The Tale Of A King And Two Of His Best Friends Part 3

For the past two days, we have been looking at two men, foreigners in Israel; who found favor with King David.  Before we leave these two stories, let’s  review some of the lessons that can be gleaned from these two men who were befriended by the king.

As was the instructions from God; Israel drove the inhabitants out of the land that was promised to Abraham’s descendents.  God wanted Israel to be separate from the world, to be a “Holy Nation.”  Oman and Uriah were rare exceptions to continue to live in Israel.  They represented the gentiles to whom the Gospel would latter be opened to; the master plan of the Master Christ.  Jesus Himself bears the lineage that is a mixture of Jew and Gentile; saint and sinner. 

“And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;” (Matthew 1:5 KJV).

Rachab which is Rahab was the prostitute and only survivor of the destruction of Jericho; because she hid and protected the Israelite spies.  She along with Ruth the Moabite woman are in the lineage of King David and Jesus.  The Moabites were not only pagans, who sacrificed their children in idolatress worship; they were the incestuous offspring of Lot's older daughter.

There were always earmarks that foreshadowed the Gospel going to the world; to Jew and Gentile alike.  God is no respecter of persons.

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34).

Uriah was a man of great character.  What soldier today, coming off the hellish battlefield would turn down the king’s invitation to go home and be refreshed in the comforting arms of his wife?  Exhausted and battle worn, Uriah stood on the highest of moral principles.  God sees no color, no race, no nationality; He created all people to be heirs of the promise.  Every human being is endowed with the seeds of greatness!

“And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.”  (2 Samuel 11:11).

Oman was a man of great faith, worship and appreciation toward the God of Israel.  Confronting the death angel face to face; he turned, looked at his son’s and continued threshing; placing all in the hands of God.  He then offered free of charge all of his land and oxen to sacrifice and worship God for the salvation of his household.  This man too, a gentile; was a man of the highest moral character.

God has led me on an in depth study of these two me; Uriah and Oman also called Araunah.  Reading the many different commentaries and research materials gives a much enhanced of these two friends of David who we know just in passing.  Dear friends, we live in a time when we can literally carry on our person, thousands of books.  The internet, accessible by an I-phone; puts every Bible resource at our finger tips 24/7.  God has left no excuse for us not to feast on the gourmet offerings of the WORD.  Jesus is the Word, we are to eat His flesh; we are to eat His WORD.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

(John 6:51 KJV)

We are to pray without ceasing and be instant in prayer.  Our lives are to be one with God.  We are the Temple of the Holy Ghost.  The living WORD, our LORD, Christ lives in us.  We are the walking, talking, breathing Gospel.  Are you excited?  Does this move you into the anointing?  God is so good!   We are Ambassadors of and for Jesus Christ, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  Out of 6lus billion people, God chose you to carry the Gospel!

Prayer:  Father I am not worthy, but you in me sanctifies my flesh and makes me holy for the work of the Gospel and for the preparation to be your bride and partner for all eternity.  Stir my soul.  Help me to be completely surrendered to you for your purpose in me.  I love you Jesus.  You are my all.  I am nothing without you.  Use my life, anoint me daily.  Open the flood gates of heaven and rain on me  and reign in me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Tale Of A King And Two Of His Best Friends Part 2

As stated in Part 1, King David befriended two men when he overthrew Jerusalem and drove out the Hittites and the Jebusites,  In Part 1 we looked at Uriah the Hittie  and in Part 2 we will look at Araunah (also called Oman)  the Jebusite.  Even though these men had favor with the king; both men would have to endure David’s sin, for Uriah, it meant death.  For Araunah, it would be escaping just the whisper of death.

As with all powerful positions of leadership, there is a human nature to fight.  Who is the biggest and who is the best!  Yet we all can get lulled into complacency during times of blessing and abundance; forgetting where the good times come from. 

“When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.  (11)  Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:” Deuteronomy 8:10-11).

It may have been in this state of mind that David began to look to his own might and he ordered Joab, his general, to number his army; in essence; see how great a king he was.  There is a lot of speculation.  It may have been attached to the tribute paid into the treasury.  We really don’t know; but this we do know.  God did not order it; rather Satan had provoked David.  Moses had counted the people twice, but only at the command of the Lord.  Here David sinned and the Lord was angry.  Once again we see a repentant Davis who quickly acknowledges his sin.

“And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly” (2 Samuel 24:10).

God sends the prophet Gad to give David the choice of three different punishments.

“So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me” (2 Samuel 24:13).

1)  7 MONTHS OF FAMINE; or

2) 3 MONTHS FALLING TO THEIR ENEMIES; or

3) 3 DAYS AT THE SWORD OF THE LORD AND PESTILENCE.

David chose three days at the hand of the Lord and 70,000 men died because of David’s sin.

“So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men” (1 Chronicles 21:14).

When the angel with the sword came upon Jerusalem to utterly destroy it; the Lord repented and said enough!  And the plague was stopped at the threashing floor of Araunah (also Oman) the Jebusite.

“And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite” (1 Chronicles 21:15)

What strikes me is that Oman sees the death angel, looks at his four sons and keeps threshing.  Had this Jebusite  grown in knowledge of the God of Israel; grown in understanding of God mercy and grace? 

“And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat” (1 Chronicles 21:20).

Oman’s threshing floor was on Mount Moriah.  It was on that same spot that Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac.  David was ordered by God to buy the land and erect an altar on Oman’s threshing floor.  Later, Solomon built the Temple on Mount Moriah.  The High Priest of that temple ordered the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Threshing separates the wheat from the chaff; the good from the bad; the usable from the useless. Mount Moriah is symbolic of sifting men’s hearts through the blood of Christ.  It is a place of redemption and reconciliation.

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

(Genesis 22:2 KJV)

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

(Genesis 22:2 KJV)

We serve an awesome God who takes great care in small details and uses every means to teach us; parables, stories, analogies, direct instructions all to point us to Him and salvation.  All the heavens declare God’s glory.  God’s Word excites me.  It is so power and so true.  The best part is that it reveals our incredible human potential to ultimate see God face to face in His Kingdom for all eternity.

Prayer:  Heaven Father, you are so great; help me to learn more about you.  Give me a burden for your Word and to share the Gospel with all who cross my path.  Lead me to what you are blessing.  Show me your perfect will.  I am your servant.  In Jesus’ name, Amern.

The Tale Of A King And Two Of His Best Friends Part 1

When King David overthrew Jerusalem and drove out the Hittites and the Jebusites, he befriended two men, Uriah the Hittie and Araunah the Jebusite.  These men had favor with David.  Both men would be victims of David’s gravest sins.  We will first discuss his sin against Uriah in Part 1 and Araunah in Part 2. 

Going back in time, imagine yourself as a top advisor to the leader of God’s chosen nation and God places the responsibility upon your shoulders to show the king his grave sin.  The king’s backsliding into unthinkable behavior; separated him from God.  You personally know the King and you know that this was out of character for him.  You are loyal to the king and you want to help him find his way back to God, you want to help lead him to repentance.  Imagine if you were Nathan the prophet, sent on an assignment from God to show the king his sin.

David committed adultery with one of his best friend’s wife while the man, Uriah was away fighting in the army.  When she discovers that she is pregnant, David calls Uriah back for a rest and relaxation leave.  This would cover David’s sin.  But Uriah, in good conscience can’t find comfort in his wife’s arms while his fellow soldiers are on the battlefield.  David tries everything to get Uriah to go home to his wife.  When he refuses, David sends him back into battle; taking back with him his own death warrant in a dispatch to General Joab.  Uriah is then killed in battle.   Here is what Nathan said to David:  

“And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.  (2)  The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:  (3)  But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.  (4)  And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.  (5)  And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:  (6)  And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.  (7)  And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;” (2 Samuel 12:1-7)

David repented and we can read his lament over his sin and his plea to God, knowing that he didn’t deserve God’s mercy.  We see David’s heart in Psalm 51.  It is the hallmark scripture to lead us to repentance.  David acknowledged his sin and said it was “ever before him.”  (verse 3) and claims it without excuse and asks God,   “deliver me from bloodguiltiness” (verse 14).  These next words need to live in our hearts daily as we die daily to sin:

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  (8)  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.  (9)  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  (10)  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  (11)  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  (12)  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  (13)  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Psalms 51:7-13) 

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  (18)  Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem” (Psalms 51:17-18).

David was a man after God’s own heart because he owned his sin and quickly repented.  We will make mistakes and sin.  What we do when that happens will show our true heart.  Is it hard like stone, or easily broken?  Do we have a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart?  Are we building up the walls of the church?

Prayer:  Heavenly Father you broke me before your altar and before the baptismal waters.  You have carried my sin, sickness and pain.  I am whole in you and at one with you as long as I have a contrite heart, as long as I die daily to sin.  Transform me into one after you own heart.   In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sold Out For God’s Kingdom; or Bought Out By This World

A young Italian man immigrated to America in the early 1900s and began selling bananas off a cart.  Settling in Chicago, he married and his business grew into a small corner neighborhood store.  They began a family and had four sons and two daughters.  Their business was a family affair, built around produce; the living fresh foods that he believed to be the foundation of good nutritional health.  Every day the man and his sons would go to the market very early to buy their produce.  They would buy only rotting crates of produce.  These contained the naturally ripened fruits and vegetables that did not make it to market intact.  The father knew that, 30% to 50% was still in perfect condition inside each crate.  He bough each crate for 10 cents on the dollar; this gave him an instant wind fall profit on each crate.

The work was laborious to separate the good from the bad.  First the perfectly ripened fruit was put on display to sell at prices lower than anywhere in Chicago; and it was the ripest as well.  Next was the partially bruised fruits and vegetables; they were cut up for fruit and vegetable deli salads and food for the family.  The bruised parts were squeezed into juice for the family; turning some into wine. Only the totally rotten parts were taken home for compost on the family garden.  Nothing was wasted!

By the time his sons were young men, they had customers coming from the surrounding suburbs of the city to buy his produce.  While there to buy produce they would buy milk, eggs and butter.  His supplier, one of Chicago’s largest milk companies could not understand how a small grocery store could out sell the largest of stores.  The company president met with this Italian immigrant and handed the man a check for one million dollars, to buy the man’s store and to hire him at an executive salary to manage a new supermarket chain built around that corner store. This was in 1950

The sons thought they had hit a gold mine.  They each got to hold the check in their hands and dream for a minute or two.  Then the father took the check and handed it back to the man from the milk company and said, “No deal, my store is not for sale.”  His son’s could have died on the spot.

The father first explained that it would not be good for his family; such windfalls seldom are.  But in addition; his store was built over many years of working in that neighborhood and establishing priceless goodwill.  That which was build with hard honest labor over decades could not be mass reproduced for instant gain, motivated out of greed and lust for money. 

Everyday, we each have choices to make.  It all boils down to choosing God and His Kingdom or Satan and this dying world.  Are we sold out for the Kingdom; or are we going to be bought by this world.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

The world can be very tempting; just as it was for the prophet Moses; but Moses knew who he was, the son of a Hebrew woman.  Moses knew his real inheritance in God’s Kingdom.

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; (25)  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;  (26)  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26)

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, help me to be grounded in truth; help me to study the Word.  I need revival in my life.  Revive me for the work of the Gospel and for an eternal place in your glorious Kingdom.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Build For A Season Or Build For Eternity: Your Choice!

Growing up in the house that grandpa built brings feelings and a sense of warmth, comfort and security.   Heated with an oil floor furnace, the second floor drew heat through a grate.  That grate was a window for little boys to spy on adults past our bed time and to watch Dad in the very early morning.  Like clockwork, my Dad arose every day of his life at 4:30 am and spent time in prayer and then Bible study while the rest of us were supposed to be sleeping.  He was a man of diligent habits who was reared in a depression family that barely kept a roof over their heads.  It was a different time in society.  The “Old Fashioned Work Ethic,” died with his generation.  It was replaced with a leisure and entertainment crazed attitude that hates Monday mornings; breaths a sigh of relief on Wednesdays and shortchanges Fridays with preoccupation of weekend party time.  We can yearn for life as it was depicted in Norman Rockwell paintings, but few would exchange today for the “Good old days.”  For me, my childhood was a blessing and five years ago inspired this poem.   It may jog your memory of similar experiences in your life.

The house Gramps built

Behind the closet in the wall was a secret place
Where a little boy could escape without a trace
It was the house during the depression that grandpa built
Made of odds and end of discarded wood it was like a quilt
In the walls you read the slogans on the apple crates
They were made of hard wood with branded names and dates

Grandpa was a carpenter who fashioned with his hands
Most everything that was in the old house made without any plans
He had an eye for his craft and skilled workmanship
No shortcuts or things done half way no detail did he skip
All was made with mastery and finest timber even if from a crate
Perfection did his eye command, top to bottom even the fence gate

“Rip it out and do it right, give care to what you do next time!”
His voice could bellow and shout imperfection was a crime!
So the standard of his household was set to an unreachable high
My mother learned to be tough she was not allowed to cry
And so that house did she live in throughout her childhood
Became home for her children well into her adulthood

We spent hours in the playhouse that gramps built for her
Generation to generation in a rite of passage transfer
It was country living when grandpa bought that piece of land
By the time I was born is was part of Chicago which did expand
And now when I go back to that old house to see
It gives warm feelings and memories of family

My parents and grandparents, along with all but two aunts are all gone.  All of their possessions have turned to dust, save a few heirlooms.  The lessons and values of their lives continue on in mine. Several scripture come to mind with these reflections:

Psalms 127:1-5 “A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.  (2)  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.  (3)  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  (4)  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  (5)  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

Matthew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  (20)  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  (21)  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

As we enter the most materialistic season of the year, let’s reflect upon that which is truly important and teach our children lasting lessons of values and standards.  We have the understanding and the opportunity  to build for the future, not of fixed years; but for eternity.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me to live for you.  Lead my life into eternity and help me to utilize the blessing of mortal life to prepare for immortal glory with you.  I am called to grow in the enduring character of your strength.  Build my life upon your Word and let your will be done in me; in Jesus’ name, Amen.

In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him

Never underestimate the anointing upon our youth.  God’s Word has many examples of young people answering the call of God.  Focusing on youth is a high priority for the church.  There is no greater and more efficient way for the church to grow than through our children.  They can not only be saved for all eternity, but they can be saved in this human experience from the lasting effects of sin now.

Born into a household of faith, my parents were so consumed with their own calling that they didn’t think that God was working with their children; but He was.  At age 4 God’s presence came over me in a witness that is as real today as it was now 47 years ago.  By age 6, God was speaking to my heart; at age 8, being driven to my knees in prayer; God immediately answered and intervened.

My parents had purchased a brand new trumpet for me to start taking private lessons in third grade.  Being a typical inquisitive boy; there was a need to take it all apart to see how it all worked.  Trying to put it back together sent me into a cold sweat panic.  It quickly became clear that this was beyond my knowledge and ability to fix.  This stupid act was going to cause my parents grief and most likely the cost of a repair.

Locking my bedroom door, my petition to God was frantic and fervently repentant.  Explaining to God that He needed to help me fix this mess so that my parents would be saved from anger, frustration and the administration of a spanking and even worse; taking away my trumpet and ending my lessons;  God heard my prayer and answered it right away.  God gave me the ability to put the trumpet back together as good as new, except for one part.  Instead of going to God for further help, it seemed that trying it on my own was the answer.  Yes, that final part was put back, but not until putting a tiny dent into the bright new shiny brass.  My parents never found out; but every day for the next ten years, that dent starred me in the face as a reminder of God’s answered prayer and my stupidity of trying to fix some thing on my own with out God.

From that day forward; God became my partner in everything.  God gives us a promise to direct our paths, to lead us into blessings.  He promises never to forsake us and to always provides way of escape.

“ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”  (Proverbs 3:6).

“Yet the LORD will command his loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life” (Psalms 42:8).

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1Corinthians 10:13).

Lord God, my Heavenly Father; you are always with me and I am always instant in prayer.  Help me Lord to always seek your help.  I know that you desire to help me in everything.  Help me to rely upon you more each day and draw closer to you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Who shall I send? Here I am, Lord!

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

At a revival service in 1973, a guest evangelist from Africa talked about the need for missionaries to take the Gospel to Africa.  Twelve years old at the time, the Holy Ghost moved me to make a vow to God, to go anywhere for the Gospel.  That vow has burned in my heart every day since.  At that moment, the Holy Ghost planted in my heart a passion to be dedicated to the Gospel.  God knows the hearts of our children who are nurtured in the apostolic faith.  They are truly sanctified (set apart for Holy Use).  Paul tells us that the unbelieving mate and our children are sanctified and holy:

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy” (1 Corinthians 7:14).

One of God’s greatest blessings to me was a father who was grounded in prayer and the Word.  Because of Dad’s faith and commitment to holiness, my life has been fertile ground in service to the Lord.  God is working in our children, youth and young adults.  Those who are second generation Apostolic Christians are a blessing to the church.

Vicki Oliver is an evangelist to children.  It has been my privilege to hear her preach four times over the past three years.  The first time, she gave a message; “Birthing a Burden.”  That is a passion or a call to ministry; something that we pour our heart into for the Gospel.  For most women, giving birth is no easy matter.  Birthing usually requires labor.  Few and far between is the woman who has the painless quick delivery.  As Sister Oliver states; “With birth, there is noise and a whole lot of effort, including many tears.”  When God leads us to repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name and baptism in the Holy Ghost, it is a new birth.  We are a new creation in Jesus Christ.  We are called out for a purpose; for a work in the Gospel.  When our burden is birthed, it requires completely emptying oneself at the altar of the cross.  Last weekend, in Madison, 37 souls were baptized at an Oliver revival service.

God has called each of us out of this dark world and into the marvelous light of the Gospel; into the church for a divine purpose.  The word “apostle” means one sent forth.  The word church means called out ones.  We have been called out to be sent forth.  God has a burden, a passion, a work for each of us called into the Church.

The Holy Ghost will birth a burden in you; but you have to be willing.  It requires complete surrender.  It requires boldness in Christ.  The Holy Ghost will give us the boldness that we lack.  We are the temple of the Holy Ghost.  The righteousness of Jesus Christ lives inside of each of us.  It is God’s righteousness in us that makes us bold like a lion.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1)

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, I can do nothing of myself.  You have called me out of this world to become a light to the world.  I have not been called out just to be saved, but to work.  I am called to birth a burden for the Lord, for the Gospel.  Lead me to what you are blessing.  Lead me to a work that you have prepared just for me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When He Is Old, He Will Not Depart From It

When the disciples turned away the little children, Jesus rebuked them and used the circumstances to teach them about a vital key for every Christian and the fact that God works through children and those who are pure like children.

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

When God works through children, there is a blessing that follows them throughout their lives.  This is my first hand witness that is shared with my wife.  God started to work with us at the same time even before we met!  This is an awesome experience to relate.  The year was 1964.  The Lord appeared to Sis. Cindy while she was waiting for her older sister; who was attending a class at church.  The Lord wrapped His arms around her, bearing witness of His great love for her.  From that moment on; she always felt the Lord’s presence with her.

At the same time, several miles away, my next door neighbor’s grandson; and my childhood friend, Timmy; was coming home from his catechism class and couldn’t wait to show me his new book.  Pointing to a picture of Jesus, he said, “This is God.”  At that moment, God wrapped His arms around me and in my soul those three words spoke volumes of knowledge as a witness to the Mighty God in Jesus Christ.  Ten years later, Cindy would be introduced to me in High School, by the choir teacher.  We spent a lot of time for the next two years getting to know each other, but then drifted apart because of religious differences.  It was not God’s time.

Thirty five years later the Lord brought us together for His divine purpose and yesterday we were married.  It is still a great wondrous blessing of how God witnessed to two innocent children, pure at heart, forty seven years ago.  As children, we were strangers to each other.  Later, in our youth, a foundation would be laid; an introduction, for the work of the Gospel, thirty five years later.  We know that we were brought together for God’s will and purpose.

Our children, the second and third generation Christians; children like Cindy and I, who were spared much of the destruction of worldly lifestyles who have walked and talked with the Lord from our youth; our children are those pure in heart whom Jesus is referring to in the sermon on the mount.  There is a profound awareness and connection that comes with the Lord bearing personal witness to children.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Those with young children today, in the church; have the opportunity to train up Apostolic Children.  Yes they may stray; but there will be an anointing upon them and they will only go so far.  They will not completely depart.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Praise the Lord and thank you Jesus that my parents knew the Lord before my birth.  God gave me and Sis. Cindy the same blessing of David; called from a God fearing home, trained up in the Lord.

“O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works” (Psalms 71:17).

There will come a time when all children will have great, great grandparents in the Lord.  That will be an incredible world, five generations and beyond into the millennial rule of Jesus Christ.  The reality of the second coming of our Lord, Jesus the Christ and the millennial peace stirs my soul with great anticipation.  Meditate on these glorious thoughts and let the wonderful world of God’s rule come to life in your heart, mind and soul.

Prayer:  King of kings, Mighty God, my Heavenly Father purify my hearts so that I may see you now; that your Kingdom will become a reality so vivid, that I will yearn with my heart, mind and soul to serve you and work in the Gospel; to become the living , walking testament of the living God!  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

The Mighty God In Jesus, Holy Women And Broken Men

Once saved always saved is one of the Devil’s biggest lies that can actually deceive even the elect, the chosen of God.  Don't fall prey.

“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect” (Mark 13:22).

Some have not finished the race, but have been moved away from Christ on the wind of false teachings

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Paul encourages us to stay strong in the Lord, to mature in Christ.  We are not to stay babes in Christ, those easily “tossed to and fro…with every wind of doctrine.”

 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”  (Ephesians 4:14-15)

How do we ensure that we won’t fall?  Is there a formula?   God spoke through Isaiah and warns us to remain pure and close to God else we will become deceived and the Lord will send us delusions and we will be lost.

“I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not” (Isaiah 66:4).

The Apostle Paul warned against such deceptions.  We must be aware of false doctrines that can creep into our lives.  There is but one Gospel.

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

The Gospel is the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We must repent and die to sin; entering into His death.  Be baptized through immersion in the name of Jesus, for the remission of ours sins; be buried with Him.  And then arise to new birth, to be a new creation in Him; living in the resurrection as the temple of the Holy Ghost; baptism in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

Few false prophets will come into our midst and challenge the Gospel directly.  They come in as thieves.  Jesus Himself warns us of the enemy coming within by stealth, sneaking into our hearts and minds.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1)

At the 2010 Wisconsin Men’s Conference in Shawano, we received an anointed message from God, a warning to hold fast to three teachings that have been the downfall of laity, leadership and clergy alike.  When these hallmarks of our faith are compromised, we are threading on thin ice.  Therefore remain unmovable in these three:

1.  The Mighty God in Jesus Christ; the oneness doctrine:  We must be grounded in the Mighty God in Jesus.

2.  Women need to embrace the holiness standards.  Yes, men too; but it may start with one of our daughters wearing makeup and the parents turning a blind eye.  It can become like a pinhole in the dyke that opens the floodgates.  Skirting as close to the world as possible will take us out of the church.

3.  Men who are broken daily in Christ.  Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church and laid down His life.  We must, as men, die daily, following the admonition of the Apostle Paul.

We are called to overcome, called to be transformed by the Holy Ghost, into an acceptable creation in Christ..

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

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father.  I can do all things through you and in you.  Lead me into your perfect will for my life.  Illuminate my steps in you.  Engage me in that which you are blessing.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

My Trust From My Youth

Growing up with holiness standards was as much of a challenge in the 1960s as it is today.  Styles in clothing or the lack therein had broken all parameters and precedents.  Freedom from establishment ushered in a sense of noncompliance that went far beyond clothing, grooming and personal appearance.  The breakdown of all moral values and traditions gave license across the board in all areas of life.  There was a sense of coming out of the dark ages and nobody wanted to be told what to do.  There was a phrase coined, “Get with the times!”  It meant, don’t be “Old Fashioned,” throw away all standards.  With 1962, came Vatican II; an ecumenical council that loosened a lot of strict traditional standards of the Catholic Church.  Clearly the decade of the 1960s had a profound impact on social and moral standards in the home, church, government and society.  For the children and the youth; there was not only peer pressure; but pressure from teachers as well.  It was a psychedelic culture that had infiltrated into the schools.  Many of my teachers in Junior High and High School were openly embracing the breakdown of standards; they let it be known that they smoked pot and had partners instead of spouses and by 1973 some of my teachers were openly homosexual  Many men teachers grew their hair long and women teachers cut their hair short.  Unisex was introduced.  By the 1980s, schools could no longer impose moral values.  My brother was just entering the teaching field in 1979.  He has kept his hand on the pulse of the moral decline over the past 32 years as an educator.

Traditional Biblical standards that were taught by most churches began to be compromise and comply to the motto, “Get hip baby be free.”  Moral values were once taught by churches to the families; then upheld by schools and enforced in society.  Now they are illegal to teach.  As in the 1960s; through the 70s, 80s, 90, and into the new millennium; holding the line on holiness has brought persecution to our youth.  Starting with the Revolution of the 1960s; most of the Christian world began to merely attend church.  Very little commitment was required to maintain membership in those churches as they drifted away from Bible standards.  Today those churches are struggling to keep their doors open.  In the 1960s; when confronting a teacher with something that was against Bible teaching; the first question was always the same: “Can’t you get a dispensation from your bishop?”  As a twelve year old, my faith frustrated my teachers.  When my reply was; “Even if I could get such an approval from a bishop, this is between God and me.  This is my belief!”  They couldn’t understand why God’s Word was held so firm in my life.  Compromise has broken down holiness and we find ourselves in a society that reflects the End Time.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away”   (2 Timothy 3:1-5  ).

Our children today, face a great deal of pressure to live by God’s Word; but they have favor with God.  Like the youth of the Bible; who held the line on holiness; our youth have God’s favor; just like Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  God has a plan for them and He hears their plight.  They are the future.  Second and third generation Apostolic Christians are the strength and future of the church.  God will deliver them and lift them up in strength; with anointing in the Holy Ghost. 

With David, they have internalized the hope of salvation; they reflect the light of God in this dark world:

“For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth” (Psalms 71:5).

“O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works” (Psalms 71:17).

Apostolic Youth shine brightly in the darkness.  The light of Jesus Christ is in them and they are noticed.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah 9:2).

Prayer:  My Father in Heaven, you have given me the word of life.  Help me to share them with young people and not overlook the children who cross my path.  We all deal with the pulls of the world around us.  Keep me on the path of holiness.  Help me to internalize and emulate your holiness.  Shine through me into the darkness.  Bless your people.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

I’m here to see her

Living in a very busy world, it is easy to see past the needy people who cross our path.  During 2009, health issues required me to be in a wheel chair.  Friends in church would walk by me and not see me.  My conclusion is that we don’t see people in wheel chairs, nor the elderly or the disabled.  The very people Jesus has told us to take care, we just don’t see; me included.  Jesus is very clear about how important it is to pay attention to the needy and to take care of them.

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

The following story is from my youth; more than thirty years ago.

Week after week, she stood out of the way, blending into the back wall of the church.  An elderly woman in her seventies, her name was Aida and her stoic and stern stance made her look mean.  She never cracked a smile; never said a word while she patiently waited for her ride.

Few knew that she was a graduate of the prestigious school of nursing at Loyola University and had served as a nurse at Maywood Hospital for over forty years.  From her seemingly shy personality, no would have guessed that she was in such a social profession.  Unless you talked to her, she would play the wall flower and never say a word because she was self conscious about not having any teeth.  Though she had dentures, she stopped wearing those years before because they hurt too much.  So there she stood, afraid to talk and afraid to smile.

One week, a woman noticed her and introduced herself, her name was Phyllis, and they became good friends.  Aida looked forward to their weekly shopping trips and outings and a new spark of life filled her with purpose of being. It was not long before Aida became a part of Phyllis’ family having occasional dinners and spending time on holidays.

Then one day she was not feeling well and could not go out shopping.  Her heart was growing weak and from that day she hardly ever left her apartment.   She knew that she had entered her final years and wanted to be visited by her minister.  The older seasoned pastor of her church, whom she knew well had retired and moved away.  His replacement was a very young man who was a hit with the young people, but never seemed to have time for the elderly.  For over a year Aida kept asking for a visit and Pastor Carl just couldn’t seem to find the time to visit her.

By this time Phyllis was visiting her daily to take care of her personal needs as well as shopping, cooking and cleaning.  One day Phyllis found Aida very near to death and stayed with her all day into the late afternoon; holding her and comforting her while talking to her.  She smiled at Phyllis and she smiled back as Aida took her last breath and died in her arms.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door.  It was Pastor Carl, he said, “I’m here to see Aida.  Phyllis replied, “She just died.”  Carl said over and over again, “She can’t be dead; I’m here to see her.”  His negligent act haunted him for many years and shortly after Aida’s death Carl left the ministry.

Phyllis was my mother who in 2005 became an invalid and homebound for the last five months of her life.  She received the same loving care that she had given to so many throughout her life and died in the loving arms of my sister Lisa in May of that year at Lisa’s home.

On Dry Solid Ground

In 1986, on a beautiful afternoon, during a church conference in Belgium; an elderly gentleman from England, James Dean, joined us for an afternoon outing in the countryside near Brussels, Belgium.  We found ourselves on the wooded grounds adjoining the estate of King Leopold.  This was not on a tourist map and we had stumbled upon it by accident.  As evening drew near, we started on our journey back to the conference center and got lost.  The newly paved road narrowed as it became gravel; then dirt.  Too narrow to turn around, we kept going as it turned to mud.  Ahead were ruts that were deeper that the axel of our little Fiat.  A split second decision had to be made to try to crisscross the ruts and pray for an opening to turn around.  With an eighty-six year old passenger in the back seat; the threat of being stuck in the woods overnight and hypothermia, loomed overhead.  It was mid-October.  Never were my driving skills ever so challenged.  In God’s mercy, a clearing of dry solid ground made a perfect place to turn around, but the ruts had to be traversed again.  Successfully back on that newly paved road, James commented, in his very British accent, “By George, I do rather prefer being a passenger than a driver!”

It never seems to cease to amaze me, how God provides dry solid ground for his people.  We need to keep the Bible stories of such miracles in our hearts and minds.  God leads us to impasses so that he can deliver us and thereby strengthen our faith.

• Israel came to the impasse of the Red Sea.  Through Moses God parted the sea and they all walked through on dry, solid ground. 

“And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left” (Exodus 14:22).

• The waters of the Jordan River were parted as Joshua led the children of Israel, on dry, solid ground, into the Promised Land.

“And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan” (Joshua 3:17).

• Elijah parted the waters of the Jordan and passed over on dry, solid ground, before he was taken up in a chariot of fire.

“And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground”

(2 Kings 2:8).

• Elisha also parted the waters of the Jordan as he passed over on dry, solid ground, after he had received a double portion of the spirit of Elijah.

“And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over” (2 Kings 2:14).

• Jesus Christ walked on the Sea of Galilee as if it were dry, solid ground, when he came upon his disciples in a boat.

“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear (Matthew 14:26 ).

• Simon Peter walked on the Sea of Galilee as if it were dry, solid ground, until his lack of faith caused him to sink.

“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” (Matthew 14:29).

• “God provides us with the solid rock of his Word, the Holy Bible, as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path; so that we can walk on dry, solid ground.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105).

• God orders the steps of the righteous

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23).

When we internalize the Word, we become that light to others; becoming the light of Christ in a dark world.  People are drawn to us.  God sends them to us to share in the light.  Therefore we are encouraged, to always be prepared, to give the reason for the hope, that; lies within us.  As hope filled people, we take on an inviting outward countenance that others see.  It is through one on one testimony; that God leads people to the dry, solid ground of the Church and into the family of God.  We are all qualified to share our testimony with the people within our sphere of acquaintance.  Reach out and share the Word with the people you know.  It is part of your divine calling.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the dry, solid ground of your Word and the secure foundation of your church.  Help me to have the confidence to reach out in faith to the world around me that is on quicksand.  Save them through me.  Give me a burden for the lost.  Give me a heart to seek and save that which is lost.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith Comes by Hearing

In the 1950’s, while driving to work, my father stumbled on to a radio evangelist who caught his attention.  Dad shared what he learned with Mom and she shared what she learned with many of her friends. This was before I was born.  God calls people into his family through the testimony of others.  It is the testimony of the original apostles, handed down through the ages, that has ignited our faith.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

When Philip came across the Ethiopian eunuch, reading from the book of Isaiah, he asked him if he understood what he was reading.   the eunuch replied, “How can I, except some man should guide me?”  Philip did a Bible study with him and he was moved by the Holy Spirit and was baptized that day. 

 “(29)  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.  (30)  And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?  (31)  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.  (32)  The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:  (33)  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.  (34)  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?  (35)  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  (36)  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  (37)  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  (38)  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:29-38).

This eunuch had great authority and was obviously very educated.  He was in charge of all of the treasures of Queen Candace of Ethiopia.  He was willing to admit that he couldn’t understand what he was reading and that he needed someone to guide him.  No matter how much we think that we may know, we all need someone to guide us.  We in the church are greatly blessed with many teachers and preachers of the Word of God.  There are few things that can compare to the blessing of sharing the Word of God one on one.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend”    (Proverbs 27:17).

As we grow in our walk of faith, we should all be able to teach and guide prospective members to Christ, just as Philip did.  We are not called to hide the Gospel within ourselves, but to share it. 

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15)

Sharing the Word of God one on one is the process by which the Christian Church has grown, not just in numbers, but in strength.  We are so blessed to have a pastor who has been given a great vision to reach Chicago with the Gospel.  Let us grow in grace and in knowledge so that we can become the supporting pillars for growth and revival.

Prayer:  Our Father and God of Mercy, Thank you for calling me out of the world and for opening my eyes to understand your Word.  Thank you for all of the teachers, preachers and pastors who feed your sheep and who have fed me.  Help me to grow in understanding; lead me to what you arte blessing and prepare me for greater service in you, Lord Jesus.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.