"I Will Break The Pride Of Your Power"

     This is the warning that God gave the ancient nation of Israel should they be rebellious and reject His statutes and commandments, and break His covenant.  This would be the penalty if they turned away from Him to follow after leaders who led them to worship pagan idols; and leaders who abandoned God to increase their own wealth and power; or leaders who neglected God's moral laws to serve their own lusts and flesh.
     You know, I've had good reason to take my eyes off the world stage for the last year or so.  And it was never made clearer than what I've witnessed happening in our own nation in the past couple of months.  The leaders of our country seem to have lost all sense of decorum and legitimacy.  There is no respect for the duly elected President of the United States -- and whether you like him or not, the idea that it is entertainment to promote his beheading or assassination should be repugnant to every law-abiding citizen and person of faith.  The fact that this repulsive image is welcomed by both media and politicians should tell you the rate of the decline of our republic.
     History is said to be a great predictor of the future.  And as a Christian, I am appalled at the state of my nation.  But I also see a clear parallel in the history of ancient Israel and Judah.  The success and well-being of a nation and its citizens is greatly impacted by what kind of men are in leadership roles.  Today, our leaders are more focused on secularism, consumerism, and moral relativism than Jesus's teachings and living by the principles established by God.

     What I am seeing in my country today is no different than what the prophet Isaiah saw during Israel's prosperous reign.  He could just as easily have been speaking to us when he warned, "O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray and confuse the direction of your paths" (Isaiah 3:12). And isn't his admonishment of  “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20) just as appropriate for today?
     Leaders make a difference in the continued survival of their nations, and the Bible records that even the nations favored by God lived or died by the influence and actions of their leaders.  Both Israel and Judah had every advantage from being in close relationship with YHWH, yet their leaders ultimately led them to adopt pagan ways, to worship false gods, and to reject God's commandments.  When looking at a rating chart of the Kings of Israel, it is astonishing to see that from Jeroboam to Hoshea, a matter of 207 years, they were all rated as some degree of Bad.
     The Kings of Judah didn't fare much better.  Although Judah existed for 344 years, the reigns of its kings, from Rehoboam to Zedekiah were rated Bad, Devilish, Worst and Wicked; although six kings attempted to reform the nation and return it to God's ways, receiving a rating of Good.  But, ultimately, the nations of Israel and Judah were both taken into captivity -- with the ten tribes of Israel vanishing into history.  The nation of Judah was resurrected by King Cyrus and it is generally accepted that the descendants of that ancient nation are among the inhabitants of the modern nation of Israel.
     As I look upon the utter chaos that seems to be at the heart of governing leaders today, I want to thunder like Jeremiah, and shout at our misguided and hateful Congress. These are the leaders "who try to make My people forget My name… and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness".  Yes, I know that this nation is a melting pot and we are to respect and help all people try to achieve the "American Dream".  But what I'm seeing now is more like a nightmare! And the fact that everything Christian is excoriated, and the ways of God are ridiculed, warns my spirit that this nation will also pay a penalty for its disobedience to the God who so richly blessed it at its founding.
     I confess that I am embarrassed and ashamed of how the leaders of my country are acting.  It's as if all common sense and decency have left our shores.  The Bible makes it very clear that the nations who obey God will be blessed.  I'm afraid that our leaders have been deceived into thinking it is by their own power and abilities that we have become a prosperous nation. I'm afraid they have forgotten the statutes and commandments of our God who judges between the nations, and either raises them up or destroys them.
     I would advise our leaders to read Leviticus, Chapter 26 and hearken to what God says He will do to a nation that walks contrary to Him.  If He was willing to execute His wrath on His beloved nations of Israel and Judah, what makes our leaders think this nation will be immune?  And, yes, Leviticus is an ancient book of the Old Covenant, but for those of us who know the God of Leviticus to be the same God as today, we regard Him with Awe, Reverence, and an expectation of His Righteous Judgment.  There is a definite spirit of Unrighteous Pride in our nation's capitol and I pray that corrupted minds and hearts will be renewed, so that men's pride in their own power will be broken by contrite and repentant hearts, and this land can once again walk erect with our God.  I know the following Scripture is in vogue these days, but it has never been more true. Please seek His face!

UPDATE:  As evidenced by the violence in Alexandria, VA against members of Congress this morning (June 14), this nation is reaping what it has sowed.  Among our many sins, men have become lovers of self, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, fierce, despisers of those that are good, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. May God have mercy on us and hear our prayers for Godly and righteous leaders!

2 Chronicles 7:14    "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land".   

A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand

     This may seem like a trivial matter to some of you, but for the last couple of months I have been noticing a targeted campaign against Biblical teachers such as Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer.  To be specific, the website Pulpit and Pen, whom I have always found to be passionate about defending our faith, has seemed to put a big old bulls-eye on the forehead of Beth Moore.  For the longest time, I just ignored it as not worthy of my time in reading about some Christian inner-circle spat.  I just wasn't interested in hearsay or theological differences within the Church.  I was much more focused on what the Lord was trying to tell me (or as of late, about pursuing Him because I wasn't hearing from Him). But when the anti-Moore articles began to irritatingly dominate the website, I discerned that maybe this was something I needed to pay attention to.  As it turns out, all the venom directed at Moore, Shirer, and other teachers, coincidentally points a finger at me, too!

     To begin with, it quickly became clear that Pulpit and Pen were actively requesting testimonies from women who had "broken free from Beth Moore".  When looking through several pages of the website (both current and in the recent archives), it was disturbing to find at least one, and sometimes two, such testimonies per page, with the repetitive headline," _____ Breaks Free of Beth Moore: A Testimony".  The site solicited and printed testimonies by Jill, Elizabeth, Pastor Steve, A Pastor's Wife, and many more names that filled in the blank ... all stating that they were breaking free from Beth Moore, and calling her "a false teacher", and sometimes even labeling her a "heretic".
     Since I have encountered several of Moore's studies in various Ladies Bible Study groups that I have been a part of, I was curious about what these people were breaking free from.  The interesting thing was that in most of the testimonies, there were no specifics stated; just a repetition of a mantra-like statement like, "I am finally free of Beth Moore and her dangerous teachings".  In testimony after testimony, I was left asking, Please, tell me what she is teaching that is so false and dangerous?  Is it not spurious to make sure a claim without providing evidence?
     So, I continued with my research, reading more testimonies on Pulpit and Pen, and searching the internet for some clues as to what Beth Moore has done that is causing such an uproar.  And then I found it; it was buried within one long testimony against Beth, which was interwoven with the cruel abuse one woman received at the hands of her mother.  It was verified by a second article on a blog post titled, Two Reasons Why We Do Not Recommend Beth Moore.  Are you ready?
     Reason No. 1:  Beth Moore does not follow the New Testament command for women to be silent in the church.   Reason No. 2:  Beth Moore claims to have extra-Biblical revelations from God.  That is the exact wording of the complaints against this teacher of the Bible.  This second reason was also worded as, "Beth Moore was claiming that God was speaking directly to her outside of the Bible".  All I can say is, I am flabbergasted!  As a woman who takes her service to the Lord very seriously, I am offended that modern-day Christians still think women should be silent in the Church.  I agree with The Christian Bible Reference website, which states: Some of the great leaders and prophets of Israel were women, so God could not have intended to exclude women from spiritual and political leadership. Paul's proclamation of equality and Jesus' willingness to defy convention and accept women into his larger circle of disciples should be the guiding principles rather than the customs of the Roman Empire in the first century. Women took as large a role in the early Church leadership as was allowed by the conventions of that society. 

     By the way, Paul's statement of equality comes from Galatians 3:26-29 ... You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.  We have to look no further than the dynamic spiritual duo of Aquila and Priscilla who, together, "expounded unto him [Apollos] the way of God more accurately".  Her knowledge was equal to that of her husband, and she was not prohibited from presenting Scripture to the young disciple.
     And, of course, we have Phoebe, whom Paul trusts to deliver his epistle to the Roman Church, and  of whom, he writes in Romans 16:1, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a ministrant [servant; deaconess] of the church in Cenchreae". It is obvious that she is no second-class member of the Church. I guess I am more than a little surprised that this argument is being used against Beth Moore by my fellow Christians.
     As to the second reason for which Beth Moore is being excoriated, I guess I am guilty of this "heresy", too.  I understand that the Body of Christ wants to be careful about someone who says they "hear from God".  Instantly, you might be leery of anything they say without checking to see if it lines up with God's Word.  But Moore's critics aren't lodging any specific attacks.  They just don't think God reveals Himself outside the Bible; that the only revelation a Believer can receive is through reading the Word.
     So, then how do they explain the following Scriptures?  John 10:27:  My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me ... Job 33:14:  For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it ... Jeremiah 33:3:  Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known ...  John 16:13:  But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.  Whether Old or New Testament, God's character and nature do not change. He speaks to His creation, and we can hear Him if we have that close, personal relationship with Him.
     The Truth is that God speaks to us in many ways .... yes, most assuredly through His Word; but also through prayer, through others, through the Holy Spirit, and through that "still, small voice" that Elijah heard during his darkest hour.  To condemn Beth Moore because she says she has heard "God's voice" is like the Pharisees telling Jesus that He was casting out demons by Satan.  Show me where Beth Moore has taught an un-Biblical Jesus; where she has denied His Deity or distorted His Message.
     Perhaps my fellow Christians who are so ready to condemn her are so scared of being deceived that they don't know how to recognize God's voice.  Perhaps they see God as distant and removed, not wanting to interact with us and only visible through His Word.  That is not the God I have experienced.
     But I think the most tragic aspect of this character assassination of teachers like Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer is that it seems the perfect ploy by Satan to divide the Body of Christ.  When Christians are so willing to attack each other over things that are not central to the Kingdom Message of Jesus Christ (repentance for forgiveness of sins; Jesus's atoning death at the Cross; our Commission to bring Heaven to Earth), then all we're doing is winning the devil's battle plan for him.
     In an article he wrote, Christian writer Jack Wellman said, "By doing this in full view of non-believers, we shame the reputation of Christ.  We are redeemed, but many times we don’t live like the redeemed and we don’t reflect the Redeemer.  Gandhi once said that 'I love your Christ…it is your Christians that I don’t like very much.' ".  Sadly, at times like these, I agree with him.
     Jesus said that a house divided cannot stand…and Christians are sometimes divided over issues that are not central to the Kingdom and the Cross.  The Body of Christ should not be divided against itself, yet many times we are attacking each other over beliefs, or any belief, that differs from ours.  Remember, we are a "Body" ... the toes differ from the fingers, and have different assignments; the arms and the legs are given different responsibilities -- different tasks but all working together for the good of the body.
     The bottom line is this ... this kind of vitriol and attack is not representative of God's love indwelling the Believer.  We were given the Armor of God to fight off the Enemy -- not each other.  Righteousness and the Word should not become weapons to be used against our fellow Christians.  And the way I see it, this accusation of "false teacher" is so weak that Satan is laughing at how easy it was to get us to start throwing his fiery darts at each other. May the Body of Christ quit listening to the lies of the Enemy, stand in unity, and go forth to battle the real enemy!

Romans 14:10    “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

Romans 15:7          “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Even The Desert Can Begin To Bloom Again

     No, I have not picked up the baton to re-enter an exhausting race of scheduled deadlines and compulsory tasks.  I have actually been enjoying the freedom of spending as much time as I want --  any time I want -- with God and listening to what He might have to impart to me. I hadn't realized just how quiet He had been until I stopped my tasks in this physical world to spend time in the spiritual world.  And I can tell you that I don't like the silence.  But I now know the truth behind His instruction to "Be still".  How can I know Him if I am not devoting every cell in my body to experience Him?
     I have learned so much in just a few short days.  I learned how lonely it can be to be out of the presence of God... to be in that proverbial desert; thirsty and alone and wandering.  My prayers seemed to hit some invisible wall and bounce back to me, unopened and unanswered.  I searched my heart for some forgotten sin, and even scheduled a subsequent Deliverance Session to see what might be blocking my intimacy with my Father.  That took care of some areas that needed God's Light shined on them, and I received freedom and restoration.  But I knew that there was still some aspect that I couldn't identify that was keeping me separated from God.
     I knew it wasn't a matter of reading my Bible more, or praying more, or bearing more fruit. I had all that covered, but somehow things were different between Him and me. I had forgotten that God didn't need me to do things FOR Him.  He just desires me to be WITH Him.  I had forgotten that He created me to have a special, intimate relationship with Him; a relationship that none of the rest of His creation enjoys. I had forgotten to include Him in all the work I was doing for Him.  I had gotten quite competent in preparing to teach at our Home Church; I was passionate about what I wanted to share with you in my blog postings; and I was becoming increasingly comfortable with our model of Deliverance, which relies on hearing from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. But I had to ask myself if I was still in awe of Their Presence in the lives of the precious people who came to us for inner healing, or if I was taking Jesus and the Holy Spirit for granted?

     Was I still relying on God for every aspect of my service to His Kingdom, or was I thinking I had graduated to the point where I could do it on my own? Why would I ever think I could let go of the Lord's hand and navigate any of this by myself?  Was I so full of pride that I quit listening for His direction and guidance?  Did I think, "God, just be on stand-by.  If I need you, I'll call you" .... and then expected Him to be there?!?!
     I honestly don't know if I am guilty of these things, but they are the self-examining thoughts I've had over the last several days, and the fact that I can't give a resounding "No!" to any of the charges has given me serious pause. And I have to admit that I'm not proud of that doubtfulness.  But I have made some changes in my life, and put God back where He belongs ... as the Priority in my life.  In fact, I have let some "worldly" things slide.  My fleshly obligations begin much later in the day, as I make the effort to slow down my pace and try to visit in the spirit with my Heavenly Father each morning.  I've got to admit, it was painful the first couple of mornings, because I still felt His absence.  But I pressed in, knowing He was there ... maybe just out of my sight and reach, but still there.
     Then this morning, He turned His face towards me! The drought is beginning to lift!  I still have a ways to go, but I am sensing renewal.  In a moment of stillness, I sought Him and He made His presence known!  I could give you a description of the personal images that I saw, but they are unique to me and my life.  But I want you to know that there is a very real realm where God exists and rules, and it is different than what we experience here on earth.
     Colossians 1:16 says that all things are created by Him, both visible and invisible. We see evidence of Him in this physical world ... the miracle of childbirth; a spectacular sunset; the stars in the sky, and the order of the seasons.  But I urge you to seek Him in the invisible realm; that place where your spirit resides alongside Jesus (Ephesians 2:6).  You don't have to settle for just talking to Him in your prayers -- your spirit can see Him, and walk with Him, and talk with Him in the Heavenly places.
     And I know this sounds like crazy talk to many of you, because it is a concept that you've probably never heard in the traditional Church.  But the God that spoke to Abraham and to Moses and to Noah, Joshua, Samuel, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and a host of prophets and people down through the ages is the same God that can [and will] speak to you.  He still inspires and instructs and expresses His love, disappointment, and mercy in the same way as He's done from the beginning.  He is our Immutable God; the God who never changes.  Never doubt that He wants to interact with you.  And don't be like me ... when you are aware of His silence, don't waste a minute to put everything else on hold so you can stop and listen for His footstep, or the faint sound of His voice.  And when you hear it, you run towards Him and call out His Name!  Get somewhere quiet, close your eyes and shut out this world.  Then listen for the sound of Him turning towards you, and let your spirit be free to hear His voice and feel what it's like to rest in the arms of our loving Father.
     This is perhaps one of the most difficult things to write about; to describe what it is like to be, as the Apostle John says in Revelation 4, "Immediately, I was in the spirit". And I don't want to diminish its importance by making it sound make-believe, or fantastical.  I just want to leave you with this encouraging thought ... if you feel like you're in the desert or the wilderness -- anywhere that God is conspicuously absent -- it's not because He's abandoned you.  Examine your life and see if you have made time for Him.  If you discover that you have let this world control you, stop in your tracks, and make the necessary changes to make Him the Lord of your life and your primary concern each and every day. Then be prepared for some extraordinary, out-of-this-world experiences as you enjoy a  closeness and familiarity with your Creator and Father.  Our times spent in the desert do not need to become habitations for doubt and detachment from God. Rather experience them, as I am doing, as places for deep spiritual renewal. Meet with Him, and watch your desert begin to bloom.

Isaiah 35:7    The scorched land will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; In the haunt of jackals, its resting place, Grass becomes reeds and rushes.



  

He Makes Me Lie Down....

     I can no longer ignore the signs that I have to make some changes... and it is has been difficult to decide exactly where those changes need to be made.  The long and short of it is that my health has begun to suffer from the stress of trying to meet all the obligations I feel that I must do to be effective in my service to the Lord. Please... I am not complaining!  It is a blessing to be given the opportunity to reach people for the Kingdom of God, and I can think of no higher calling upon my life.
     But I am being forced to admit that between writing this blog, the increasing demands for deliverance, the discipling/Bible studies with individuals, our Home Church, and being involved with a committed group of Believers who are dedicated to living out the Great Commission in ALL of its aspects (and changing our community).... that something's gotta give.

     I have fought a growing sense of being stretched too thin ... and was successful for awhile.  My first assignment from the Lord was this blog, and I have enjoyed hearing from Jesus and the Holy Spirit and then sharing the journey they are taking me on.  Then God brought our Deliverance Ministry to me and Mark, and there is nothing that feeds my spirit more than to see people receive freedom from the Enemy's bondage.  And that has led to continued discipling throughout each week of those who have been blessedly set free.
     Our Home Church only meets once a month, but these people are so precious to me. When I see how far we have come together in renewing our minds; and the progress that individuals have made in determining their own theology -- and then acting on it -- both Mark and I are inspired to continue growing with this amazing group of people.  The time spent on preparation [and in fellowship] fills my spirit with hope and joy.
     And now God has called us to a new endeavor; to actually live out the Great Commission: beginning with healing the sick, as Jesus repeatedly modeled for us and commanded us to do in Matthew 28 and Mark 16.  This involves an in-depth weekly study and association with a small core group who seek to be true disciples of our Lord, in the hopes that we can change our community, and then spread the Gospel Message of the Kingdom in ever-widening spheres.
      But I can no longer disregard that all this work for the Lord is taking its toll.  And needless to say, there is a considerable amount of guilt that comes with a decision of what to curtail, and to what extent I must reduce an activity.  And it should go without saying that my time spent meeting the needs of my husband is a priority, along with wanting to help him with his business.  But how do you say "No", to the Lord?  But then my wise husband pointed out that I am always trying to meet some timeframe or deadline, and I need to ask the Lord what to do.  That's when I came across the following Scripture: (Mark 6:31) He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while”—for there were many [people who were continually] coming and going, and they could not even find time to eat.  (That describes my life more than I want to admit).
     I instantly felt a burden being released ... it's okay to step back and admit that you can't do it all; that you need a period of rest so that you can still do your best and enjoy it. It doesn't mean you are failing Him.  Even Jesus needed to dial it back once in awhile so He didn't burn Himself out. If we pay close attention to the Scriptures, we can see Him going to the wilderness or up on a mountain for some quiet time with the Father and some time away from the turmoil of His life.
     So, it's okay to admit that, at the moment, I feel pulled in too many directions and my spirit is feeling undernourished.  It does the Kingdom no good if my strength is diminished, or I'm too busy to hear God's still, quiet voice.  And lately, I've been feeling too much like Martha, who was worried and upset about meeting her obligations, that she didn't take the time [like her sister, Mary] to rest at the feet of Jesus and listen to what He had to say to her.
     I realize that I have been missing those glimpses of Jesus that I used to have [and make time for].  My spirit is hungry to regain those intimate moments of rest with Him.  So I have to intentionally make the time, and like I said ... something's gotta give.  This blog was the first stepping stone in my walk with Jesus, and it is not time to leave this path. BUT, I believe it is time to re-allocate some of the deadlines associated with it to another of the tasks He has assigned to me.  I will still maintain and write for this blog, but it may only be once or twice a week -- or whenever the Holy Spirit whispers in my ear.  I simply need to remove the stress that comes with meeting self-determined deadlines.
     And, maybe, Jesus is trying to tell me that I've said enough about Deliverance, Discipling, Healing, and advancing the Kingdom... and now I need to put my time and effort into DOING IT.  Then again, wouldn't it make the devil extremely happy if I just shut up about it all?  I don't think Jesus wants that, either.  So, for now, I am going to let Him be my True Shepherd... I'm going to let Him make me lie down in green pastures, lead me beside still waters, and restore my soul.
     I know He still has things He will want me to share with you as I continue my life's journey with Him. But I will let Him name the deadline and follow His lead.  I hope you will continue to check in on this blog, and I hope you will be both surprised and pleased when I have something new to say.  Thank you for remaining loyal, for understanding, and for taking this blessed pilgrimage with me.  We aren't done, and this relationship isn't over, by far -- when Jesus reveals something new about Himself, or the Holy Spirit whispers a message from Heaven, you'll be the first to know.  God bless you, and I remain in His Power and Love!

Matthew 11:28    "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest". 

John 21:25

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were recorded one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

     I find it very interesting that so many of both historical and contemporary commentaries wish to label this verse a hyperbole.  Why is it so difficult to assume that this statement by the Apostle John is literal and true, rather than an exaggeration or embellishment? There was no need for John to further magnify the things Jesus did... John had already testified to Jesus being Deity; turning water into wine; healing the man at the Pool of Bethsaida; the resurrection of Lazarus; and the Empty Tomb, among many other miracles.  These all established John's claim that Jesus was who He said He was: the Son of God, and the Messiah.

     And it is the point that this verse refers to the Lord's miracles that I want to address in today's blog.  John is not talking about Jesus's doctrines and discourses, His sermons and prayers, His parables, or all the conversations He had with His disciples. John is specifically referring to the signs, and wonders, and attesting miracles done by Jesus that have not been recorded in the writings of the Apostles or by any other witnesses of Jesus's works.

     I can say that because John 21:25 is affirming what John said in the last verses of Chapter 20: There are also many other signs (attesting miracles) that Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book... John then gives the purpose for why he wrote this Gospel: but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name. 

     I understand the point John wanted to make; the signs, wonders, and miracles that were written were proof enough that Jesus was who He said He was.  The prophets had long ago prophesied that the Messiah "would open the eyes of the blind; that the ears of the deaf would be unstopped; the lame would leap like deer; and the tongue of the mute would shout for joy" (Isaiah 35:5-6).  Jesus's miracles mentioned in the Bible fulfill those promises.

    But John is going even further than that!  He is stating that there were so many MORE miracles that Jesus did, that the world couldn't take them all in.  Have you considered that John was also implying that there would not be enough Scribes in the world to write them? Or that there would be so many miracles to be written that the world would be overloaded with them, and men could never read them all? Instead, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God has decided to reveal enough of these miracles to certify Jesus's Incarnation, His obedience as the Son of God, His suffering, death and resurrection, followed by His ascension to sit at the right hand of God, the Father.

     So, let me present the quandary I find myself in .... the Western Church accepts that Jesus came as God in the flesh, suffered and died on the Cross, rose and ascended to Heaven as our Mediator, right? And they believe the Bible when it says that Abraham's descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the seashore; but they are not willing to accept that He performed so many miracles every day that it would be impossible to record them all.  

     Not only does the cynical 21st Century Western mind find it difficult to embrace so many miracles, they are unable to see the bigger Truth: the amount of miracles that were recorded should be sufficient enough to direct our faith, and regulate our practice of them, ourselves.  How can we ignore Jesus telling us to "believe because of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do." 

     His doctrines, prayers, and suffering do not qualify as His "works".  Jesus is talking about the miracles of laying hands on people and healing them; using the power of God through the Holy Spirit to cast out demons; and He is even talking about raising the dead, just as He did! 

     The modern world discounts these miracles as being for today.  They reject them, and despise them as the foolishness and deception of false teachers,  Jesus did so many of them that we can't even imagine the number. Then He told us to do them for the same reason He did; to attest to the power of God [in the Believer] to affect this world for the Kingdom.  Why is the Church so willing to accept that everything else is possible that Jesus commanded us to do ... love God with all our heart; love our neighbor as ourself; feed the poor; etc ... but think that His commandments to heal and deliver people from bondage is impossible?  Everything that Jesus did should embody our belief system! His life is the perfect model for our theology! 

     It's really very simple ... each member of the Body of Christ needs to determine [for themselves] whether they are going to completely believe Him and follow Him.  God's Word is His Truth.  You either believe it or you don't ... and that means all of it.  It is not necessary to know of the multitudes of miracles Jesus performed. The Bible makes it very clear what He did and that He commanded us to do the same.  Now all we have to do is rid ourselves of our sacred cows, our false theology, our doctrinal biases, the misguidance of the Church .... seek the Lord and His Kingdom and obey Him. 

Why Are We Fighting Each Other?

     There are times when I think that I should just turn this blog over to you readers -- the comments you make are so intelligent, inspired, and perceptive that I wonder if you are getting a download straight from Heaven.  And it becomes obvious that what I am seeing and experiencing within the Body of Christ -- and the renewing of my mind as I discern new understanding in the Bible -- is a shared occurrence with many of you.
      Yet, as I rejoice over this common spiritual direction, I have also offended some who find my mentioning teachers and leaders outside their comfort zone as grounds to quit reading this blog.  That is certainly their choice and we all have to decide for ourselves what we think the Bible is teaching us.  Not every voice out there is going to be 100% accepted by all. In fact, our theology can be both an encouragement and a stumbling block in relating to our fellow Christians.

     On that note, I find it disheartening that our disagreements on theology tend to divide us.  Why should that be so?  It's as if we Christians are forming a circular firing squad and shooting at each other, not realizing that the only one who wins that battle is the devil.  It's as if everybody is trying to prove that their doctrine is the correct one; judging the one who thinks differently as coloring outside the lines.  I get it!  Everybody is trying to defend the Church -- but nobody is looking to see who is bearing fruit for the Kingdom! And it's beginning to look [to me, at least] as if those who have stepped outside those colored lines are the ones producing the most fruit; the ones who are willing to follow the radical commandments of Jesus just the way He taught them -- and not according to the way they have been redefined according to man's traditions.
     And so, I want to share a couple of comments from readers who are expressing this even better than I can.  I don't get too many comments on what I write, so most of you may not even bother to read them, but these were articulated so well, I think you will benefit from their insight ....
     One reader wrote:  This one should ring true for anyone trying to claw their way from organized, weak and mainstream Christianity. I've noticed that there is a very interesting paradigm that happens when someone wishes to push on the boundaries of the box. First, those with common theological views will align quickly against those wanting to search out a matter. Secondly, those from that theological group will not only lose all aspects of "loving Christianity", but they will not stop until you are physically gone or removed! This is scary stuff, because we are warned of brother turning against brother by Jesus, Himself. His reference is to the thing He's ushering in called "Christianity".
     These so called "Believers", acting as they do, seem to me to be something other than Christians. If it walks like persecution [and talks like persecution]... maybe its persecution! We've been conditioned for so long to look for persecution from outside the Church that we aren't ready as Believers when it comes calling from the nice soccer mom or dad whose superficial and basic understanding of the Scriptures is "enough" for them and should be all you need based on their theological views. In their little Christian tribe, your view is deception and eventual damnation! Got it! The frustating part is all this will end up in the Leadership's lap and the primary motivation will be to shut all the disharmony down as quickly as possible. 
     Those with intentions of deep diving or digging in to really find out what kind of God this is we serve are always going to be a problem for the doctrinally weak-minded. I've been wounded by leadership so many times that I'm immune to their venom! Maybe that's what Jesus meant when He said "we will pick up serpents and no poison will harm us".  I say we better start to thicken our skin with these smaller thinkers and learn to hold our ground. Maybe defending the faith is more than meets the eye. Who would have thought we would need to contend for the faith against a tribe of Believers? I, for one, am done being bullied by church believers who are scared of digging into a concept that is a bit beyond the seminary canned view!!
     Another wrote:  On the ride to work this morning, I told my neighbor about my experience over the last few days listening through the Divine Healing Training (DHT) videos from Curry Blake (which I finished last night). I described wrestling through the subject of divine healing [that] I grapple with every few years, and how "a friend" suggested I watch the videos. I described my willingness to rely on the Holy Spirit inside me to guide me through the subject and that I don't need to be afraid of the sacred cows you mentioned. 
     He didn't have much to say except, "My dad is in that camp." Sometimes the Church's camps baffle me, but then I realize our fleshly nature[is] to surround ourselves with other like-minded believers. They can be helpful as we learn to digest new milk, but crippling when we neglect a balanced diet.
     The Church "IS ONE," something I often forget when not looking through spiritual eyes. For those who take on the calling we've all been commanded to do – to go make disciples – it's pure eternal joy to see the spiritual and doctrinal scales fall off believers as their paradigms shift from old to new.
     I'm grateful for teachers like Chuck Missler who've challenged me to be a Berean and a king who seeks out a matter. Thank YOU for your exhortation and encouragement... and the inspiration to move from milk (the study of doctrine) to meat (the doing of our doctrine). May God continue to heal spiritual infirmities through you.
     Just for the record, I am no one special; no different from any other Christian who realizes that there is more of our God than we know, and we want all of Him.  I am just willing to air the questions I have had, and share the struggles in my journey -- they are no different than others' walks with the Lord, as evidenced by the aforementioned comments.  And there is nothing I enjoy more than "iron sharpening iron" when it comes to "searching out a matter" that pertains to our King!  But I do not understand why we constantly fight each other, when we could join forces to fight our common enemy! Can't we see his scheme of trying to convince each of us that the other is deceived?  We get so focused on winning that we get caught in the vortex of that circular (spinning) firing squad that we don't even notice that no one is advancing in the Kingdom! We're only digging a circular grave of wounded Christians!
     Of course, if someone is trying to teach unbiblical doctrine, then we must lovingly reprove them and show them (in Scripture) where they are mistaken.  But if it is a difference in Biblical interpretation of Scripture (and not revision of God's Truth), can we just agree to disagree?  After all,  Peter and Paul had their differences but they ultimately came to agreement so that the Body of Christ could grow and flourish in Truth and Action.  Let us quit condemning each other over doctrine, and seek to understand each others' hearts.  May the Holy Spirit move in the Church as He did in the First Century!

Galatians 5:15   "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another".




 

How Thirsty Are You?

     I guess this could be considered a continuation of yesterday's post; a follow-up question to all who are earnestly seeking God, Are you thirsty for Him, and do you hunger for Him? And how much of Him do you want? I can only answer for myself, and my response is that I want all of Him that I can get!
     But what does that look like, and do I even have a clue of what He's offering?  Have my thoughts and ideas of my Father in Heaven been so colored by the traditions of men, that I have a limited view of Him?  To be sure, it is difficult for men to fully know God.  In fact, Jesus made it clear in Matthew 11:27 that no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son [deliberately] wills [or chooses] to reveal Him. That should make more than a few of us nervous!  Will I ever get to really know God, and how do I make sure Jesus decides to reveal Him to me?
     Most of us have enough of a Church experience to be familiar with all the ways that we've been taught to seek and know God ... prayer; true repentance from our hearts; praise and worship; assembling together so that He can be demonstrated in the Body of Christ.  But in this age of explosive communication, we find other opportunities being encouraged.  There are multitudes of pastors, theologians, Christian authors, and self-declared prophets who are willing to tell you how to gain a more intimate knowledge of God through their online teachings, websites, podcasts, books, DVDs, and yes, even blogs.
     I am not saying that there isn't good, Biblical exegesis (critical explanation or interpretation of Scripture) coming from these sources. But Jesus expounds upon His statement in Matthew 11, by thanking the Father for having "hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children".  And He further says to "Come to Me... learn from Me".
     I have never proclaimed to have the answers, and I hope it is well understood that I am expressing my own thoughts and my own journey. But I am here, today, to share that I am exceedingly thirsty for God, the Father; for Jesus; and for the Holy Spirit! I am unsatisfied with the measure I have of them, and I want more!  I want what the Believers in Acts had, and it makes me sad to say this, but I haven't been able to find that in the 30 years since I asked Him into my heart. And until the past few years or so, I didn't even know I was missing anything!
     But I believe that Jesus is now deliberately choosing to reveal the Father to me, although in no way do I have a complete picture of the fullness of His nature and character.  I am beginning to see and experience glimpses of Him; and it is making me thirst for more!  And as I read Jesus's words, I know that my journey is just beginning ... Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6) .... Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink (John 7:37) .... And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price [that is free] (Revelation 22:17).

     It is so obvious to me that I am not satisfied; that my spirit is showing me that the gifts the Bible tells me are available to me are not only real, but they can be mine if I will just "Come to Him and drink from His well of living water".  And I think that means I must come to Him as a child; without the inhibitions and rules and barriers that have constructed a wall between me and Him. I think it means that I don't have to settle for the little shivers down my spine which give me affirmation that I am in sync with the Holy Spirit, but that it's okay to want and expect to be actually filled with the Holy Spirit until my thirst is quenched and I become "a well of water springing up to eternal life" (John 4:14) and "from my innermost being will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38) .  
     Just picture what that looks like ... every cell in your body pumping the living water that flows from a heart seeking and thirsting for God -- and that water overflowing in your life, to be shared with other Believers and to provide water for the Lost of the world, who are dying from their thirst. 
     I have to admit that it's a little scary to ask for the fullness of God, because to experience the immensity of His power and love will be something my flesh cannot contain. But it's even scarier for my soul and spirit to stop desiring and reaching for it. Only He can quench this thirst through an encounter with Him! And I am not content to remain unfilled; to stay where it is comfortable and safe; nor to remain quiet.  I am ready to pursue my God with the boldness that my maturity brings, and with the anticipation and innocence of a trusting child. How long it will take, I cannot say.  But I do know this: I will not hold back in my pursuit of Him, and I am willing to receive all that He has for me. I will not be satisfied until my thirst is quenched and I have met Him at the well!

Psalm 63:1   "O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water".

Beware Of The Fear Of Deception!

     If I had to name one thing that keeps today's Christians from receiving more of God's revelation for this time, it would be the fear of deception. It's as if the Church is stuck on what Jesus had to say in Matthew 24:11, Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. It's as if any unfamiliar idea or new revelation is met with automatic skepticism because it might be a lie from Satan.
     I agree that we must be discerning about what is taught or spoken when introduced to new concepts in the Bible, or to a different theology.  But if we are good Bereans, as Paul instructs us to be, then we would be "receiving the word with all readiness of mind, and searching the Scriptures daily, [to determine] whether those things be so" (Acts 17:11). If we do this, then the chances of being deceived are actually quite small.  We might have differences of opinion, but we could agree on the possibility of Scriptural veracity and various viewpoints.

     But here's what usually happens ... the two aspects of Paul's exhortation are not met.  First, there is no "readiness of mind", which means having an open mind; being willing and eager to consider new ideas.  Secondly, that readiness needs to extend to being willing to actually search the Bible to see if the new idea can be supported by Scripture.  If it cannot, then it is easily repudiated and declared false.  But oftentimes, Christians are so afraid of being deceived by the devil (or false teachings) that they cling to their religious traditions, which if thoroughly examined, often turn out to be traditions of men.  I'm often left wondering just how many Christians actually know or read their Bibles?!?
     Christians are so afraid of receiving misinformation that they have a knee-jerk reaction of being offended when presented with anything that is outside their familiar theological boundaries.  Subjects like Signs and Wonders for this age; or considering the Hebrew roots of our faith; or the existence of demons and spiritual warfare are condemned as un-Biblical and unauthorized subjects/teachings in many Church buildings. But where is the sense of the mystery of the Bible and the desire to seek a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of God?
     The minute that I think I can't learn anything new about Him, then I know my walk of faith has been stunted.  I honestly believe that sometimes our spirits can detect a new revelation before our minds are able to catch up.  Haven't you ever felt a rush or a quickening when reading a familiar verse, and you know that you are on the verge of a breakthrough to new understanding? After all, it is the Holy Spirit within us who is communicating with our spirit, which, I believe, is ready to receive great things from God.  But if I let my mind filter out everything that wasn't on familiar ground, and reject it without Scriptural verification, then I'm just being religious.  And isn't that what the Pharisees did when they rejected Jesus?
      Remember, the Bible tells us to renew our minds, not keep them under lock and key to religious traditions.  It makes sense that only what I don't understand, but am willing and eager to investigate, is positioned to renew my mind. If we could train ourselves to actually seek the voice and presence of the Lord, we would stop being so paranoid about being deceived by the things we can’t explain. Sadly, it has been my experience that those who use their natural mind to protect themselves from deception are the most vulnerable to being deceived. They choose to rely on their own understanding and reason to keep them safe from false teachings, which is in itself a deception. (Remember that Proverbs 3 tells us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding). Instead, they warn about the dangers of new revelations, cling to their traditional explanations, and criticize those who long for more.
     But here's what we all need to comprehend ... the Holy Spirit counsels our hearts, which can grasp things our minds cannot.  It is what rises up out of our hearts that influences our minds.  True Faith does not come from our understanding. It comes from the heart. We do not believe because we understand; we understand because we believe. And those Christians who have a heart to seek a greater understanding of God should not be forced to bring the level of their Biblical understanding down to accommodate those unwilling to go beyond their comfort zone.  And we must not forget that we are called to mature and grow in our faith and understanding -- God wants us to move from spiritual milk to solid foods and the meat of His Gospel message!
     Proverbs 25:2 is fast becoming my new favorite Bible verse: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. People, our God sees us as kings and priests!  And our "royal-ness" never shines brighter than when we pursue hidden things with the confidence that we have legal access to search for them. The mysteries of God are our inheritance!  And the Body of Christ is enriched when one of us can share some new Scriptural treasure that God has revealed to us.  After all, I hope we aren't so arrogant as to think that there is nothing new to learn from Scripture, or that we know all there is to know about God. So let's not deny those among the Body who are eager to discover new Truths in the Bible. Disagree, in love, if you must.  But do not put a limit on the Glory of God or His revelations.

Colossians 2:2    "... that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ..."
   

John 15:23

Greater love has no one than this, 

that someone lay down his life for his friends.

     This weekend the nation will be remembering those who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we, the people of the United States, could continue to live in peace and prosperity. It should be a very sobering day, and one that should be commemorated down through our generations. My own father served in WW II, and I have had the privilege to serve those who have served us through a ministry at one of the Fisher Houses at Fort Sam Houston.  Those who have gone before us [and paid a price] should never be forgotten.  

     I hope that everyone honors Memorial Day for what it really is: a day to remember and commemorate the people and events of our history.  And in context of the Bible, the meaning of the Hebrew word for memorial is actually “to remember.”  And God makes it very clear that He feels memorials serve a valuable purpose: to remind us of all He has done for us. 

      One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Joshua 4:1-24.  The Lord was finally delivering His People into their inheritance, and had appointed Joshua to lead the tribes of Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Joshua was given very specific directions ... have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people into the Jordan, and God would stop the flow of the river (which always overflowed its banks during this harvest time).  The priests were to stop on this dry ground, in the midst of the Jordan, while the people of Israel passed to the opposite shore.  

     Then the Lord instructed Joshua to send one man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel to where the priests were standing, and to gather a rock from the riverbed. They were to bring them back to where the people were lodging on the west bank.  The purpose for these 12 stones was very important to God: "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever."

     This very visible memorial would be a reminder to all future generations that the Lord of all the earth had delivered them out of the land of Egypt and into the Land that had been promised to their ancestor, Abraham.  The memorial of stones would cause each succeeding generation to ask of their meaning. and then be reminded of all that the Lord of all the earth had done for them.  It would be a lasting reminder and memorial forever of the goodness of God.

     But I love it that Joshua, himself, also erected a memorial in the middle of the Jordan, where the feet of the priests stood in the dry riverbed.  Perhaps he wanted to offer a personal memorial to God, separate from the corporate one that would be erected on the west bank of the Jordan.  But I think there is a much more consequential meaning to Joshua's actions.  We must take note that once the priests continued with the Ark of the Covenant and set their feet upon dry ground on the opposite bank, the waters of the Jordan were released and this memorial was buried under the raging waters, never to be seen by anyone.  Is there significance to this memorial, as well? 

      Perhaps we can glean some meaning from the waters of the Jordan as being symbolic of judgment, just as the waters of The Flood condemned all corrupted flesh in Genesis 6; and the waters of the Red Sea buried the Egyptians; and Jonah was buried under the waters during his own judgment.  Then there is Hosea 5:6, when God says, "I will pour out my wrath on them like water".

     If this is interpretation is a possibility, what is the difference between the two memorials?  Why is one established in the Promised Land, and one is buried under the Jordan River?  If water is judgment, then it makes sense to me that the memorial on the west bank is a picture of being saved from the waters of Judgment.  The Ark of the LORD, which typologically points to Christ, stood in the midst of the Jordan, holding back the waters and allowing the stones to be brought up and erected on the shore as a memorial and sign of God's Deliverance.

     But the other memorial of stones was covered by the Jordan. They cannot be a sign because they cannot be seen.  Those stones are a warning! It was Joshua alone (whose name means YHWH is Salvation) who did the work of setting up the twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan.  It is not only Joshua's name that points to Jesus, but his actions. Jesus is the judge of the living and the dead.  Those 12 stones are a warning about death and judgment!  If people do not repent and trust in Jesus, they remain in the miry clay of a river— and that river will overflow in judgment at death.

     Those 12 stones represent the unredeemed, who have rejected Jesus and are buried in death by the righteous judgment of God… “and they are there to this day”.  But here is the really sad part... they will never be seen or inquired about. They were quickly forgotten and there would be no evidence of them for the rest of eternity.

    As we celebrate the Memorial Day established by this nation, it is my prayer that we would share our own memories of what the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ has done in our individual lives. Don't let the unsaved think they are safe on whatever dry ground they are standing upon. Tell them how they can be saved from the waters of judgment.  Tell them how, through the work of Jesus in saving and sanctifying them, they can be a memorial stone of remembrance of God’s goodness and saving grace.  Let this Memorial Day mark a new remembrance of the work of the Lord in our nation. 

     

     

The Power Of Obedience In A Believer's Life

      I have been sitting here, just ruminating on all the experiences that have come my way over the last week or two.  And I'm seeing God working in so many ways, taking people in new directions and broadening their understanding of His Word.  It is absolutely exhilarating!
     I am seeing Believers who are willing to walk out their faith in ways that make them uncomfortable.  They are willing to challenge the Church's "sacred cows of theology" to discover whether they are actually Biblical or not. And if the teachings prove to be false, they are making the decision to let the Holy Spirit guide them into new truths from the Father. And speaking of "new truths", Christians are actually discovering old truths in a new light.  It's as if they are seeing the Bible for the first time, and uncovering fundamental facts that have been hidden through centuries of false doctrine.  These are facts and concepts that have never been taught as part of their denominational belief system, and it is awakening their spirits with a hunger for more knowledge of God.

     Believers who have been told (or taught) that signs and wonders, mighty works of God, and miracles are no longer for the Church are searching Scripture to verify that claim.  They are willing to look at the Word to see if the spiritual gifts are for today; or to determine just what is expected of us after they read that Jesus gave us authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the Enemy. The Body of Christ is rediscovering that mankind's dominion over the earth [which was established in Genesis] has been restored through Jesus's resurrection and defeat of Death.  People aren't afraid to ask questions like "Is God really in control of everything"?  Or, "Were Healing and the Prophetic Gifts lost when the Canon closed"?  Or, "Can Christians be demonized"? -- and then to search out the answers by actually going to Scripture, instead of relying on someone else's  opinion!
     I have been blessed to be in the company of people who are willing to take a fresh look at the Great Commission (in Matthew 28 and Mark 16), and to see the exact commands coming from our Lord's own mouth. Unlike the accepted doctrine of the Church that the Great Commission is to spread the message of salvation through Christ's death on the cross (and the forgiveness of our sins), Jesus didn't actually make that message His focal point.  Although that particular theme is correct, that wasn't what He commanded the Apostles (or us) to do. He said to baptize in His Name, cast out demons, heal the sick, and spread the Gospel of the Kingdom [that these things are to be done "on earth as it is in Heaven"].  We are to be seeing signs like people speaking in tongues, and drinking poison and being unharmed.  We are to do these things, and expect these signs.  Anything less is a product of Unbelief!
     So, I am excited to be involved with people who want to obey the Word of the Lord because they love Him.  It's really as simple as that.  I have been in the midst of people who believe Jesus when He says He came to set the captives free, and they are willing to co-labor with Him and the Holy Spirit to make that happen. These are people who are dedicating their lives [and livelihood] to spend hours ministering to people's inner wounds that keep them in bondage to Satan's schemes and deception.  The things of this world have begun to look dull and useless to them, while the opportunity to participate with Jesus in freeing someone from the Enemy's clutches is worth more than gold.
     But I have to tell you that it requires obedience to step outside the comfort zone of what the Church has established as "acceptable".  Obedience is a willful act and it is the fruit of your decision to honor Jesus as your Authority.  Not that I don't honor the position of Pastor and Teacher and Prophet, or the teachings of Biblical scholars and theologians.  But my Ultimate Authority is Jesus Christ and what His Word tells me. All that Christ did in His life on earth was done according to the Scriptures, and He did it in obedience to His Father who established the Word.  Our lives should mirror that same commitment and obedience.
     And for some reason, Christians are afraid of the word "power" when it is applied to them, but I am here to tell you that there is real power in the life of a Believer who is willing to be obedient to Jesus's commands and authority.  When you are walking in Obedience, you will find that the floodgates of Heaven open up, and God is able to work through you, demonstrating His Power in the fruit that you bear for His Kingdom.  People are healed -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The spiritual forces and demonic beings of the Dark Side are put into submission under the Name of Jesus. People step into their destinies as Children of God, and prosperity and blessings take root in their lives. Peoples' minds, bodies, and souls can be literally transformed by our free will decision to obey our Master and Lord!  In effect, our obedience is the catalyst that releases God's Power into this realm, and pushes back the cloud of evil that blankets this domain.
     It is God's Power, and His alone -- make no mistake -- that changes the lives of everyone; both the Saved and the Lost. But there is power in a Believer's life when you know that you are in obedience to God's will.  You know you have the capacity or ability to affect someone's life [for eternity] by being in fellowship with the One True God, and being a willing vessel to carry out His Will. It's not a power that you can boast about or exhibit for all the world to see.  It is not power as measured by the world's standards.  It is simply the fruit of the spirit of an obedient servant of the Kingdom. And you will find that you have possession of Divine Power to demolish strongholds, tear down arguments, and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God.  May the Lord grant each of us a heart of obedience in this season of our life.

Psalm 119:13-16   "With my lips I declare all the rules of Your mouth. In the way of Your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and fix my eyes on Your ways. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word".