniques.

I finally turned my head away from the street and focused my attention on some serious coffee consumption. I don’t know why, but I asked the Lord “Is there something I can learn from this Lord?” A verse popped into my mind.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. [Proverbs 3:5-6]

How fast do we approach the speed bumps in life? Just like those raised cement obstacles, the enemy can present us with many hindrances that will slow us down, or in some cases, stop us.

Contrary to proverbs 3:5, man has a tendency to look to his own devices when an obstacle confronts him. By nature, man is a self-sufficient being, and to some extent, that’s a good thing. When we realize that God created us in His own image [Genesis 1:27] and that we are spirit, soul, and body [1 Thessalonians 5:23], we can then decide which facet of our psyche we will choose to follow.

The soul [1] is subjective, and takes in whatever we feed it. We then act on that input and develop our own temperament, character, and belief system. In other words, we choose our own standard by which we want to govern and run our lives, and that choice is a direct gift from God.

There are only two sides of our psyche that our soul can choose from, our spirit [2] or our body [3], which the Bible calls the flesh. The soul is our free will and decision making part of us. We can either align our soul with the Spirit through faith, or we can align our soul with the feel good of our flesh. It is all our decision.

The flesh (our five senses), cannot experience the spirit because there is no tangible communication between the spirit and the flesh. God designed it this way to give man choice. However, our faith is tangible. When we get those Goosebumps and feel the presence of God, it is through our faith. Faith is the bi-directional conduit from our soul to our Spirit.

As Pastor Andrew Wommack [4] teaches, when we align our soul with our flesh, it is a majority and we will acquiesce to the feel good of our body. However, when we align our soul with our spirit, that too is a majority and we will renew our mind and become more in tune with the Lord. By constantly renewing our mind [Romans 12:2], we can spiritually grow, become more like Jesus, and can defeat the enemy and all of the obstacles and speed bumps in our lives.

So, when the speed bumps of life confront us, trust in the Lord and lean not unto our own understanding but acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths.

_______________________

[1] Self-consciousness
[2] God-consciousness
[3] World-consciousness
[4] Andrew Wommack Ministries

THE COMING HARVEST

Have any of you really been face to face with evil? I do not mean just a bad guy but pure unadulterated evil. Have you ever seen lips curl or hear a snarl coming from the throat of someone? Have you ever witnessed anyone talking to themselves or having what appears to be an external fight or argument with someone who isn't there?

I have seen this on the streets of a well known city. Of course, everybody needs Jesus but these poor delusional and bound souls need deliverance and Christ. These and many others from all walks of life are about to hit. If we do not lead them to Christ's kingdom, the enemy will keep them in his.

In this day and age of uncertainty, government corruption, and world unrest, the writing is on the wall…Revelation 13 is fast approaching. Although the last move of God will be a movement of prayer, there is a coming harvest, a wave of new people as they look for help, peace, and escape from the savages of a run-amuck society. Are we ready for the influx?

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest [John 4:35 KJV].

Because of a tumultuous world, there will be men and women coming to the church from the streets, looking for answers and guidance. However, these people could have a rough and raw demeanor. They might be bound in many areas. They may not have poise, be well dressed, or speak with eloquent Christianese. In fact, their speech will probably be ragged, rough, and may be profane. What will we, as a body, do with them?

There are some churches that are experiencing this phenomenon already. However, for us to handle the influx of the harvest that is coming, whether they come to us or we go to them on the streets, the body will need a heavy dose of the Holy Spirit. A Word from the Lord.

“My children, unless you embrace me and seek my face, you are not ready for the harvest that I am about to send you,” says the Lord.

“Will you spurn my children? Will you turn them away? Will you shake your heads in disgust or will their pit remind you of the pit from whence you came? Instead, will you share my love for them as I have commanded,” says the Lord. “For I am not willing that any of my children perish. But do not worry; my love for you is great, and my grace is sufficient for you. So, receive them.”

Now there is nothing wrong with going to church for personal feeding, growth, and revitalization through the many ministries that offer help in sending us out into the world to win the lost. . .but now is the time for our focus and efforts to be on the last mandate given to us by Christ, when He said, “. . .Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature [Mark 16:15 KJV].” If ever we needed to cry out to God, now is the time.

Now is the time to humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways [2 Chronicles 7:14]. Now is the time to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength [Mark 12:30]. Now is the time not to lean on man and his understanding but on the Lord so He can direct our paths [Proverbs 3:5, 6]. Now is the time for the messengers of God's to prepare ye the way of the Lord (Matthew 11:10). Christ is coming soon.

“Lord, give us the grace and power to stand in this hour and to repel the arrows of the enemy. Lord, give us the wisdom, the stamina, and the understanding to bring in your harvest, before you send Christ for His Bride and her spirits. Lord, make our light so shine before men that the harvested will cry out 'ABBA FATHER.' And deliver us Lord, from that terrible coming hour, in Jesus name, amen.”

THE NEW WORLD ORDER AND CHRISTIANS

This last Sunday my pastor spoke about why Christianity grew so fast in the days when Christ walked the Earth. He said that it was because everything the Apostles did flowed from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They walked, talked, dined, and preached right alongside of Him. What was their goal, their focus? It was the salvation and redemption of man.

His concern as well as mine was about the lack of discernment caused by the spirit of confusion that the enemy released in the world today. Remember that I talked about the lack of discernment somewhat last week.

The church has had 2000 years to grow and spread the Gospel. Let’s face it, as a whole we’ve failed miserably. For example, how many denominations do we have? How many times have even some of those split? To name a few, we have Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Assembly of God, Vineyards, Calvary, Episcopal, and on and on, and each with their own doctrine.

Many in the body of Christ are still on milk. They haven’t even graduated to meat yet [1 Corinthians 3:2]. Much of the body is more concerned for what the church and God can do for them as opposed to what they can do for the body or for God. How many people have we led to Christ lately? Have we even seeded or watered anyone? At the risk of sounding hypocritical, I include myself in those questions.

It is not my opinion that we should never ask God for anything or ask for something for ourselves. On the contrary, my point is that the quickest way for God to bless us is to bless someone else [2 Corinthians 1:4].

Christianity, once the fastest growing religion (and I use the term loosely), appears to be heading for minority status in the world today – and that is pretty much by design.

The troubled times in which we live and knowing how human government is going to end, we are in need of a voice, an Issachar [1 Chronicles 12:32] if you will, who can lead us out of this confusion and morass and prepare us for Christ’s return. I do not speak about the voice of Henry Spaak [1], who said, “. . .Send us such a man and be he god or devil, we will receive him.” I do, however, talk about the true prophets of God who will point to the coming of the “new heaven and a new Earth,” whereas, the false “prophets of peace” will point to the false message of a “New Age of Peace and Prosperity” here on Earth.

A while back, Mortimer J. Adler (of the Aspen Institute) wrote an article entitled “World Peace in Truth.” He postulated that 1) World peace was impossible without world government. 2) World government is impossible without a sense of world community and 3) World community will be impossible to create without a unity of truth. More to the point, for there to be world peace, everybody has to believe the same thing.

Thus, Christianity will not capitulate and will not stop preaching a new heaven, a new Earth, or about Jesus. Therefore, Christianity stands in the way of the unity in truth, which is necessary for the three points mentioned above. Consequently, Christians are the biggest threat to the survival of the world and they’ll have to eliminate us. The worldwide persecution and extermination has already begun. The world has persecuted Christians for centuries but not on the scale that will come, and in fact has already started.

As a side bar and to add to the mix, can you picture the Muslim faith capitulating with a co-mingling of faiths? They want a Caliphate.

The prophetic Word of God is vital in this hour. The message of prophecy is simple – God is in control. He has not been caught off-guard, and today’s events are only signs of His soon return. Thus, when we see the signs of the times, we will know exactly what to do.

1) DO NOT FEAR: Do not fear those things that are coming upon the Earth.  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7; Luke 2:19].

2) GET YOUR EYES OFF OF THIS WORLD: The Word of God is clear, our hope and call is not in this world. We are clearly not called to restore or save the world. v10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. v11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, v12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? v13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [2 Peter 3:10-13; Colossians 3:2]

3) SET YOUR EYES ON THE SKIES: Our focus will be on the lost and dying as we discern the lateness of the hour. The world sees the same crisis as we do, only they will look to themselves to build a New Age of Peace and Prosperity. Whereas, we will look to the skies because our redemption is nigh at hand. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. [Luke 21:28; Colossians 3:1-3]

We cannot be silent anymore. There is a dying world out there. We must discern the signs of the times, and realize the hour in which we stand. We must cry out: My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. [Jeremiah 4:19]

*     *     *

[1] Former Secretary General of NATO in 1957.

A FRACTURED AND DYING CHURCH

Part Two: The Phantom Leg

Research has shown and science has concluded that amputees have a heightened sensitivity to pain felt by others. For example,

“When I hear my husband’s power tools, or see a knife, I often get a sharp pain through my phantom leg,” says Jane Barrett, who has experienced synaesthetic pain since losing her leg in a motorcycle accident [1].

Is this what is happening in some of the body today? Are there many believers out there who have a heightened sensitivity to the Spirit because they are feeling the pain of the phantom leg of the body? Ephesians 4:16 says that the body is jointly fit together. I can feel that there is disconnect in the body, a phantom leg if you will. Christ is the head of the body but the church leaders are the head of the church through Christ. I believe that most churches do not jointly fit together like God intended the church to be.

Many souls if not most, have lost sight of their identity, destiny, and perceived significance to God. I am so convinced of this that I wrote a book [2] about this subject for the body and for the times in which we stand.

Anyway, that soul goes to church expecting to serve the body, and unless God gifted him or her in helps, service, or possibly music, the chance of them serving is practically nonexistent. Their fire goes out and I am sure that some eventually disconnect from the body or sit in the pew as a dying ember with no hope of serving God and the body, the body in which they want and desire to serve. Or they leave the church. They’re a hand looking for an arm. They feel the pain of disconnect or of the phantom leg syndrome.

This begs the questions, if the only positions of service in the church is with helps, service, and choir, what do those gifted in prophecy do? What do the people with a pastor’s heart do? What do the teachers do? So forth and so on.

Some of us sit back and can actually feel the pain of disconnect. We can actually feel the pain of the phantom leg when someone in the body cannot serve God and dies on the pew.  What is the church doing? What are we thinking? We can feel the pain of disconnect from the body of Christ. Many see this and yet.  .  .many don’t.

Although we all call the building in which we congregate, the church, we as believers, also know that the church is the body of Christ. All truth is parallel; for every natural truth there is an equal and corresponding parallel spiritual truth. How often do we all think about this phenomenon? This was my reasoning behind A Fractured and Dying Church.

But now are they many members, yet but one body.

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: [1 Corinthians 12:20-22 KJV]

Whether the leaders consider us feebler than their limbs depends on our own growth in faith. Does God love those any less that might not have grown to the height of faith as another limb? Heavens no. Verse 22 states that we are just as necessary to the body as the higher esteemed parts. As verse 20 says, we are many members, yet but one body. One is just as important as the other, for without just one part, the body would be incomplete.

In example, can you image a leg without a foot, an arm without a hand, or a body without bones? Conversely, can you image the body of Christ without an apostle, without a prophet, without a pastor, a teacher, or without an evangelist? Let alone a body without the Spiritual gifts as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12.

Just think of what the body could accomplish if the head along WITH the eyes, the hands, and feet all moved as one. It’s amazing what people can accomplish when they do not care who gets the credit.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; [Hebrews 10:25 KJV]

There are two trains of thought on this Hebrew verse [2], but please allow me a third interpretation. You may or may not agree with me but that’s OK, we can still be friends.

Given that all truth is parallel and that the pew is a wasted resource in the church, I portend that this verse speaks of the body basically gathering together spiritually, as a body jointly fit together and moving as one - total unity of Christ’s Spiritual body. This is hard to accomplish when the leaders do not use the pew to its fullest extent. (Or even if the pew doesn’t jointly fit together with each other. It’s NOT all the leaders fault.)

Don’t we all serve the same God? Aren’t we different members but one body? Aren’t we one Spirit with God? What about discernment? (There is a huge lack of discernment in the church today even to see that there is a problem in this area.) Don’t we have enough faith in God to teach the pews and then send them out or to work for the church and actually become a part of the body, and then leave them in God’s hands, or don’t we think that God is up to the task? When the leaders want us to look to them instead of God, to me, this is witchcraft.

The Old Testament foreshadows this concept in Ezekiel 37:1-14 when the Lord commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones that they may live. We are all dead until the breath of God (the Holy Spirit) comes into us as a born again Christian - and not till then. How can we work together and accomplish great things for Christ when the leaders and the pews are so fragmented and not used? Lack of unity.

Until the leaders of the church start using the pews to their fullest, it is this writer’s opinion that the church (the body) will remain fractured and continue to be a burning ember threatening to put itself out.

However, in defense of the church leaders, I totally understand that the Lord mandated to them the responsibility of the congregation. I get it. They have to be careful who they put in front of everybody. God will hold them accountable for the pews blood [Ezekiel 3:18, 19]. Nevertheless, how many schools, how many meetings, how many sermons, must the pew personally go through for the church to use them? How long is the indoctrination period? How many days, months, or years must the pew wait for the church leaders to use them?

So what can the pews do to regain their hope of service for God, to keep the flame going, and to catch on fire once again? I hope I don’t disappoint you but it all boils down to basics. There is no magic formula accept for loving Christ with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself [Mark 12:30, 31]. However, here are some practical tips.

* Do not grow weary.
* Determine not to let the fire, dream, or passion die.
* Pray for our leaders.
* Pray for one another.
* Seek God until His power overpowers the religion that wants us bound. Overcome evil with God.
* Bless and not curse.
* Remember that God has a plan for each one of our lives and that His timing is perfect [Jeremiah 29:11]. I’ve been a Christian for 62 years and God just recently (in 1995 after 44 years of being a believer) mandated that I write solely for Him. Since then, the Lord gave me three books, one of which I’ve published. The second book I will publish shortly. I am waiting on the ISBN now.
* Learn what we can from the church leaders and strike out on your own. Get off the pews and hit the streets and develop a talent, like writing. Find a church that will gladly use your giftings. There are different mantels on different churches.
* Develop the three foot rule in public; anybody within three feet hears about Jesus and what He did for you. The best way to evangelize is with personal testimony, NOT by shoving the Amplified Bible down somebody’s throat.
* Get with other like-minded brothers and sisters either in church or on the outside that are in your sphere of influence and activate Acts 20:20. (Acts 20:20 is about home meetings. Shoot for five to seven people, tops. If more come, split into two groups.)
* Although you may not be serving your church with your gifts, still do not forsake the assembling of one another. I have watched others worship God and it is a blessing. It has brought me to tears a couple of times. People might not believe what you always say, but they’ll always believe what you do.
* Be the best foot you can be. Be the best hand you can be. Be the best.  .  .
* FOCUS ON GOD especially in these days, not on what the enemy is doing!
* DO NOT give up hope of serving God. Your mere existence serves God because you are unique and He loves you. There’s no one like you. Reconnection and fitting our joints together starts with you and it starts with me.
* Pray, pray, pray [1 Thessalonians 5:17]. Conversation with God is prayer and if we focus on Him, it’s fairly easy to do.
* Seek God. Develop an intimacy with Him not just with an acquaintance mentality.
* 2 Chronicles 7:14.

People will flock to you if you just practice the love of God and seek Him passionately, and after all, isn’t He the most important one in our life and our soon to be husband?

*   *   *

[1] Article on Phantom Leg
[2] Back to Eden for Kindle   Back to Eden for Nook
[3] Interpretation One: Paul exhorts them not to apostatize the church. Interpretation Two: refers to gathering together in public worship.

A FRACTURED AND DYING CHURCH

Part One: A Dying Ember

It’s been 2000 years since Christ hung on the Cross and we are no closer to unity than we were in Ephesians 4:13 or Acts 20:20 when Paul taught from house to house. Because of schisms in the church, it split into thousands of denominations. Even some of those split off into their own denominations. For ages, the Church argued their doctrine to the point of splitting and then started their own church. Then those split and started another church or two, and so on. . .and so on. . .and so on, until the church today, totally fractured and split, went their own separate ways in many directions, with no unity of spirit.

We are a far cry from the original church. The Messianic Jews believed two things: Scripture and Jesus. Period. Not whether the Sabbath was on Saturday or Sunday, and not whether it was dunking or sprinkling. What happened to us?

For many centuries the pulpit kept the written Word from the congregant and the lay person. The belief was that the Scrolls were solely for the Rabbi, and later the Word of God was only for the priest’s eyes. In fact, at one time, it was even illegal in 1500’s Britain to reproduce the Bible in the English language. To get away from the religious oppression, 102 passengers voyaged to the Americas with the 1599 Geneva Bible [1] in hand. . .written in English.

Christ’s death on the Cross saved mankind from all bondages resulting in a 100% victory over every circumstance in their lives. However, witchcraft has subtly invaded the church. Even after all this time, the enemy is still chewing on the church one bite at a time and continues to fracture the church even further. You call it gradualism. Will we be ready for Christ when He comes for His Bride?

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish [Ephesians 5:27].

Because of the churches oppression of its people, the pew is full of spotted, wrinkled, blemished, and a dying people. Now I don’t like making a blanket statement about anything but I’d guess that more times than not. . .this is true of the church. Many churches have become nothing more than a click, a group to which few, if any, will ever belong.

Consequently, there are many Christians who burn with a fire in their soul wanting to serve the Lord and walk in his gifting and calling. However, the church dictates that the people always need to go to one more class, one more school, one more study, one more group, and yet again, jump through one more hoop. Nine or ten years later, they are still sitting in the pews with the fire in their gut that’s simmering in a low burning ember that threatens to extinguish itself.

The Holy Spirit tries to blow on the amber to reignite the flame, but the believer’s faith is already too weak to receive it, and because of the inactivity, another faith wanes. Their faith becomes a dying ember. Most believers put up a good front by openly declaring; “I’m doing great, bless God, Hallelujah,” while on the inside, they are dying unfulfilled in their soul and service to God.

Given the church today, what can we do to fight the oppression, intentional or not, of the church and the infiltration of witchcraft. I think the church means well but we’ll learn more about that next week. I have found though that too many times the reason behind the oppression is that if the people, having jumped through all the hoops, do not look enough like the pastor and staff, then that person(s) sits in the pew unfulfilled.

Question: Aren’t we supposed to conform to the image of Christ [Romans 8:29] and not the pastor and staff [Romans 3:4]? Do we look for the man of God, or do we look for the God of man? Just saying.

How do we rectify all of this? What can we do as a congregation to get off of the pew(s)? This, due to a limited space constraint, will have to wait until next time to find out. However, let me leave you with this, “Is the pew culpable and partially to blame for a dying church?”

God bless each and every one of you. Until then. . .

[1]  The 1599 Geneva Bible was the first Bible printed in English for public use and it is the Bible that the Pilgrims carried with them to the New World on the Mayflower.

REMEMBER THE TIME WHEN. . .

Three sisters sat around a hospital bed reminiscing about their childhood. Their mother lay on the bed listening to everyone and at the same time, transitioning from this mortal world and into the spiritual. Of course, they would mourn her passing, but at the moment they were rejoicing in her life and their history with her while growing up.

I sat and watched this beautiful scene with tears in my eyes. Like my mom, who was already with Jesus since 2004, Charlotte was a wonderful mother who had lived a hard but faithful and serving life for her children. As laughter permeated the room it no doubt filtered into the hallway, as passerby’s probably thought the three sisters were crazy and insensitive to their mother’s passing. One even shut the door. I felt it was like an old Irish wake, celebrating life instead of mourning death. To me, it was biblical.

A very wise man once said, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” This same wise man also said, among other things, that there was, “A time to be born, and a time to die. . .” -- Solomon [Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 KJV]

So many people generate problems for themselves trying to redeem the time and attempt to dwell in a past season instead of embracing the current time in their life. The objective is to live through each season, differentiating and working through both the good and the bad moments of each current season, and then to move on [Ecclesiastes 11:7, 8].

Each season in one’s life presents its own challenges, victories, and growth possibilities, and as we live in each moment we can treat it in such a way as to attain growth in our lives [Ecclesiastes 3:11]. However, unless God is involved in each season of our lives, then what we are going through and what we are trying to accomplish, is nothing more than a house of cards [Psalms 127:1, 2].

Death is a season of life and as such it is just the beginning of a longer journey. Charlotte and others before her are on that journey now clearing the way for our own entrance in the Kingdom of God. God is preparing a place for us as we speak. It has many mansions (John 14:2). Death does not mean the end of things or that it is the end of the road, nor is it something that becomes the past needing us to forget.

On the contrary, shedding this corporeal body is not just a season that ends up in the past and forgotten, but in reality it has just moved to our future because one day, we will see them all again when Christ comes for our own Spirit [Ecclesiastes 12:7].

So yes mom and Charlotte, we will see you again. Oh, and by the way Charlotte, I remember the time when we were at your home and . . .

HOW WELL HAVE I LIVED?

The angel of death seemed to be hovering around my family of late. I left Brad’s service with mixed emotions. Brad was my granddaughter’s husband’s grandfather. Brad was a great guy, person, and role model. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather. He was intelligent, respected by his co-workers, soft-spoken, and a kind-hearted individual. He was also active in his church and known for his generosity. I knew and really liked the man.

I have to wonder as I look back on the sum total of my own life, and my own mortality, did I make a difference by being there? How many would show up at my service. How many lives have I left better off by being there?

My dad was another great man. If he were in a room with 50 other men, he’d be the one that you gravitate to. He and Brad both had a presence. Brad and my dad were definitely two men with which a person could emulate.

I’d like to share a snippet from Brad’s announcement that prompted me to reflect on my own life. This snippet encapsulated both of their lives.

A man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of his wife and children; who has met his goal and accomplished his tasks; who leaves the world better than he found it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

We all, no doubt, have had someone in our lives with who we have looked up to and with whose presence has made things better for us simply by their presence. Given the above snippet, that thought made me think about whose lives I’d made better simply by my presence. My dad and Brad gave those around them many reasons for looking up to them. How well had I lived?

According to the snippet, I’d fallen short in a couple items but one thing I proudly leave for this world, is my kids. They are my legacy and it is what I’ve done to make this world a better place.

How many of us can say, I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith [2nd Timothy 4:7]? However, it is never too late to get back on track and to recapture our course. We can do this through our faith in Jesus Christ who is the ultimate person to emulate [Romans 8:28, 29, 1 Peter 2:21].

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life [John 14:6]. He is the answer to everything [Philippians 4:19]. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord [Joshua 24:15]. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and He will save you [Romans 10:9].

SO A MAN THINKETH. . .

Note: Just a little long but I pray it will be useful and that it blesses you in your walk, everyday living, and how you feel about yourself.

No matter if we are a soldier or a civilian, the prospect of battle is a scary thing, and that is how it should be. The unknown is always a little apprehensive. We are to have confidence in our leader and mission. There is a difference between guarded and being afraid. The second we become afraid, is when we can die (both physically and spiritually).

Remember when, under God’s direction, Moses sent out 12 scouts to explore the land of Canaan. They spent 40 days scouting the land and they finally came back with their report. Ten of the 12 returned and reported that, “. . .and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight [Numbers 13:33 KJV] .”

As were the scouts. . .so are we.

. . .For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh [Matthew 12:34b].

Two of the 12 scouts, Joshua and Caleb, were the only ones who gave a good report while the rest forgot that God promised them the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey [Exodus 3:8 KJV]. They all spoke what was in their heart, whether it was positive or negative.

Did not God deliver them from Egypt? Did He not provide food, water, and protection? Even after all the Lord had done for them, they still complained. They began thinking about how small they were instead of how big their God was. They began thinking of what they didn’t have instead of what they did have. They compounded all that by saying, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die [Exodus 14:10-12 NIV]?”

It would appear that they did not learn anything from their deliverance, for the people rebelled against God [Numbers 14:2, 3].

How many times have we given into the enemy and acquiesced to his lies about what we can and cannot do, with just such a report? I know I have. We say things like, “Lord, I can’t do this, because I’m not [smart enough, strong enough, good enough, pretty or handsome enough, agile enough, organized enough, or spiritual enough], or we say, “The opposition is too strong and there are too many against me. I am as a grasshopper in my Eyes and theirs as well,” and on and on and on ad nauseam.

What we think and say about ourselves can be self-destructive or character building. We can speak blessing or we can speak cursing. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof [Proverbs 18:21]. God hears our words, but so does the enemy. What we speak, we project onto others as in Numbers 13:33. Our projected weakness gives a foothold to the enemy in our lives. If we don’t like ourselves through self-deprecation and I can’t do attitude, how do we expect others to like us?

We can learn many things from the 13th chapter of Numbers, namely verses 25-33. In our daily lives, we should not be like the 10, but we should subscribe to Joshua and Caleb’s mentality and faith.

Again, God had promised the land of Canaan to the Israelites, a land flowing with milk and honey. The 10 did not believe the Lord and said upon their return scouting trip that they were as grasshoppers in their own sight. Listen to Caleb as he addresses the people,

“Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it [Numbers 13:30 NLT]!”

All the promises of God are yea and amen [2 Corinthians 1:20]. They are money in the bank. (Cliché? Yes! True? Yes!)

The process of speaking up and standing is just that, a process. The closing point of Ephesians 6:13 is “. . .and having done all, to stand.” Admittedly, it is difficult at best sometimes to be rejected, hammered, belittled, berated, and feelings of inadequacy, and NOT be self-deprecating and dejected. I’ve been there. Nevertheless, for our own sanity and health we have to stand in the faith and believe the promises of God. God does not make any junk. Now that is not scriptural, but you get my point.

So, are we a Joshua and Caleb, or are we one of the 10? Do we believe in God’s promises or not? We as a body have lost sight of our identity and our destiny. We have lost sight of who we are “In Christ” and who “Christ is in us.”

The Genesis judgment still plagues the body. We have lost sight of our perception of the significance we hold with God. The reason for this is because our inherited sin nature caused a misconception of how we perceive God to feel about us, and we filter that conception through the guilt and shame of our disobedience. Just remember,

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken [Proverbs 3:5, 6, 26 KJV].

More edifying Scripture: Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:37; Psalm 3:3; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalms 73:26; Galatians 3:29; Psalms 119:133; Psalms 30:5b; Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 17:22; Psalms 30:1; Psalms 3:3; Psalms 147:6; 1 John 4:4; Psalms 27:14; Psalms 31:24; Psalms 39:7; Psalms 44:5; Psalms 71:14; Romans 8:25, 35, 36-39; Luke 10:19, and thousands of more.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness [2 Peter 1:2, 3 NIV].

THE MYSTERY OF GOD'S WILL

Part Four: Kissing God’s Boo-Boo

Little Johnny came running into the front room screaming his lungs out for his mother, “Mommy, mommy!”

Startled, she looked up and put her cup of coffee back down on the end table and held out her arms toward him. “What’s the matter honey? What’s wrong?”

Johnny ran into his mom’s outstretched arms and shoved his hand toward her face. His index finger was red and swollen. Like so many injuries sustained by young children, the damage had already been done and there was nothing she could do but verbally comfort him and hold him close to her bosom.

As she sat there holding little Johnny in her lap, she reached into the momma’s arsenal of tricks and asked him in a sympathetic tone, “Do you want me to kiss your boo-boo?”

“Yes mommy,” Johnny sniffled with tears running down his cheeks.

I can only speculate as to the boo-boos that we give God when we go against His will and disobey Him. Because of predestination, God knows when we will disobey Him.

However, it still pains Him that we do because He is a holy God [Psalms 99:9]. With seven billion plus people on Earth, I can’t imagine the pain that man inflicts on God daily. We kiss God’s boo-boos by repenting and by living in His will, which brings us to the question of the hour, “What is the will of God for our lives?”

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. . . [1 Thessalonians 4:3 KJV]

Sanctification has to do with holiness and living a surrendered life for Christ. Yet so many believers equate the will of God with their purpose in life and what they think God wants them to do for Him. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Purpose is our will and it is only what we want to do for God in the natural. However, God does have a plan and a purpose for our lives [Jeremiah 29:11] and gives us the desires of our heart (purpose) [Psalms 37:4], to help and serve the body of Christ. Does this mean that we should not seek that purpose? Heavens no!

Now purpose is a good thing but when the Bible speaks about the will of God it is talking about doing what pleases Him. God’s Word is replete with things that please Him. For example, it pleases God and it is His will for our lives that we preach the Gospel to every living creature, conform ourselves to the image of Christ [Romans 8:29], and live a surrendered and sanctified life in Christ.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of Earth.

For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. [Colossians 3:1-3 NLT]

We need to refocus and work on accomplishing God’s will for our lives and not our will for our lives. When we do, watch things change in our lives. It’s all about Christ and “What can I do for you today Lord? Lead me in Thy paths, truth, and understanding.”

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever [1 John 2:17 NLT].

The NLT says, “. . .But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” This means to live in the love of God forever and no one can pluck him out of God’s love [Romans 8:35]. Hebrews 11:6 declares that it is impossible to please God without faith. Faith is the conduit from our soul to the Spirit. The more we activate our faith to reach the Spirit that dwells within us, the more we will conform to the image of Christ and the more we will please God, operate in His will, and the more we kiss His boo-boos.

Next week we’ll talk about stinkin thinkin and grasshoppers.

THE MYSTERY OFGOD'S WILL

Part Three: How Can We Know God’s will?

Probably the second most asked question in Christendom is, “How can we know God’s will?” We have already learned that God’s will for our lives are to preach the Gospel to every living creature and that we conform to the image of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

This week, let’s let God tell us in His own Words what His will is for our lives. Here is a check list for knowing God’s will for our lives.

Salvation
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance [2 Peter 3:9].

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service [John 1:12, 13].

Surrender
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Romans 12:1-2].

Separation
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. . . [1 Thessalonians 4:3a]:

Sincerity
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself [John 7:17].

Search the Scriptures for His will
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths [Proverbs 3:5-6].

Communicate in prayer
  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him [1 John 5:14-15].

Listen to the Holy Spirit leading
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God [Romans 8:14].

Look for God’s guidance in the counsel of others
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety [Proverbs 11:14].

Besides preaching the Gospel, conforming to image of God’s Son, and the previous eight steps to finding the will of God, a person can also know the will of God through His commandments and through other words used to translate the word “will,” one of which is “purpose.”

Here are some commandment Scriptures for you to check if you are interested in the will of God: Deuteronomy 5:7-21; Psalms 32:8; 1 Corinthians 2:15, 16; Ephesians 5:18; Ephesians 6:4; Philippians 2:13, and etc. These and many more commandments illustrate the will of God.

One word in the Bible translated will is the word “purpose.” Check 2 Timothy 1:9. The word purpose in this Scripture means that God set before Himself a plan and begins to work it out. God has a plan for each of those who He calls to His purpose and will.

Last week, we learned that God has a plan for each of our lives [Jeremiah 29:11]. Next week, in the final installment of “The Mystery of God’s Will,” we will learn of His will for our individual lives. You may be surprised.

. . .The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will [Acts 22:14].

THE MYSTERY OF GOD'S WILL

Part Two: Conform to His Image

You’re here reading this blog and you somehow feel lost with no direction. You feel like you have no purpose in life, let alone in God’s Kingdom. Some of you might even be upset with God because you do not feel like He is moving in your life and you can’t seem to feel His presence as much anymore. You’re saying, “Lord, what’s wrong with me? Why are you not using me? Does your will even have a plan for my life?”

You can be rest assured that God does have a plan for your life and the Bible affirms this truth quite succinctly.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future [Jeremiah 29:11 NIV].

Last week, we learned that when we are unsure about our purpose and God’s will for our lives, we can know that there is at least a generic plan for all believers through last week’s Scripture, Mark 16:15. God’s will and plan for all of our lives are not only to preach the Gospel to every living creature, but we are to conform to the image of His Son. We are not to conform to the works of the flesh [Galatians 5:19-21].

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Romans 12:2 KJV].

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified [Romans 8:27-30 KJV].

This begs the questions, “What is the image of God to which we are to conform, and how do we ultimately conform to that image?”

For one, God is a Spirit. . .[John 4:24] and an image is a reflection, a mirror if you will, of the object that you want to duplicate.

Therefore, if God is a Spirit, then we must duplicate the attributes of His image. Galatians 5:22, 23 give us this image and the works of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
We cannot take anyone where we haven’t been. We must be the example for others to follow. How do we renew our minds, duplicate His attributes, and conform to the image of God’s Son? By using the fruit of the Spirit,

. . .let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves [Galatians 5:16 NLT].

THE MYSTERY OF GOD'S WILL

.
Part One: Right or wrong question?

“Lord, what is the purpose and will for my life?”

More times than not, I’ve heard people petition God for the answer to this and similar questions in just such a manner. So many times when people ask these questions, what they are really asking is “What is my purpose in the Kingdom, Lord? What do you have for me to do for the body?”

Either subconsciously or consciously, when we ask those questions, we substitute the pronoun “your” for the pronoun “my,” and it is what we generally mean in terms of sub-text. I have prayed this same prayer.

The question we should be asking is, “I want to follow and bring honor to you, Lord. What is your will for my life that will further the Kingdom of heaven. What can I do for you Lord in these times? Please use me for your purpose.”

God’s Word is replete with Scripture telling us His will for our lives. More times than not we equate our purpose in life with God’s actual will for our lives, which is always tied to kingdom purpose and the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

When we are unsure as to what God’s will for our lives is, I refer you to the last and ongoing commandment that Jesus gave us.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Normally, the last thing that someone tells you is the most important point to them because it will be the one thing that you, the hearer, will more than likely remember.

God’s will has been the subject of many books, so to condense it all into a few paragraphs is quite a challenge. Next week, I will continue on the subject with The Mystery of God’s Will, Part Two: The image of Christ.

Any thoughts? .

BEWARE THE JUDAS’

.

“We shall have world government whether or not we like it. The only question is whether world government will be achieved by conquest or consent [1].”

When I remembered this and given today’s events, the hackles in my throat gagged me, the hair on my neck stood up, and the veins in my neck popped out. I thought to myself, bring it on, this is America…boy. I had to get out of the house and walk it off, So, I headed for my favorite watering hole and sat outside drinking my coffee when God looked into my heart [2]. I was thinking how I was first a Christian but I was also a Patriot. I knew how things were going to end but yet it was very difficult watching all the corruption going on around me.

There was a darned if you do and a darned if you don’t conflict going on in my own soul. I feel like if I do nothing about it, I’d be spitting in God’s eye for not treasuring his gift of America. However, if I did do something about it, I’d still be spitting in God’s eye by going against His Word and plan, and by not leaving things in His hands.

So many are worried, me included, about the end times and Satan’s plan, I.E., government corruption, Agenda 21, disarmament, deficits, debt, socialism, Marxism, communism, czars, murdering citizens, open borders and immigration, naturalization of businesses, socialized healthcare, Benghazi, Libya, and you name it. The list goes on and on and on. There is total out of control corruption, but beware, the worse is yet to come [3]. We are so busy worrying about the enemy’s plan that we speak things into the atmosphere justifying them and then preparing for Satan’s plan [4].

I began asking God for forgiveness for this country for spitting in His eye for the beautiful gift of America and how some were working behind the scenes trying to destroy her [5]. I also prayed for myself for not trusting in Him to handle things. I did my best to pray for our President and that he would see the errors of his ways and turn to the Lord. Is Obama trying to bring things to pass before their time [6]?

This is when the Lord spoke to my heart, “Beware the Judas’. There is a divine harmony in my sovereignty and in man’s responsibility. What is written, will happen said the Lord to me. My Word is sovereign and will not return to me void [7].”

The Lord reminded me of His original plan, which was the Cross, and that man had a responsibility as well. The Cross was always God’s plan and He did not interfere with man’s free will to accomplish it. This was God’s sovereign plan, to forgive man of Adam’s sin in the Garden [8], which He did through the Cross.

Man’s responsibility was to accept, follow Jesus Christ, and to stand for righteousness especially in these last days. Man also had a part in God’s sovereign plan and it made a way for the Cross. Of course, I speak of Judas who sold out Jesus for 30 pcs of silver, and for those who crucified Jesus.

I believe that we should all know about world events and what is happening around us because we are in the world. We are just not of the world [9]. Everything is falling into place for Revelation 13. There is no stopping it. Therefore, there has to be a point where we stop glorifying the enemy’s plan and start glorifying Christ and His return.

There is an unction in my spirit that we should beware the Judas’ alright, but we should be glorifying Christ and His return for His Bride into the atmosphere, not glorifying the enemy’s plan into the atmosphere by worrying and pointing out his plans. Be patient and wait on the Lord. This is the message and teaching of Habakkuk.

The last move of God will be that of prayer. A revival would ensue and could usher in the return of our husband, Jesus Christ. Can you fathom the power of millions of Christians praying on a single focused issue, about Christ, His love, His peace, and His return?

In the meantime, the spirit of Judas is alive and well. Everything happening today is because of Isaac and Ishmael. We are fast approaching Revelation 13, so beware the Judas. Many today have sold out Jesus for their 30 pcs of silver. There will be many people standing in line for their reward of 30 pcs.

Will we be standing in that line, or will we be standing in Jesus’s line waiting for our reward…”from the Tree of Life?” While the world is preparing for the Antichrist, we should be pre-prayering for the return of Jesus.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land [10.

____________________________________________________
[1] Paul Warburg - Architect of the Federal Reserve System - member of the Council on Foreign Relations, in an address to the U.S. Senate, July 17th, 1950.
[2] 1 Samuel 16:7
[3] Matthew 24:21
[4] There is only one plan left that count, the return of Christ for His Bride. Look up and listen for the shofar, our redemption draws nigh.
[5] Shadow government and their minions.
[6] Matthew 8:29, John Calvin’s Verse Commentary: . . .What, then, is the meaning of the phrase, before the time? It means that the reprobate never reckon that the time for punishing them is fully come: for they would willingly delay it from day to day. 2 Any measure of delay, which the Lord is pleased to allow them, is counted gain; and thus by subterfuges they endeavor to avoid his sentence, though the attempt is to no purpose.
[7] Isaiah 55:11
[8] This was the original sin that made man inherit the sin nature. It is through the Cross that Christ forgave mankind of the sin nature.
[9] Colossians 2:20
[10] 2 Chronicles 7:14
.

THE ROAD TO NINEVEH

.

Everybody knows of what happened to Paul on the road to Damascus. We have also heard of the road to Emmaus when Cleopas and his friend didn’t recognize Jesus as He walked with them. However, have we heard about the road to Nineveh?

James Merritt, of Touching Lives Ministries, says it like this: It was God’s will that Jonah went to Nineveh, but he did not want to go, and defiantly headed for Tarshish. Every day each of us visits one of those two cities. Nineveh represents God's will and Tarshish represents our will. When we go to Nineveh, obedience brings blessing…every time. When we decide to go to Tarshish, disobedience brings burdens and bondage…every time.

We decide each day to either follow God’s will or to follow our will. Which city will you visit today? If you choose the former (Nineveh), then it will take a total surrender to Christ, relinquishing and yielding our will to that of the Holy Spirit. How do we do that? It will take a total 100% commitment to

v22 …be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[James 1:22]

God gave us free will so that we could love Him of our own volition. It is our choice.

.