The Appointed Time

"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an APPOINTED TIME; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries (has not come), wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (stay away forever). Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith." (the understanding God has given) (Habakkuk 2:2,3)

When is the APPOINTED TIME? When the Lord knows we are ready to undertake what He has planned as He would! When we want no glory but rejoice in His righteousness and His way being made in the earth. He desires to "make our feet like deer's feet, to make us walk on our high hills."  (Habakkuk 3:19)

 

We see there was a wide void between what God wanted for Judah and what they were willing to do. Correction had to come to them in the form of the Chaldeans: a bitter, hasty, terrible, dreadful and fierce people.

 

In Luke 17:5 the apostles asked Jesus for something, that He would "increase their (our) faith" after He had instructed them to forgive a brother who sins against them seven times in a day and seven times returns to repent. Sounds like a reasonable, in fact, excellent request. Jesus replies in v.7 "and which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'PREPARE something for my supper and GIRD YOURSELF and SERVE ME til I have eaten and drunk, and AFTERWARD you will eat and drink'?

 

One can imagine the strength, vitality and fitness of deer's feet. In that strength, vitality and fitness the deer scales the high hills before it. Likewise, we christians must prepare (study to show ourselves approved) gird ourselves (humble ourself will under His mighty hand and in His sight) and serve Him(rather than serving ourselves). His vision for all christians is that we be strong, vital and fit in Him; for Judah then and the church now. Then He can disperse us to our individual callings because we have proved to Him that we will do those things commanded us. He knows when our soul is upright in us.

The Righteousness That is of Faith

 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, 'the just shall live by faith'." (Romans 1:16,17)

For from the gospel (the written word breathed upon by the Holy Spirit to man's spirit), the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. (Faith in it's purest form is a revelation to man in the knowledge of God. That revelation is accompanied by an understanding of what to do from there, how to apply the revelation in our daily lives. When we willingly obey according to that revelation, we have become a believer of IT!) It is my understanding that the christian will receive little in addition to that which has been revealed until he/she willingly obeys what he/she has heard (that living word that we know we heard from God).

 

When we receive the Lord's salvation we are washed by His blood. His blood makes us righteous, as we heard the message of salvation and willingly obeyed. We BELIEVED and were washed clean of our sin. If the righteousness of God is revealed by faith, and we willingly obey (the works of faith), we are becoming the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Revelation by revelation He is building us up as a spiritual house (just as a physical house would be built). "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) Are you still learning what it means to believe? Then, you are still learning what it means to become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!

 

"Little children, let no one deceive you. He who PRACTICES RIGHTEOUSNESS is righteous, just as He is righteous. Each time we hear Him speak (faith), and we willingly obey, we are being BELIEVERS and PRACTICING RIGHTEOUSNESS unto completion in Him, being made the righteousness of God in Christ!

He Who Is Least

 

"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but HE WHO IS LEAST in the kingdom of heaven is greater then he"  (Matthew 11:11). Lets understand that Jesus is not talking about the departed saints and their habitation as there is no "suffering violence" (verse 12) where the Father and the Son reign. Jesus is talking about the kingdom of heaven that came into fruition when He arrived. So, it seems, we should discuss what we think our Lord meant when He said that those who are least in the kingdom are greater than he (John).

John the Baptist was an old testament prophet who was integral in readying Israel for her Messiah. His ministry was to call the people to the "baptism of repentance" for "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" or right before them. He admirably fulfilled that call as our Master said again "among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist". The new testament saint is similar to John as we also are born of women. The difference is we are also born of God! Our fathers and mothers made us but we dads and moms in Christ gladly step aside and allow God the Father to reign over our families! We have been born again by God with His Holy Spirit through our Savior, Jesus Christ!

 

Yet Jesus said that "the LEAST of these in the kingdom of heaven are greater than he (John)". If you are familiar with the previous submissions to this blog, you may know where I am about to go. The new testament saint is born of God and should be filled with the Holy Spirit which empowers those to be "witnesses to Him". It is my opinion that the HE WHO IS LEAST in this kingdom is the one who has allowed God to refine out the carnality in his/her soul. When the Apostle Paul said "I am less than the least of all saints", he was informing us that he has allowed God to have His way in him and, as a result, he said "by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace toward me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, YET NOT I, but the grace of God that was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10)". Jesus informed Paul, "My strength is made perfect in (your) weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). In fact, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is a great example of how Jesus made Paul one of the "least" in this kingdom.

 

It is my intent to open these concepts to you if you have not already heard. Our King, by the Holy Spirit, will breathe life upon His truth and make it real to you!

What I Do Have, I Give You

 

 Acts 3:1-9
 

"Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, 'Look at us'. So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but WHAT I DO HAVE, I GIVE TO YOU. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them- walking, leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."
 

What did Peter and John have to give? In this instance, Peter and John HAD a gift of faith from God which enabled them to provide to the lame man a supernatural answer superseding what natural men could provide- perfect bodily soundness. Peter and John received a revelation accompanied by the anointing of the Holy Spirit to bring forth victory! When we HAVE what Peter and John HAD, it is the awesome arm of God rightly ordering issues on earth- sometimes to us for others; sometimes to others for us; sometimes to us for us. It is the inspiration of the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit.
 

"I will open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." The truth He shares with us is so rich we have to tell others. The anointing He provided Peter and John had to be distributed to the lame man. As we experience the fullness of who He is, He will show us how to distribute what we now HAVE!

These Things I Do, You Also Will Do, And Greater!

"Most assuredly, 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, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12)

Greater works than Jesus did? Jesus healed the sick, cast out demonic strongholds, fed thousands from an amount that could only feed a few and caused a gold coin to be found in a fish's mouth to pay a tax debt. All obviously supernatural events. Each act amazed those who experienced them; amazed them because they could never have imagined those things within themselves. They had neither the insight, inspiration or power to bring those things to pass. Through the washing of His blood that takes away our sins and the new birth and infilling of the Holy Spirit, the inspiration comes along with the empowerment to do the things Jesus did! We also will cast out devils, lay hands on the sick for recovery and be protected from danger, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

But, He said GREATER WORKS than these miraculous acts will the believer do! 

"Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness' "(Matthew 7:22,23)  The miraculous and helpful acts Jesus did were a sign to mankind that the Kingdom of Heaven had come to men. Those acts continue to this day because the Father wants creation to know that He is! Jesus clearly says that men can do supernatural things in His name yet still be practicing lawlessness. Lawlessness persists only where willing obedience is absent. Jesus willingly obeyed His Father to the death and is now glorified and at the right hand of the Father.

Jesus never knew them because they would not pay the price to be as close to Him as He is to the Father. The GREATER WORKS are those things that we are called to do that separate us from the carnal, lawless direction of our soul; to be one with the Father and the Son who are one.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those folks who did it His way!), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Jesus, as the head of all things to the church, sets the race), looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".
(Hebrews 12:1,2)

These Signs Follow Those Who Believe!

These Signs Follow Those Who Believe!      Mark 16:17,18

"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; THEY WILL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANYTHING DEADLY, IT WILL BY NO MEANS HURT THEM; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."  In context, the serpent would be in your hands. I have never done that. I am unaware that I have ever drunk anything deadly. I would say few of you have, either.

A few weeks back, I was painting around the outside of a house. I noticed a number of bees were gathering around the untreated wood on the house, relatively close to me. I was not scared but concerned of their activity. It was at that time the Holy Spirit quickened me to this portion of scripture- even if your encounter is not taking up a serpent or drinking anything deadly, the supernatural protection of God can still be with you.  Having been familiar with this portion of scripture, I confessed it, thanked God for it in the name of Jesus Christ. We finished the job without a bee sting although they were present throughout.

Late summer mowing can be a dusty experience. I was about to start mowing- dreading the dust that would undoubtedly enter my sinuses. Again, the Holy Spirit quickened me to this scripture reference. I confessed it, thanked God for it in the name of Jesus Christ. I completed the mowing, dust everywhere. There was no sniffling. Just one sneeze. No runny nose after. No allergic response.

We have a little dog living in the house. As you know, they go just about anywhere they please, even up on the bed. They like to be with you as much as possible. Prior to entering into God's salvation, I would experience a significant allergic response with that much dog where I rest. I am applying the revealed truth. Much better.

This portion of scripture describes supernatural protection and deliverance- for you and for others. These should be signs to you in your personal relationship with God. These signs will show a lost soul that the God we speak of is real!

His Grace Should Be Sufficient For You

2 Corinthians 12:1-9

"It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago- whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows- how he was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows- how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool for I will speak the truth. But I refrain lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me".

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness'."

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak then I am strong."

Paul is telling on himself. He is confessing his sin to us. Necessary, he says, so that we determine to avoid the same exercise of self-service. Paul as we know was an apostle. He has experienced and will experience (as will all spirit-filled, spirit-led christians) visions and revelations of the Lord. It seems Paul had grown boastful with those experiences, reporting his exaltation "above measure" or what it should have been in Jesus Christ. He goes now so far as to speak of his experiences as "a man he knows". No self-exaltation there. He had been corrected.

During his self-exaltation, a thorn in the flesh was given to him, a messenger of Satan. Whose desire is it that we be not exalted above measure? During the time when Paul was experiencing the thorn in the flesh, he pleaded with the Lord (as you would expect) so IT would depart from him. The Lord's response was "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness". What the Lord had given Paul should have been enough for him for He certainly ministers life. In Him is all the fullness of the Godhead. His strength cannot nor will be made perfect in the strength of you. As there is less of you there is more room for Him! The Lord knew that, in the trial, Paul would turn from his strength to the One who created all things, and would be made free from the bondage of his self-service!

Contentment rejoices in His sufficiency.

The Living Word

This past week I was driving into a local city to purchase a coffee and start my day. The drive from my home is about 25 minutes and usually quiet: meaning no radio or CD. I had arrived in town and was confessing scripture, specifically I Corinthians 13 which is the "love chapter". Christians know how important it is to love like God so His description of what love does is important if we are to walk hand in hand with the Godhead. When I confess scripture, I focus on the words spoken and the meaning, trying not to just say words but seek Him for what He knows we need to hear to be a doer, not just a hearer.

Moments later I turned into a single-laned alley to gain access to the coffee shop. As I approached the parking lot from the alley, another motorist pulled his vehicle into the alley and sat there, looking at me. My immediate response to his action was to proclaim his idiocy and wrangle my car out of his way. After, I heard these words, "hadn't you just finished confessing what the love of God does?" Needless to say, I was frustrated.

Later that morning, I heard in my spirit the Lord say, "My Word was never intended to be effective without the breath of the Holy Spirit empowering you to be a doer of it". I had confessed that portion of scripture many times and as recently as five minutes beforehand and the Words I had confessed fell flat to the ground, not able to empower me to overcome selfish behavior (mine and others). Jesus was able to navigate these types of situations without falling short of the grace of God. He also had the Holy Spirit without measure. He was One with the Father.

James 1:19 reads, "let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". Hear what?  The anointing of the Holy Spirit coming within you to overcome. The anointing to be victors over all temptation comes from within. That is why we must be new creatures in Jesus Christ through the new birth and infilling of the Holy Spirit! But wait! I have been born again and filled with the Holy Spirit for twenty years. Why am I getting this just now? We are being built up a spiritual house.

It is not that the written Word (logos) is not life-giving. We need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to do it like Jesus did!

So, we study the Word of God to SHOW OURSELVES approved. BUT, we direct our attention to our Father, thanking Him for who He is and what He has made available to us through Jesus Christ. We praise our Lord, Jesus Christ who was the Father's perfect emissary of willing obedience to Him for our sake. We press toward Him  (Them) so that we may be one with Them(John 17:21). Then we will hear Their Words, empowered BEFORE the temptation to sin arrives, and respond just as Jesus would/did!

 

Your Faith Will Make You Whole

We have discussed that faith is fundamental in becoming complete in Christ Jesus. Faith is "the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not yet seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony" (Hebrews 11:1,2). Clearly, faith (a revelation to us of God: who He is; how He expects His children to live; what His plan is in each of our lives, individually) precedes the manifestation of all those things in Christ Jesus. The revelation focuses and empowers us to press on in Him. 

"Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better but rather grew worse. WHEN SHE HEARD ABOUT JESUS she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, 'if only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.' Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction ." (Mark 5:25-29) Why would she have thought that her touching Jesus' clothing would produce such a result? It is my impression that she received an understanding from God regarding Jesus Christ that focused and directed her steps regarding her affliction. She acted on the understanding first by saying what had been revealed to her ("with the mouth confession is made unto salvation"  Romans 10:10) and then by taking the steps directed- literally touching His clothing.

The good news is that faith is the seed of all things included in salvation in Christ Jesus. Any seed contains the directions for how it will be manifested. Salvation in Christ Jesus desires to touch our spirit, our soul, our physical body, our vocation or call, a good land or our sustenance. It is all-encompassing. The faith that you have been given: whether by a measure or increased/greater in its depth, holds the keys to your victory over sin/sickness/self-service/defeat. The scripture says that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of faith.

Call out to Him from the depth of your soul, from the depths of who you know yourself to be, and He will answer. He will remind you of the things He has revealed to you that you have yet to act upon and reveal to you those things that build upon the former. Each revelation serves to focus/direct your path to completion in Him so you can walk just as He walked - not apart from Him but with Him because you are in Him!

Tongues: For Personal and Private Use

The topic of spiritual language is devisive amongst christians. The reason: Satan likes it that way. He knows if he can keep the christian away from the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he can keep them from becoming "witnesses to Jesus Christ"(Acts 1:8) in our sphere of influence. The examples of the Holy Spirit coming upon people always resulted in the spiritual language of tongues coming forth from those people experiencing that power.

My family and christian friends know that I agree with the biblical teaching on this subject. They know I strongly advocate for every christian to seek after spiritual gifts yet they have rarely, if ever, heard me as I pray in tongues because it is not important that they hear me. In my personal christian life, I speak in tongues other than my native language of english because "he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries"(I Cor. 14:2) and "but you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit"(Jude v.20). Reference back to v.19 regarding sensual persons, causing division, because they do not have the Spirit. Having and praying in the Spirit empowers us to be Spirit-led as opposed to being sense-led. It is my opinion that  these references speak of tongues for personal use. I am edifying myself in Christ as I speak in tongues. A strength arises in in my spirit for my soul as I pray/speak in tongues.

I Corinthians, chapter 14, discusses tongues for public edification. As you read this chapter, you will see there is place for this manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the church service as well. Here, tongues are vocal and are to be heard by others, serving as a sign to unbelievers. 

I Corinthians 12:29-31 reads,"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? " I have prayed/spoken in tongues personally and almost daily for 18 years yet vocally in church only on 3-4 occasions over that same period. Earnestly desiring the best gifts (those that profit others as well as you) will put you in a position to be ready when He calls upon you.

Remember, we struggle not with flesh and blood, but principalities, with powers, with rulers of darkness of the age, with spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places. This is a point of contention in particular christian circles because Satan wants to steal the empowerment Jesus means for us to have. He wants to remove the spiritual which draws people to God's goodness and make church a lecture series. This is a living gospel, we need all the tools God means for us to have!
  

Receive the Holy Spirit

In the gospel of John, chapter 20, Jesus formally provides the Holy
Spirit to the apostles. Previously, Jesus had declared certain people
clean, presumably because they were willing to hear what He was
teaching, "because of the word I have spoken to you". It appears that
the giving of the Holy Spirit in John 20 was simply an empowerment, at
least to forgive/retain sins, yet this is the first reference I know of
where Jesus speaks of giving the Holy Spirit to anyone. Nevertheless,
He certainly did.

In the book of Acts, chapter 1, Jesus again speaking to the
apostles, informed them that they should wait in Jerusalem for the
Promise of the Father: the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Obviously this
baptism with the Holy Spirit is a second work of Grace as the apostles
had already received the Holy Spirit from Jesus in Jn. 20.

Acts, chapter 2:1-4 states that "the apostles were all with one accord
in one place (doing what Jesus had commanded) when a sound came from
heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled the whole place where
they were sitting. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
distributed and resting on each of them. And they were all filled with
the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit
gave them utterance".

I have heard ministers say that when you are born again by the Holy
Spirit, you then receive all the Holy Spirit you will need or get.
Clearly the apostles experienced two distinguishable events: after
being made clean by His word that they were willing to receive; they
received the Holy Spirit when He breathed upon them then were baptised
or filled with the Holy Spirit WITH THE EVIDENCE being speaking with
other tongues (differing from their native language). I suggest to you
that each time we speak in tongues, whether in our personal prayer time
or vocally in a church service, God refills us with the Holy Spirit. It
builds us up on our most holy faith! (Jude v.20,21)

What Has Jesus Said to You?

John 11:1-44

The eleventh chapter of John's gospel shows us how Jesus responded to the death of Lazarus. Mary and Martha went to Jesus to inform Him that Lazarus was sick. Jesus responded by informing them the sickness was not unto death. He was dead, but Jesus knew His petition to the Father for Lazarus would be successful: the Father and the Son would be glorified as capable to not only heal but to raise people from the dead. We see in verse 43 that, just as Jesus had said, Lazarus was raised from the dead after four days. Again, Jesus spoke, saying, "Lazarus, come forth!" Jesus has all power in heaven and earth! What He told Mary and Martha was as good when He said it as it was when Lazarus walked out of the grave.

Now let us look at how those who had been around Him responded to His words. His disciples, as well as Mary and Martha, said the following:

v.8  (when Jesus knew it was time to travel back to Judea to help Lazarus) the disciples said to Him, 'Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are you going there again?" (I am guessing that Jesus already knew that.)

v.12  "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." (Another interpretation I suppose Jesus was aware of. He then had to tell them that Lazarus was dead but would live.)

v.23 Jesus informs Martha that her brother will rise again. Martha goes on to tell Jesus what she knows.

v.32 Now its Mary's turn. She tells Jesus that if He would have been there for them, her brother Lazarus would not have died. The scripture reads that Jesus groaned and wept. I think it is very possible that He was groaning and weeping due to His disciples lack of understanding that what He has spoken will be.

v.37  And some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?"

v.39  Jesus begins the resurrection of Lazarus. Mary has more information for Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." Jesus re-explains believing unto glory; thanks the Father and resurrects Lazarus.

Matthew 8:8 shows us that the centurion said to Jesus, "only speak a word, and my servant will be healed". The centurion knew when Jesus spoke, it was good as done. No groaning nor weeping here.

I am in no position to criticize another person: I have had wobbly legs in certain matters just like the disciples. But, thanks be to God, I want to be like the centurion.

"He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges Him- the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." (John 12:48,49)

The Bread of Life

 John 6:48-58

"I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, "how does this man give us His flesh to eat?"

Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I IN HIM. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread that comes down from heaven-not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever."

This is an intense portion of scripture as it directs us to do something which is physically impossible yet obviously is very important to our Master. Jesus reminds the Jewish people that their fathers ate the manna in the wilderness and died. The manna was edible. They gathered it daily and consumed it that day. They had no other food to eat. It was vital to their existence. Jesus is telling the Jewish people(and us) that, if they want to live eternally, they must feed on Him. Eating His flesh and drinking His blood is a way of telling them/us to partake fully of who He is: partake worthily of communion with Him. Now, is it really physical eating and drinking that Jesus is concerned about? He used this analogy because He knew how vital eating/drinking are to life. He knows we want to live yet the way to REAL LIFE is in Him! Ask the Father to reveal to you what it means to eat Jesus' flesh and drink Jesus' blood. I think you will find this is a raw depiction of one who hungers and thirsts for Him!

That Which is Perfect is Coming

1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13 is spoken of as "the love chapter". This discussion will focus on verse 7.

"(Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things". As we have previously discussed, all things does not mean any thing but all His things. I see this portion of scripture as the place where the Lord initiates His perfect plan for our individual lives and shows us how to work out that plan in and with Him as opposed to working it out in our own power.

Bear, the verb, has 26 applications or definitions according to Webster's dictionary. A few that interest me and are applicable to this discussion are: to accept or have as an obligation; to carry in mind or heart; to carry or conduct; to sustain or be capable of; to give birth to; to hold up or support; to tend in a course or direction; TO BE SITUATED. The love of God in us situates us in the direction He wants us to go. If we love Him, we will bear it, willing to conduct or carry it. We will allow Him to change our course.

Believing all things means, once we have been situated by His course, to do what He reveals to us regarding the course or vision, taking the steps you feel inspired to. His vision will thrill you although you are yet unrefined in it. The thrill is meant to bring your focus on Him and His righteousness. You will seek Him for revelation regarding the course; He will show you who He is. He is making it real to you that you can do nothing in this course without Him; but all things are possible WITH HIM.

Hoping all things means that you are willing to be stimulated in the course by the truth of what He has revealed to you. It is not  "maybe it will happen some day if I am lucky". It is a knowing that what He has said will come to pass.

Enduring all things is the place where He and His course are truly refined. Without doubt, we bear His things in a place of carnality. He situates us so that we may come to a place where we are carnal no more. No matter what you think, you will make mistakes in this course as you will take action based upon the thrill you have. The carnal nature of the self-sufficient man must be replaced by the nature that desires to walk just as Jesus himself walked: He said what His Father said; He did what He saw the Father do. Endurance is strengthened by repentance: recognizing your mistake and returning to Him. If you make no mistakes, He did not come for you. He came for those who need help. The idea is that enduring all things will bring you, under His tutelage, to the place of oneness with He and the Father, walking out His perfect will. "To be made complete in one, so that the world may know that You have sent Me (Jesus) and have loved them (that's us) just as You loved Me (Jesus)"(John 17:23).

Refining Your Approach to Him

Luke 14:26-33

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." Sounds like a message to be digested by a mature Christian, doesn't it?

"For which of you , intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it--- lest, AFTER HE HAS LAID THE FOUNDATION, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'this man began to build and was not able to finish'." What does "coming to Him", "counting the cost" of starting and "laying the foundation" mean to you regarding our salvation through/in Christ Jesus? Could Jesus be saying to those who are considering accepting the Lord's salvation by being born again that they should know what they are getting into?

"Or what king, going to make war against another king, DOES NOT SIT DOWN FIRST AND CONSIDER WHETHER HE IS ABLE with ten thousand TO MEET HIM WHO COMES AGAINST HIM with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation AND ASKS CONDITIONS OF PEACE. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple".

I believe the Lord showed me a clear example of what Jesus is saying here. I had heard sometime ago that there are few medical school students who leave school or fail out; very few (less than a few percent). Yet medical school is one of the most rigorous of matriculations, both in intensity of study and length of time to graduate. Very expensive! Would seem to me that those circumstances would produce many dropouts. Why not?  The medical student has already counted the cost- he/she knows what is expected long before application.

Now apply that to our Christian population. Is that what we see, a small percentage of dropouts? Maybe the converts to Christianity are not being informed of the cost of discipleship. Maybe the prospective converts should be read this before they lay the foundation so they may finish strong!

Persistence

Luke 11:5-8; 18:1-8  

Luke 11:8 "I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs". As I understand it, this portion of scripture separates between the relationship we have with God as Christians and those who, in their fellowship and intimacy with Him, continue to come to Him for who He is, for He is the bread of life(John 6:48) and the bread that came down from heaven (John 6:41).

Luke 18:5-8 "yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her lest by her continual coming she weary me".  Jesus then advises us to "hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes will He really find faith on the earth?"

We should not be content with just a distant relationship with God (I say this to those who have been justified by the Blood of Jesus Christ). We must understand that "continual coming" to God through church fellowship, bible study and prayer will be met with all the bread of life that you need- Jesus Himself.

Some time ago, I felt the Lord put this message into prayer-form as a blessing for me to confess. "If you will continue to come and cry out to Me for Me day and night even though I bear long with you, I will give you all the bread of life that you need (all of Him that you need which is more than enough) and avenge you for My righteous cause". This would be a good confession for any Christian.

The final sentence asks how much faith Jesus will find when He comes. How many will He find who are willing to continue to come, to cry out to Him for Him even though He bears long with them in what He said He would do for those who diligently seek Him!

If you would like to discuss this or any previous messages, please feel free to call me, George Harlow. (609)312-1178

The Old Wine is Better?

 Luke 5:36-39

"Then He spoke a parable to them: 'No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise THE NEW MAKES A TEAR, and also the piece that was taken out OF THE NEW does not match the old.
"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else THE NEW WINE WILL BURST THE WINESKINS AND BE RUINED. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new, for he says, 'The old is better'."

What is the significance of new garments and wine? I would say that the new garments and wine are meant to replace what is old. Jesus instructs that new wine must be put into new wineskins; new wine into old wineskins will cause the old wineskins to burst and the new wine will be wasted. I would say Jesus is first informing those of the day that they should not attempt to receive the new, in fact they cannot receive the new victoriously without making room in their hearts to be a new creation. The revelation to man that he must be "born again" is not the last revelation he/she will receive, is it? I thank God He has continued to reveal Himself/His will to me since I received the Lord's salvation! Each time He speaks by His word we must be willing to "make room for the new", otherwise what He is attempting to reveal will be lost.

Assuredly, there were those who said to themselves regarding Jesus' ministry and the impending new testament: "the old is good". We must be aware that we who have received His salvation can put ourselves in the same position, saying: "what I have learned from Him to this point is enough", especially if we have heard the same teaching on a given subject for a while. What you have heard about/from Him to this point will not be "good or enough" if He has more to reveal to you so that you may be made to walk just as He walked!

The Power of His Resurrection

On a Sunday in April, Christians formally celebrate the biblical depiction of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Easter Sunday 2007, I was at a sunrise worship service when I received a word from the Lord, saying: "I(Jesus) suffered, I died, I was buried; on the third day I rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures". We know that Jesus presented Himself to the disciples after His resurrection (John 20,21). Instantly after the word from the Lord, He reminded me of Ephesians 1:19-23 which reads, "and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us WHO BELIEVE, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the DEAD and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power, might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come, and He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." What the Father did for Jesus, He wants to do for us.

Hebrews 9:16, 17 reads "For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator (Jesus). For a testament IS IN FORCE after MEN ARE DEAD since it has no power at all while the testator lives." Men are dead or this Man is dead? Certainly the Jesus is the Testator. Why does the Word clearly read MEN? The New Testament is not in force (in essense, walking just as Jesus walked) unless men are dead. Physically dead? No. Dead to what? Ask Him! He will be glad you did. He knows exactly what is in your way and is keeping you from experiencing the full force of His New Testament! He wants to fill all in all! He will resurrect all who will lay down there lives for the one He has in mind!

Invested in what He has given

Matthew 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents begins by stating that "the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability, and immediately he went on a long journey". A talent was an amount of money.

We read that the servant who had been issued five talents traded with those and made another five; he who had been issued two gained two more and he who had been issued one hid what he had been given, investing nothing into what he had received. We read that the Lord was pleased with the two who had increased what was given them but he who handed back what was given was "wicked and lazy"- the talent given him was taken away and added to he who had ten.

"For to every one who has, more will be given; and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have; even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". Is the Lord teaching us that if we don't double our money we shall be cast into outer darkness? The servants who HAD the given talents made more talents: the servants that HAVE a revelation of Jesus Christ INVEST themselves (all their heart, soul and strength) in the revelation, and as they put action to that faith, more is given and eventually they will HAVE in abundance. Those who do not HAVE will not INVEST themselves in what the Lord has revealed to them; they assign inaccurate attributes to God (notice the two profitable servants had nothing bad to say about their Lord); even what they HAD will be taken away. I am impressed this means that at some point God had made Himself real to this sort of person. Instead of acting on the revelation of Jesus Christ, they turn from it, ultimately to their destruction.

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13

"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom." Sounds pretty good so far- ALL these virgins were making there way to the bridegroom.

"Now five of them were wise and five were foolish (Jesus instructs us to prepare, gird ourselves and serve Him). Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish (unprepared) said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out'. But the wise answered, saying, 'no lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy (now trying to GET prepared), the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward, the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

It seems to me this parable is about our current state of readiness which is a function of our desire for intimacy with Him. In the end, it made little difference to the bridegroom that the unwise (unprepared) virgins knew of him; or that they moved in his direction when they heard of his coming; or that they tried to get ready to come to him after they found themselves unprepared. No, the bridegroom in the parable was interested in the virgins who had BEEN ready for him to come. Apparently the wise virgins had done everything they understood to do so, when the bridegroom came, they were ready to go to him!

Review the scripture and ask the Lord to reveal to you your state of readiness. When He comes for His Church, you will be glad you asked and that He will be pleased to have you.

An Exhortation Which Speaks To Sons

 Hebrews 12:1-6

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (in many cases martyrs), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us (good to know there is some order to this salvation in Christ Jesus- He sets our race before us!), looking unto Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfecter) of faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God(where all overcomers in Christ Jesus are to be seated {Revelation 3:21}).

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the EXHORTATION WHICH SPEAKS TO YOU AS TO SONS: 'My son, do not despise the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives'."

Not quite the exhortation that healing or His hand of provision would bring but it is my conviction that the man will not become complete in Christ without it. The Lord is teaching us that we should be empowered, strengthened to carry on by His chastening, rebuke and scourging. The saints in Christ mentioned in chapter 11:30-40 are watching and praying for us!

The faith of God in Christ Jesus brings a revelation to us as to how we should respond to others AND our call to serve in His church. All along the way we will encounter opportunity to serve God as opposed to self-direction - to be led by His revealed and living Word or the carnal wisdom of man. Jesus knew what His call was, even as an adolescent informing His mother Mary that "I must be about my Father's business". The Word exhorts us to look to Him - what He was willing to do for us! Consider Him, who endured such hostility from sinners and to forget not this exhortation.

12:7,8  "If you endure chastening (which He is Lord over), God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening (will not be chastened), of which ALL (in Him) have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons". Wow!

12:10,11 "For they (human fathers, probably Israel's religious class) indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward IT YIELDS the peaceable fruits of righteousness to those who have been trained by it".

I pray that, as you read this discussion, you will seek, knock and ask Him to reveal what He knows you need to hear in this matter. We must be willing to partake fully of suffering with Him unto death and burial of self-service so we may rise up IN HIM and walk just as He walked! Remember, He has your race ready to reveal to you.

How to have what He has for us

Mark 4:21-25

Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. If any one has ears to hear, let him hear". Then He said to them, "TAKE HEED WHAT YOU HEAR. WITH THE SAME MEASURE YOU USE IT, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever HAS, to him more will be given; but whoever DOES NOT HAVE, even what he HAS will be taken away from him.


It is imperative for those of us in the kingdom of God to develop to the place where we are willing to obey His word and will. The way to obedience to His word and will is to give yourself to those things you know He has made real to you. The process begins with the measure of faith that God has given. It is from this measure that the individual responds to the gospel of Jesus Christ to receive God's salvation through Jesus Christ- to be born again (or born from above as the scripture references). From here one develops through increased faith (the apostles asked Jesus for this) and eventually to great faith (the centurion possessed this in knowing that whatever Jesus said would come to pass). Notice! The centurion knew that anything Jesus said would come to pass! When you are convinced that everything that Jesus says will come to pass, you will be more likely to give your attention to Him, to seek Him. As you seek, knock and ask, you will begin to hear more clearly, more often.

The scripture reference noted above clearly divides between those who hear and use it, receiving more, and those who hear and will not use it (essentially like the servant who took the master's talent and hid it in the ground, not working with it). As I had mentioned in a previous discussion, the measure of faith given to each one is a priming of the pump so to speak; like the given's in geometry, it's in each of us. God created us with it. If an individual passes through life without using it, that one will have even the measure taken away. That one wasted the opportunity that God had given. They took the opportunity to HAVE light for themselves and be a blessing with that light to others and hid it under a basket, a bed or buried it!

The good news is, if you want to hear you will. When you hear and are willing to use what you have heard (in other words, give corresponding action to what you have heard), the Lord will give you more to use. Eventually this truth leads you to a place where you are walking just as He walked because of your intimacy with Him!

Satan Tempts Jesus

 Luke 4:1-14

We can see in this portion of scripture that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit (the capitalization here means it was God's Spirit who led Jesus out) into the wilderness. There He was tempted for forty days by the devil. He was tempted to provide for His hunger, to worship Satan through which Satan would give Jesus the authority and glory which had been delivered to him, and to tempt the hand of the Father by making him protect a foolhardy and unnecessary jump. Each of these temptations would have made things easier or more glorious for Jesus in the short term but would have caused Him to fall short of the glory of God. We understand that Jesus did not sin, He responded to these carnal, self-serving tests with His Father's word of truth. The devil left Him until an opportune time. Matthew 4:11 reads "then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him".


So, the same angels that Jesus would not call upon to help Him accomplish Satan's temptations were there to minister ALL HE NEEDED after the testing had been completed and Jesus had won the victory over self and Satan. Luke 4:14 reads "then Jesus returned IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT". He had won a victory over Satan's attempt against His soul and the Father saw to it that He received what He needed.

Satan's temptation found no place in Jesus. How much room in our soul is ground for Satan's sowing? May he turn us aside from the word and will of God as he pleases or will we fight the good fight of faith (that revelation of God we know we have)? Jesus responded to Satan's attempt with what He knew about/from the Father. Is that how we respond? We thank God for the blessing of the revealed word of God unto the hearts of men. With that revealed word men (women included) are empowered to bind what has been bound in heaven, to loose what has been loosed in heaven. That is what Jesus did in this passage. He responded with what He had. To him who has more will be given, to him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

Study to show yourself approved, for faith comes by hearing from God and hearing from God comes by the word of God. From the written word to your heart by the anointing of the Holy Spirit- then you will have it, it will be your faith! When the devil comes, give it to Him, just like our Master did, and you will have the same victory, in Him!

I Never Knew You!

Matthew 7:21-23


I entered and have developed in Christ in charismatic churches. I appreciate their desire for spiritual gifts and the authority of the believer.

Jesus is speaking throughout this portion of scripture. It reads, "Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord,Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me you who PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS!" Practicing lawlessness is the unrepentant continuation of any action or motivation which the individual has already knowingly received correction from God. Essentially, he/she is unwilling to obey.

When we see "Lord, Lord" in these verses, it denotes that the speaker is passionate about what he/she is saying. Like LORD!!!!! Not normal conversational tones. They may have been overly passionate for the spiritual gifts.

There is no reason to believe that Jesus was admonishing them for prophesying, casting out demons and performing wonders as He said these signs would follow those who believe (Mark 16:15-18).

Jesus could have been rebuking them for attempting to do those things for selfish gain (verse 15-20, same chapter) or without His revelation in the matter but not for the act's sake alone. Their motivations might have been polluted.

Jesus says that "he who does the will of my Father shall enter the kingdom of heaven". Even though these Christians have received the word of God regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are acting on that truth, Jesus says that He never knew them, they were practitioners of lawlessness. Why?

I see the most important goal for the saint is to become "one with the Father and the Son, who are one" .(John 17:21) Knowing (or knew, as it is used in the verse) speaks of intimacy. These Christians had experienced the goodness of God and were administering those gifts to others but something was wrong. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given "to each one for the profit of all" (I Corinthians 12:7) and they are administered by God, our primary attention/focus must be toward Him.

Hebrews 6:4-8 reads, "for it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated (good fruit), receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briars it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned."

I remember the first time the Lord used me with one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I was thrilled. I think it is possible for a Christian who has been used in the spiritual gifts to become proud in it. That pride is not from God but is earthly, sensual, demonic. "I am used in the spiritual gifts and therefore could not possibly need correction". How about this: "Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts..."    (I Corinthians 14:1)

Speaking to this Mountain, then Believing and not Doubting

 Mark 11:22,23

In the previous study, I explained what I understand the mountain to be. Anything that is so important to you that, when a situation arises where you must make a decision between what you want or what seems best to you and doing the word/will of God, you do what you want or what seems best to you. Your self-serving will is the mountain that stands between you and your becoming a fruitful branch in Christ Jesus. Self-service hinders your growing up into all things in Christ.

Once you have determined that self-service is what is standing between you and maturity/completion in Christ, you have to speak to the mountain. It shows you and the adversary that you are now aware of what is holding you back, what is motivating you to respond in a defeated manner. But, speaking to this mountain is just the first step in having what you are saying.

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'be removed and be cast into the sea', AND DOES NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART BUT BELIEVES that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says". The next step is to doubt not in our hearts but believe. So, what does it mean to doubt not in our heart but believe? It means to DO IT within the grace of God. Many are the opportunities for our selfish souls to be tempted. As opportunities arise where there exists the option to serve ourselves or serve in this kingdom, ask the Lord to show you how He would respond in the matter. If you can sense that you are in the midst of an opportunity to serve your selfish desires or to protect yourself versus denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Him, ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you in the matter, thereby empowering you to pass through victoriously. That builds your spiritual house and readies you for the next opportunity.

If you know what the mountain is you will recognize when the temptation is on. When you recognize the temptation is on and you cry out to your Father for help not to stumble, all is left to do is obey His directions, navigating around the opportunity to sin. When you do it like He reveals to you, shrinking is the space where satan is able to steal from you! You will be more and more like Jesus Christ, a son of God!

Speaking to this Mountain - Part 1

In the eleventh chapter of Mark's gospel, Jesus had just traveled to the temple in Jerusalem and seen that instead of a house of prayer, the scribes and chief priests had allowed it to become a place of commerce - a den of thieves. Their response to Jesus's correction was to seek out how they might destroy Him. His disciples have seen that the fruitless fig tree He had cursed had withered up from the roots.

In verse 22, Jesus declares to His disciples, "Have faith in God". Seems to me this is not a pleasant offering for them to consider, but a command to own or secure, give themselves to what He was about to say. Have it like you have a large sum of money in your hand or a child's hand as you cross a busy intersection. Have it that way. This is serious business because Jesus does not want His disciples to wind up like the current temple leadership.

Have faith in God (I have heard this otherwise said,"have the faith of God"; "have the God kind of faith"; "have the faith that comes forth from God"; "have this revelation in the knowledge of God"). Whichever of these strikes you the hardest is ok. But we must have it. Have it like oxygen. Having it to believe is essential to receiving the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls.

Now that I have stressed the importance of having this, let's see what Jesus was about to reveal to us. Verse 23 reads, "For assuredly I say to you, who ever says to this mountain, 'be removed and be cast into the sea', and does not doubt it in his heart but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says".

Mountains are not like hills. Hills are easily walked over. Mountains, on the other hand, are in the way, especially while traveling to a destination. Not easily maneuvered around. Today, our roads pierce through, over or around them. Back in the time when the bible was written, mountains presented a significant impediment to travel. Only over or around was available. But Jesus clearly commands us to speak to THIS mountain, a particular high thing. Remember, Jesus had just finished rebuking the activity in the temple. What about the behaviour of the occupants could Jesus have been referring? Certainly disobedience and greed. Unholiness. But I see a deeper root to this mountain- self service vs. selflessness. The scribes and chief priests knew what God had required for the temple. But what they wanted was more important to them than what God had said.

I see this mountain as self service. It is any meditation of our soul which, whether we know it or not, stands against what God is trying to form in us in Christ Jesus! In many cases these uninspired meditations lead to actions equally uninspired. Ask the Father to reveal the inspired truth in this to you. It is most blessed to understand this - the vehicle to selfless kingdom service in Christ Jesus, to walk out the plan that the Father has for us in Christ Jesus, a fruitful branch in Him!

Part 2: Believing and not doubting when we speak to this mountain

The Tithe

Recently, my sister brought to my attention a message by the pastor of a church she has been attending. Although the pastor's message was not regarding the tithe, he spoke of a time when the financial offering to his fellowship was strong due to "good times" or times when those who attended the fellowship brought much in the way of financial gifts. When the worldwide financial correction came, by his insinuation, many pulled back their giving. His is not the only church affected by the financial correction.

Firstly, I do not know how many in his church were bringing the tithe- those who do and have revelation of it are usually hard to move off it. Many in churches today bring "what they think is best" based upon their evaluation of their financial situation (before the financial contraction, less than 20% of those attending church in America actually brought in 10% of their gross income). Those who are not obeying God's command to tithe and rather give gifts (less than 10%) are likely to bring less for fear of not maintaining their financial standing, again, based upon their evaluation. The difference is a selfless determination to obey "no matter what" based upon a revelation of God in the matter and an uninspired understanding leading to "what seems right to me". Inspiration based upon revelation is the key. Although the tithe from your resources to God (Hebrews 7:8 reads: "Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.") by necessity is financial, His approach to the tither is not primarily sustenance (or something you can spend on needs or otherwise).

Malachi 3:10 reads "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house (spiritual and material food which is your act of obedience in the conditional bargain) and try (or prove) Me now in this says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it" (have you ever received a financial blessing that you did not have room for? I thought so. But Spirit to soul blessings almost have to be shared- we in ourselves don't have room enough to receive them, we glow with and speak about the truth that we have received about Jesus Christ whom we are to follow. That is how the gospel is preached! Good ground receives from God and produces more!) So you see the blessing to us in this context is not financial/sustenance but revelation to experience the fullness of who He is! But wait, it is not only spiritual to soulish blessing. The Lord is not done speaking.

Malachi 3:11 reads "and I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field (clearly the context is financial/sustenance- what did they do with the fruit of the ground/vine? They ate or sold it!) and all nations will call you blessed for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts."

In order to walk just as Jesus walked we must understand things like Jesus understands them. You see, Jesus was a giver. His nature was to help the human creation become what He had thought at the beginning. He inspires us to become givers by commanding the tithe from our resources- honestly, what means alot to us - our stuff. When we obey He begins to provide to us the revelation needed to experience the fullness of who He is - to become complete in Him!

The commanded tithe will eventually bring us to a giving nature. We will get to a place where we are willing to give as He purposes. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. This process yanks that root out of our heart.

The Book of Job Part 4

We have completed an evaluation of the book of Job. It is my understanding that not everything in the Old Testament is relevant in the New Testament, otherwise why have a New Testament? So, the question is, is there New Testament standing regarding what Job experienced? If not, then maybe we should let the old alone.


In the gospel according to Luke, chapter 22, verses 31,32, Jesus says, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren." Satan asked whom? He asked the Lord God for permission! What did Jesus say? Did He say "no, get thee behind Me Satan"? No, Jesus did not say that. He said that He had prayed that that Peter's faith should not fail (would not have said this if Peter did not already know), "and when you have RETURNED to Me, strengthen your brethren". He knew that Peter had to be willing to put action to understanding for himself. If Jesus did it for him, like a mom or dad who spoon-feeds a 12 year-old, he would not get it. Peter needed to get it. Peter needed to come to grips with what Jesus knew about him just as Job needed to come to grips with what the Lord knew about him!

Romans 8:16,17 consolidates it well. "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him that we may be glorified together." Suffering with Him means He is directing the path.

Hebrews 12:5,6 reads, "and you have forgotten the EXHORTATION which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."

Verse 10,11 reads, "for they(human fathers) indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them but He for our profit that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Sound like Job's and Peter's experience? It is your responsibility to seek your Lord's wisdom as to whether what you are experiencing in suffering is WITH Him or apart from Him. As you study, ask Him to differentiate between the two. He knows what you need to hear next, firmly positioning yourself on the Rock!