Is there something God wants to show you that you are causing to be delayed or hindered from seeing it because you are so tied and committed to your church’s commitments or dedicated to what your leaders want you to do for them or too loyal and devoted to what your family and or friends believe is right for you? And yet, we all often pray the following requests to God.
BUT! Shortly thereafter, we slam the door to our promises because truly, we don’t want what God has or wants for us. We really don’t. We just want whatever pain or hardship we are experiencing to stop. We just want to live a comfortable lifestyle where we can do as we will with no accountability. Therefore, the above pray that many of us recite to God is really just superficial. Just a temporary method to stop the bleeding, and the pain, and to display a pretense to others that God is in what you are doing and experiencing. What hypocrisy! The prayers we cite are so fake because our motives are in the wrong place. For they are not about truly doing things God’s way, but our way. hard to be obedientSo, what gives? Why do we as servants of God so often fake it? Why is it so hard to do what God says – that is to be obedient? Look, if I try to answer these questions, I’ll be here all day and you still won’t receive a word I say. So, let me not focus on that. Instead, let me draw your attention to something God said to Abraham while he was living in his native country of Chaldea with his family. Abraham trusted god implicitlyAbraham is a significant figure throughout the Bible and plays an important role in mankind’s tradition and the history of religion. But to truly understand the role Abraham played in human history, we must know some basic background information concerning him. Abraham was a native of the county of Chaldea to which he was born in the city of Ur. At some point, Abraham had an encounter with God. To which God said the following to Abraham.
God wanted to release something to Abraham. But Abraham had to be a willing vessel and obey what God was requiring him to do. So, let’s explore what God wanted to release to Abraham and how Abraham responded to God’s requirements. The promise to abrahaMGod made two significant promises to Abraham after telling him to leave his hometown and family and head in the direction God will show him. Now, we need to be mindful here that God did not reveal to Abraham where exactly God was sending him. All God told Abraham at this point was two things. (1) Leave your father’s house and (2) go. That was it. If Abraham was willing to follow these instructions, God made two promises to Abraham. (Also, see Genesis 12:2-3).
So, we see here, God formed a partnership or an agreement or covenant with Abraham and they each had a part to fulfilled in this relationship. God will do all the things that are listed in promises 1 and 2, but IF and only IF Abraham fulfills his part FIRST. I don’t want you to miss this point. In their relationship,
We have to be mindful of this. Many of God’s promises and or blessings are conditional. Meaning, that God will not fulfill the promises He has made, bless His servants, or answer many of our prayers UNTIL we fulfill our part FIRST. So, when God instructed Abraham to move from his family, he obeyed although he did not know where God was sending him. (Compare Hebrews 11:8). Abraham trusted God implicitly to guide and direct him. As a result, for several years, Abraham migrated from place to place and lived in tents as he followed the leading of God to the place God was going to eventually show him. Come See A Land I Will Show YoUIn the New Testament, God’s instruction to Abraham is repeated at Acts chapter 7, in verse 1, where it says
This is a good point to apply Abraham's encounter with God and the promised He made to Abraham to ourselves by asking. What is it that God wants to show you? Have you followed His instructions to see it? If you have not, you must ask yourself why? This is important to ask because remember the opening prayer I mentioned that many of us often recite.
These are things we often say to God to gain something WE WANT. So, often these prayers are about and for us and not about God. We want something from God. In other words, we want God to do His part. But we do not want to commit to doing our part – whatever God requires of us.
And still, yet, we want God to bless us, to answer our prayers, to fulfill His promises He has made to us. And then we are shocked and often get upset with God when He fails to bless us, answer our prayers, or fulfill His promises. We still want God to show us the promise, or the land that He speaks of regardless if we are willing or do our part or not. What hypocrisy!
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This morning, I do not know why God placed this topic on my heart. But nevertheless, I will discuss it. But let me address this question first – “where do my topics for discussion come from that I share on my social media platforms?” I do not want to sound super-spiritual or religious, but I know no other way to respond to this question. Truthfully, let me answer this question with two verses from the Bible. First at Luke 12:12 where Jesus said
This statement by Jesus probably best describes my relationship and interactions with Jesus, God, and Holy Spirit. I really do not go looking at other people’s content on social media to see what they are talking about or looking for the latest trendy message or news that’s out there like some are known to do. I really don’t. I don’t even ask or beg God – “Oh, God give me something to say to the people that would inspire them and me.” NOPE! I do not do that either. And I don’t feel that I have to. Continuing on, Jesus goes on and says at John chapter 8, verse 28.
This is how it always happens for me. I sit down for my traditional morning Bible reading & study time. And then when I less expect it, something I am reading just limps off the page at me. Then I start to hear words being spoken in my mind. Like an opening sentence to a story. I immediately sit down and listen to what I am hearing. As I am hearing what is spoken, I write down what I am hearing the LORD speaks to me. In that moment, I am like the LORD’s Scribe – capturing every word God dictates to me. I am God’s official or public secretary or clerk or communication agent as He once described me as. When describing me as His "communication agent", God’s Spirit took me to Jeremiah chapter 1 and had me read verses 7 through 9, which reads.
The best way to describe this encounter with God from my perspective is like this. It is like God removes me from the physical place I am sitting and takes me into a courtroom setting in heaven. In that setting, you have a Judge’s bench, the witness stand, the defendant and plaintiff’s tables, the jury box, the public sitting area, and the clerk & court reporter. That last one is me – the clerk & court reporter. Sitting in a public courtroom hearing, sitting right next to God, who sits on the Judge’s bench, I am His clerk & court reporter, capturing everything that is spoken by Him. So, this morning, before I got ready for work, I was reading and studying my Bible lesson in the book of Acts; when suddenly, without warning, I kept hearing in my spirit two phrases – “relationships” and “disagreements”. I did not know why I was hearing these words repetitively. And then when I less expect it, I heard the beginning of a sentence. Before a complete sentence was stated, it would stop in the middle of the sentence and start the phrase all over again. This kept repeating until I finally realized it was the LORD speaking. So, I sat down and pulled out my pen and paper to record what the LORD had to say. What He wanted to speak concerning the thing(s) that was heavy on His heart this morning to His people, to a particular person who visits this platform this often. If He is speaking to you this morning, you will know it after reading this post because it certainly will prompt and pull at your heart. That’s God speaking to you through me saying, “Hey, listen, you are offended and you are not looking at this situation right. So, let me speak to your heart and correct the way you are handling this particular matter.” So, let’s get into what the LORD is saying this morning TO YOU. Disagreements with friends and growing relationships In relationships, it is only natural to have disagreements. Disagreements over words. Disagreements over actions. Disagreements over politics. Disagreements over any and everything. There is no way to avoid disagreements if you are human. (Compare to Acts 6:1; Acts 11:1-3; Acts 15:2, 7). But even with the contention that comes up between friends, lovers, family, and especially Christians, God has given us the ability to end all disputes. And this can be found in your character. Whatever kind of character or nature you possess often is displayed during times of disagreements or disputes. Especially with those you are close or forming new relationships with. For instance, we should ask ourselves. Will you use disagreements as an opportunity to understand the disposition of the other person? Can you properly discern whether or not the other person is trying to hurt or tear you down? Or are they trying to get you to see and understand another person's perspective that you would normally not see or overlook? Are you unknowingly being closed-minded concerning a matter? And is God using this person to open up your mind to something new or different from your usual way of seeing, thinking, or proceeding things? We have to be mindful that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Do we fully understand what this actually means? Proverbs 27:11 reads
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sharpens as
This is the goal or intent behind anyone who is trying to make you better than you are whenever you at odds with another or when one cannot see eye to eye on a matter. What another person says, or acts, or how they respond to you in time of disagreements should be done in such a way to sharper you. Hence, Proverbs chapter 27, verse 17 goes on and says.
What does this mean? The same dictionary defines “countenance” this way.
When a real (or true) friend challenges your perspective concerning a matter. It is not from the perspective of tearing you down. Or making social media comments that target you in hopes that you will read it and get the point. Or to make you look stupid. Or to embarrass you. Or to be negative. Or to disapprove of or show you disfavor. This is not the real aim of a real friend and a healthy growing friendship. If that is your view of your friend who disagrees or disputes with you, then you have to question
For every friend and or new relationship has disagreements. The closer you are, the more disagreements you will have. How you choose to view, handle, or resolve these disagreements will speak volumes about the nature of your true character. How many times should i try to resolve a disagreement with the same personWith that being said, let’s end with this Scripture at Matthew 18:15-22. The first step that many, far too many of us skip is verse 15, which says.
It is our responsibility to approach our brother or sister that knowingly or unknowingly offended us and to tell them privately – “I was offended when you said when you did XYZ.” Your failure to approach your brother or sister or anyone for that matter, privately to air out, discuss, and resolve your dispute or disagreement with them speaks loudly to God about the nature of your character. Just the same, how your friend responds to your complaint says a lot about their character as well. To close out, you really need to read those remaining verses at Matthew chapter 18, verses 15 through 22. But for the sake of time, we are going to drop down to verses 21 and 22, where the Apostle Peter asked Jesus
Noticed how Jesus responded to Peter’s question which also applies to us today whenever and wherever anyone, especially in regards to our relationships/friendships – when knowingly or unknowingly offends us by words or deeds. Jesus said to Peter
Which simply means a lot –every time our friends offend us knowingly or unknowingly. So, go resolve your differences with your friends, relationships, and family, especially Christian relationships today. For God will hold each one of us accountable for every account and their lack in resolving any and every disagreement we have with our friends.
God Almighty has a historical pattern with mankind. He constantly
Don’t be fooled by man’s wisdom and logic that one is being blessed by God based on man’s rationale; standards; the way he talks, walks, dresses, or or the flashing of his material gains or wealth. Nor by his ways, connections, or logic. Man’s ways are fool's gold. It always looks like the real thing but it is worth nothing. But God’s ways. His system. His processes are pure as gold. One you cannot put a value on it. IT IS PRICELESS.
DO NOT FORSAKE THE GATHERING. I have heard so many prophets and pastors quote and misrepresent this verse with alternative motives. DO NOT FORSAKE THE GATHERING. What does this really mean when the Hebrew writer wrote?
THE CHURCH IS NOT A BUILDINGOur confession of our hope will never waver as long as we gather in some church with other brothers and sisters? Is this what this verse means? NO! Here it is referring to our salvation not wavering because it is grounded not in a church, not in our pastor, not in our leaders where we gathered in a physical build with other saints. NO! But we do not waver because our hope is in the One that promised was made to us. It is certainly not in any man or the place men want to gather. It is in Jesus Christ our Messiah and not a physical location or building. the church of the living godWe have to be mindful, that in the past, or in the Old Testament, God had one primary way to communicate to His people. And that was through His prophets. We see this time and time again in the Scripture. But a shift occurred in the New Testament. The one we had been waiting for. The prophets were waiting. God’s people were waiting for had come. And when he came, he settled all matters concerning the sins of man which made us eligible to be in right standing with God once again – as we were in the beginning, in the Garden of Eden. This meant man could once again have direct access to God through the redemption Jesus had completed for all of mankind at the cross. This is why the Bible writer of Hebrews states. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things…. (Hebrews 1:2) Paul confirms this at 1 Corinthians 3:16 when he said. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? At 1 Timothy chapter 3, verse 15, Paul said. …I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Here Paul speaks of the House of God – the tabernacle of God – a physical place of worship – a physical building or meeting place. But this is not a building built by men – the hands and spirit and will of man. An assembly of men hosting a prep rally boasting about
NO! This church which Paul speaks about is a church that is erected and built by God through a selected few men that host the Spirit of the Living God. Where God dwells, runs, and oversees the going on in such a house. Because His Spirit is there. Because it is His. It belongs to Him and not man. JUST TWO OR THREE ARE REQUIREDIt is Jesus, our High Priest, the Melchizedek that intercedes for us (Psalm 110:4). And all he needs is 2 or 3 to gather in a home, at a church, in a ministry, or even in the woods. The meeting place does not matter, is nonessential as far as God, Christ, and Holy Spirit are concerned. It really does not matter. So long as true worshipers of God are gathered. He does not need 100, two thousand, or even a million to meet for His presence to dwell and be activated for His purpose to be done. He just needs 2 or 3 (Matthew 18:20). He just needs 2 or 3 to meet together anywhere at any given time and there He should be.
If many of you young leaders keep listening to these bobblehead preachers out here and do not follow the directions and connections God is pointing you to. You will find yourself left behind with no anointing nor power or even an audience and a lack of influence. It is god who raisesToo many of us are trying to remain faithful to an old system that God is no longer using. When God raised Joshua, Moses’ successor. The Israelites, God’s people had to learn to become warriors – soldiers; and literally put on their battle fatigues and fight for their Promised Land that God had promised them. Those who refused to get with the change, the shift God had made and put on the new mantles, a new outlook, a different perspective, and a new attitude. They died in their stubbornness, both physically and spiritually. (Compare to Exodus 16:3; Numbers 13:27-29; Numbers 16:1-40). These men and women and far too many of God’s leaders refused to change, to move in the new direction God was showing them. They refused to make room and elevate those God was calling to the frontline of the battle as leaders. Just as Moses did with Joshua. Photo CR from left to right: Travis Agnew; Daniel Sheets; Bibilium |
“… Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, o king.” |
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Now, as confident the three Hebrew boys were about God being able to deliver them. They knew there was a small chance God wouldn’t do it. So, this is what they said in agreement concerning this possibility.
“But if not, let it be known to you, o king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you set up.” (Daniel 3:18) |
Now, we know the king did throw them in the furnace. (See verses 20-23 of Daniel chapter 3). But what happened next left the king and those watching, which included all the king’s servants and the entire nation of Israel (God’s people) to be amazed by man’s power? No, God’s delivering power. They all saw in the furnace with the three Hebrew boys another image (a fourth person). (See verses 24-25 of Daniel chapter 3).
God sent His angel to deliver the three Hebrew boys from the hands of the king. (See verses 26-30). God did not send another man or woman with a prophetic word to save them. Instead, by means of His Spirit, He sent His angel to recuse them.
Throughout this process, the three Hebrew boys did not declare that one of them would come up with a plan to escape the hands of the king. Nor did they or anyone else declare that some other man or woman will come along to do it. They put their complete trust in God. Because they knew He was able and capable to do it. The three Hebrew boys had no interest in trying to take or steal God’s credit or glory. They knew, if it happened, only God was deserving of such credit – not even God’s angel dared to declare He did in His own strength or will. And the people acknowledge this too as well. The king, his guards, and all of God’s people had to relent, repent, and acknowledge God’s glory. The deliverance power of God on behalf of the three Hebrew boys.
God does not need man but chooses to use them
It is within God’s right to choose to use a man or woman to assist Him in delivering His people - and this includes cases like miracles such as healing. But when God chooses to use someone, that person is chosen and knows beforehand. (Compare to Exodus chapters 3 and 4; Amos 3:7). Not after the fact or after coming across or learning about a matter much later. It is God who reveals all matters to those whom He trusts as His prophets. And yet, there are some prophets who are trying to steal God’s glory by prophesizing this or that miracle based on information they have gathered and not a true word or revelation from God. Attempting to declare credit that they would not otherwise have known if it was not for them trolling social media accounts for details. This is witchcraft – practicing sorcery. Please stop trying to steal the Father’s glory.
let the record show
Yet, let the record show. If God does not act on my behalf for some odd reason. I am taking the same position as the three Hebrew boys. I will not compromise by not trusting what the LORD has prophesied in my case or spoken in His Word. I trust Him and my life is in His hand. And He will not allow another prophet to declare in my case beforehand what He has not revealed to them so that they can get His glory.
So, as prophets and apostles, we need to be careful and beware of what we declare, especially if the LORD has not spoken a thing to us. We need to stop trolling other people’s social platforms and then declaring, that the LORD is about to… - and declaring we have foreknowledge about something when we do not. That is lying, stealing, and declaring the Father has revealed something to you when He has not.
My response to my “passover” blog post this pasT weekend
Here’s the statement Jesus made to these Jewish leaders when they questioned whose authority was Jesus submitting under to do and say the things he was doing and saying. Jesus' response was.
By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (John 5:30, NIV) |
I can do nothing on my own initiative…. (John 5:30, NASB) |
Now, I can take this one verse in many different directions based on what is going on in my head based on some pushback I have been getting. But I have learned, that whenever I do things to try to defend my position, preference, way of thinking, or because I felt I was wronged or misunderstood by someone. These types of battles are fruitless and really a waste of my time and energy. So, I have learned the true value of Jesus’ words when he said
I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord—but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. (John 5:30, AMPC) |
When we come in the name of Jesus based purely on his directions and under his authority. Meaning we are only vocalizing what he tells us to say or do. THEN, when we speak a thing, the instructions we give or the judgment we state will ALWAYS be just (fair, righteous, and unbiased). Because we are not coming in our own initiative or authority, our own name with the pretense of calling it A WORD FROM GOD. Because we do not seek our own will, but only the will of the one that sent us – that is Jesus Christ. For his will is always fair, just, and righteous.
And this has become my walk. To “do nothing on my own initiative or authority”. But to only do the will of Christ whose have given me the authority to act and speak on his behalf. It is under his authority that I submit. And it is under his righteous rule and direction that I do a thing and speak. What other authority is there needed or even can compare or be equal to than his? Please show me. Because it is certainly not the authority of unrighteous man that we should be following or giving our allegiance to.
With that being said, for at least two years now. It has become a common practice of mine that if the LORD tells me to do. I do. If the LORD tells me to go. Then I go. If the LORD tells me to speak. Then I speak thus saith the LORD. And if LORD is not providing me instructions. Then I do and say nothing.
What’s the point here? Why am I bringing up all this?
Recently, I posted content surrounding this weekend’s Passover activities. And some did not take to well concerning the particular section of my post subhead titled - WHEN WORSHIP IS MISDIRECTED AND ALIGNS WITH FALSE GODS AND TEACHINGS. Rarely do I respond to individuals' inquiries concerning my posts. I strongly feel what I post, and how a person receives it or not is between them and God. But I felt compelled by God to reply to this one constant comment that I kept hearing among a few folks. And this was the comment.
Well, some terms or holidays like Easter, Christmas, etc., are not clearly stated in the Bible. Therefore, the Bible does not say or address these topics. |
And I would add this one other point that was stated by Ron Charles, the author of Truth Unedited. In his YouTube video, WHO IS EASTER? UNDERSTAND THE MOTHER GODDESS. He encouraged his viewers to consider Jeremiah’s words spoken in chapter 44, verses 15 through 28. In this chapter, Ron brings out the following points: (This was an interaction between all of God’s people and God’s prophet, Jeremiah).
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Wow! God isn’t playing when it comes to how His servants should and should not worship Him.
My final thoughts. I never speak what I do speak or share because I expect any or everyone to do as I say. To believe as I believe. To even follow my lead. NOPE! That is not my interest or expectation. I speak what I speak because it is what the LORD has given me to speak. REGARDLESS if any or everyone receives it or not. This should be the mentality of any and everyone that the LORD gives a word to speak. Is this not what the LORD said to the prophet Ezekiel? In chapter 2 of the book of Ezekiel, Jehovah God said to Ezekiel the following.
‘… Son of man… I am sending you to the Children of Israel, to a REBELLIOUS nation…. They are impudent and stubborn children…. You should say to them, ‘thus says the LORD God.’ As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse… you shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious. |
God was instructing Ezekiel not to go in his own name or authority. Therefore, Ezekiel never spoke what he thought was best to speak or address. God instructed Ezekiel to go to His people and speak in the name and authority of God. And whether they listen to Ezekiel or not was not the point. Ezekiel's part was to speak on God’s behalf. This too was the case with Jesus, Jesus’ disciples. And this is the case with me as well. I do not come in my own name or in the name of another. When I speak, I speak under the authority of Jesus Christ (Yeshua), the Son of the living God (Elohim - YHWH - Adonai). REGARDLESS if God's people receive it or not. Therefore, concerning my post made on Saturday, April 16, titled Passover. I stand by every word spoken. And I stand on the side of the truth. For God's Word is truth, to which the LORD said. (Compare John 17:17).
Idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, eyes, ears, noses, hands, feet, and a throat. But they cannot speak, see, hear, smell, handle, walk, or mutter through their throat. To those who make them, idolize them, worship them, acknowledge them, celebrate them, partake in them, or participate in their celebrations, festivals, or holidays. They will become like them - everyone who trusts in them (Psalm 115:4-8). |
A good example of this is the 10 plagues God brought upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians. It took a considerable time to get Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This deliverance resulted in two things (two understandings) among the Hebrews, Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's subjects.
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The Israelites Miraculous Journey
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The entire point of the Hebrews' exodus experience from the hands of Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, was not only to set the Israelites free from bondage. But also, to show or prove to the Hebrew nation that God’s hand is on the lives of His people. Or as many like to say it. ‘God is in control.’
Therefore, we, as God’s people, can trust Him with all our hearts, all our mind, and all our strength. (Compare to Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 6:1-9).
The demonstration of God’s deliverance power was an indication to God’s people that they need to ADUST their lives to His way and not the other way around where man tries to force God to adjust to their preferred way of living; which often time involves the installation (inauguration) and institutionalizing (incorporating) of idol worship to false gods, false traditions, and pagan teachings. In this way, when man follows the protocol or the programs (as man likes to call it); in the manner and as God has outlined for us. It is then, and only then, that God can bless us as His children. (Again, compare this to Deuteronomy chapter 28; Deuteronomy chapters 5 and 6).
When Worship Is Misdirected And ALIGNS WITH FALSE GODS AND TEACHINGS
This weekend is no different from God’s perspective and the expectation He sets before His people. “Obedience is better than a sacrifice.” This is what the LORD declared through his prophet Samuel. The Prophet Samuel said
“… What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22) |
Samuel goes on and explains. Whenever our worship of the Supreme God of the universe, exhibits any, ANY form of disobedience to the instructions and directions He has given. It is rebellion. It is sinful. It is witchcraft. It is stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols (1 Samuel 15:23). Why such a strong correction? Because to the LORD, when we fail to be obedient to His voice, His command, His direction – we have rejected the command of the LORD. We are rejecting Him as our King (1 Samuel 15:23).
Unfortunately, during the most celebratory weekend of the year, most churches will join together to celebrate a false religious god called Eostre or Eastre. Eostre originates with the Saxon people as their great mother goddess or god. She was significant because she brought about the rebirth of life in the springtime, which was symbolized by a rabbit and egg – which both were sacred in this culture. Such traditions became a part of the Church's practices and doctrine, years later, after some members of the gentile nation converted to serve Elohim (God). Far too many did not truly abandon their pagan style of worship. They inserted their traditions and celebrations into the church. Instead of the church taking a stance against such corruption and hypocrisy. They embraced it and incorporated it into their service and worship to the LORD. As a result, instead of the Church celebrating the Passover. Many will give their allegiance to Eostre or Eastre or Easter – a false foreign god, during their weekend services.
We have to be mindful that the tradition of man has nothing to do with the Kingdom. Such traditions as Easter are considered idol worship before a holy God. And this only leads to religious bondage for many Christians.
Simple put! Easter is not a celebration of Jesus - Yeshua, the Messiah. The Scripture makes it very clear. Jesus is called “the Passover” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
The purpose of israel DELIVERANCE
At this… my heart trembles and leaps…. Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. He sends it forth under the whole heaven…. He thunders with His majestic voice…. God thunders marvelously with His voice. He does great things which we cannot comprehend. … He says to the snow, ‘fall on the earth.’ Like wise to… the rain…. He seals the hand of every man, that all men may know His work. (Job 37:1-7) |
The heaven and all its elements must do as Adonai (the LORD) commands or desires – whether this is in the form of correction, blessing, grace, or mercy. The earth and all that is in it must respond to the word (the command) of our Yeshua (Savior) Hamashiach (Messiah). God’s word will not return to Him void (empty). The Prophet Samuel continues by saying. It SHALL accomplish what the LORD pleases. It SHALL prosper (flourish, overgrow, bloom, triumph, succeed, thrive) into God’s desired results. Just like a farmer’s seed. Whenever he properly plants and cares for it, it will surely mature, grow, and produce for him beauty and food for him, his family, and even his entire community. Even more, the word of the Lord, when He speaks. It is a means by which God provides for His people and this crooked generation, along with all beasts. This is why God is good and merciful. He provides all by His Word – the words He speaks (commands).
This leads us back to the Israelites' deliverance from the hands of Pharaoh. It was Adonai’s (the LORD’s) desire to bring back His people under His righteous covenant. As part of the deliverance process from bondage under the tyrannical god of Egypt, Pharaoh. God gave to His people 613 laws for them to govern their lives by. Of which, ten of them, most of us are somewhat familiar with. (See Exodus chapters 19 and 20).
Again, God spoke these words because they serve a specific purpose for His people:
- To deliver
- To protect
- To teach
- To witness
- To demonstrate
- To instruct
His words taught His people how to serve a holy and righteous God. God was expecting His people to adjust their lives to His ways and His way of doing things. His words spoken were to enforce and reestablish a righteous and holy covenant with all who were willing to submit and follow His ways. The purpose in which His convent served was to make us as His people, holy and fruitful and acceptable before Him.
God’s people (the Israelites) deliverance did not occur instantaneously. His people were forced to watch and wait on the moving hand of the LORD. They had to wait until after the Passover meal was completed and after the angel of death had passed over each of their homes before the LORD spoke and commanded – GO. They had to wait on the Spirit of the LORD.
In this world, we can easily succumb to the wiles (tricks and schemes) of the devil not simply because we are human. But because this world is filled with customs that we fail to take the steps to understand the origin of these different customs. It is easier for us to just accept them without questioning is this something I and my family should participate in? Or even more importantly, is this a practice not only would God approve, but would He Himself join in the celebration with us?
Most of us are so enticed by customs and celebrations because we simply want to fit in and not stand out. Because it is basically natural and easier to do what everyone else is doing. And simply because this is what has been passed down to us from our parents. We as a human race refuse to question or challenge some of the things that have been passed down to us. And that in itself can be the thing that can bring us to ruin. Our failure to question. Our failure to investigate and verify things for ourselves. (Compare to Acts 11:17). Even when these things are passed down to us by our parents.
DO NOT BE LIKE THE NATIONS
At Leviticus chapter 18, verses 2 through 3 God said to His people. (This instruction was given to Moses). “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the LORD your God. So DO NOT ACT LIKE the people in Egypt, where you use to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You MUST NOT IMITATE THEIR WAY OF LIFE” (NLT).
God was very clear. Whatever practices, celebrations, customs, rituals, festivals (which would be our holidays today) that the Egyptians and Canaanites (which would be similar to the nations around us today) – DO NOT BECOME LIKE THEM; DO NOT DO THE THINGS THAT THEY ARE DOING; DO NOT CELEBRATE THE THINGS THEY ARE CELEBRATING.
God calls His people to live a holy lifestyle. In doing so, He instructs His people at Deuteronomy chapter 18, verse 9. “When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO IMITATE THE DETESTABLE CUSTOMS of the nations living there (NLT). Now, in verse 10 of that same chapter, God provides a simple list of SOME of the things the people of that land were doing that were considered “detestable” to God. But He certainly did not list them all. There were a whole host of things the people of that land were doing that God did not approve that He did not want His people involved in. And the different type of festivals and celebrations the people of that land were participating in was definitely among that list of things that God was not pleased with.
GOD WILL NOT SHARE HIS WORSHIP
The Scriptures warn, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9, NKJV). The Greek word for “leavens” is zymoō, which means to mix leaven with dough so as to make it ferment. The Apostle Paul spoke of leaven this way. “Your glorying (boasting) is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven (yeast) leavens the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6)
Here the Apostle Paul is CONDEMNING God’s people for tolerating any single small act of immorality that offends their God. It does not matter what the act is. God’s people should never tolerate any acts or behaviors or customs or celebrations or festivals that are displeasing to their God. PERIOD.
Hence why the LORD commands His people at Deuteronomy chapter 6, verses 3 through 4, “… fear the LORD your God… keep all His statutes and His commandments…. Be careful to observe it…. Hear… the LORD our God the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."
There is no greater way to show God this kind of love than by adhering to His command to have “no other gods before” Him or “any likeness of anything” to resemble worship to Him (Exodus 20:3). For God is a jealous God and He is not willing to share His praise, worship, celebration, or devotion.
The APOSTLE PAUL COUNSEL
Here is where the problem lies for God’s people today when considering the Scriptures mentioned previously in this article. Christians today read them as if that verse only applies to God’s people during that time. They often fail to apply what they are reading to a modern time frame – according to the culture and time we are living in today. Whenever we fail to do this, then how can we fully benefit from Scriptural application in our lives today? How do we properly gain God’s heart and expectations on matters if we read His Word, particularly the Old Testament as if it is some fictional story? Especially when Paul wrote, “ALL Scripture is inspired by God and IS USEFUL TO TEACH US what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives….” (2 Timothy 3:17, NLT) Paul said that all Scripture is good for reproof (punishment, admonishment), correction, instruction (training, discipline) in righteousness….
Again, the Apostle Paul even addresses this manner at Romans chapter 15, verse 4. He said, “for whatever things were written before….” Here, this phrase, “was written before” is the Greek word prographō. This simply means to write before the eyes of all who can read. In other words, we are reading it (the Scriptures) today but these things took place before our time. Therefore, the things, the instructions, the prophesies, His laws and decrees “were written before” – notating what has taken place in the past but for our benefit today. For the Scriptures which was written before any of us were born was written for our understanding and application in the culture in which we live in today.
MODERN APPLICATION OF THE SCRIPTUREs
Now, before any of y’all flip and insert that I am saying something that I am not. Let me make it clear. I am not saying, people will not make it into heaven because they choose to celebrate certain pagan customs or holidays. That is not for me to judge or decide. But it does build a case against you and provides Satan the legal rights to make your life complicated and to challenged God concerning who you actually belong to – who has rights to you – him or God. It is that serious.
This is why we all must take the standards of God seriously. We must understand that He does have expectations that He expects us to adhere and live up to. We as God’s people do not get to pick and choose which standards we get to adhere to and which we can dismiss because we personally believe that principle or law no longer applies. We must dig deep and really determine what is God’s heart concerning a manner. And allow God to reveal it to us and not our culture or even our flesh (our desire or personal preferences).
Now, this leads me to speak what God has placed on my heart today.
ITS ORIGIN DOES MATTER
Let me be a little clearer. Many Christians have adopted such practices into their Churches and homes such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, birthday, Valentine's Day, etc. (I used the word adopted because these customs were not established by God, but by man). Most Christians have chosen to ignore the origin of these customs and how these customs were inserted into the Church. Most Christians have failed to acknowledge how God sees the connection with such celebrations are like sharing God’s worship with another. You are incorporating something God did not establish for His people and calling it a tool being used to honor (praise and worship) God. Something that God has forbidden for His people to do.
Let’s take Christmas for instance. Some Christians make this pagan celebration acceptable by declaring such things as –
Well, I am not celebrating the Saturnalia or the harvest festival. I am celebrating Jesus. |
The sad reality is that Christians claim they are using this holiday to focus on Jesus. But is this not supposed to be something we are already doing DAILY? Being that is the case, then why do we need to accept a single pagan holiday such as Christmas, that honors another god, to aid us in focusing on Jesus? It just does not make sense. It does not add up.
Not one single Christian in the Bible celebrated anything remotely similar to Christmas. Even our legal system fully understands that Christmas has nothing to do with Christ. In 1990, in Cleveland, Ohio. A court case was held by a few outraged parents against their school board concerning the separation of church and state about the Christmas celebration in their school. The board lost their case based on these court case outcomes.
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As a result, the school board’s attempt to ban the Christmas celebration in their school failed because it was determined by the court that Christmas was not a religious celebration nor did it have any Biblical roots. It was a pagan (worldly) in nature since its conception. In fact, its origin can be affiliated with Roman customs and religion (false gods) and not with God’s people or even Christ.
RECOUNTING pAUL'S WORDS
1. There is no record of such custom or celebration in God’s Word among His people. Yet, God lists a whole host of other customs and celebrations that are quite acceptable for Christians even today. |
2. A simple Google search will easily prove the pagan affiliation and origin surrounding this custom as well as others. |
We have to go back to what Paul said at Romans 15:4, Galatians 5:9, and the writings of Moses at Exodus 20:3-4. This custom as well as others do not bring honor nor glory to God but only glories the hands and the imaginations of man through their gift-giving to one another and entertainments (gatherings for socializing and partying activities). We must ask ourselves, is God really gaining anything from such celebrations? The answer is a resounding nothing! Celebrating such holidays are being done in vain and has no use to God.
AGREE TO DISAGREE IS A CHOICE
You can agree to disagree with me. Many of God's people often agree to disagree with God's prophets, apostles, and even His Son, Jesus Christ. The fact is, it really does not matter to me one way or another. My goal here was to only speak what the LORD has placed on my heart whether you receive it or not. (Compare to Ezekiel 2:4-7; 3:17-21).
Recently, something started bubbling up in my spirit concerning this conflict but for days I was not sure why. This gnawing in my spirit became so dominant that I finally had to stop, after being awoken out of sleep around 11 p.m. last night, and prayed to God about this disturbance that was in my spirit concerning this war conflict. What is it that God wanted to speak?
For about an hour I tossed and turned in bed trying to go back to sleep. When I realized I was not going to get any sleep not unless I allowed God to speak to me concerning this matter and whatever was on His heart. So, I asked God, "what is it? What is it that you are trying to show me that I am not understanding or even ignoring?" It was then that I felt led to go read the next chapter in my Bible reading in the book of Judges. So, it was then that I got up, headed downstairs to my home office, and sat at my desk to read Judges chapter 11.
I usually do not take notes while I am reading my Bible, just for the purpose of reading. But the moment I sat down, I felt compelled to take notes while I read this chapter. As I read, the following was released in my spirit.
the son that was rejected
So, at the hands of Jephthah’s brothers and the leaders of Gilead, Jephthah flees his home and leaves his rightful post. Once he departed from his home, he ends up in a city called Tob. And there a caravan of men joined him and willing submitted themselves to the leadership and authority of Jephthah (Judges 11:3).
Some time passes and the nation of Ammon rose against the Israelites to fight against them (Judges 11:4). During the invasion, the Israelites did not have a worthy leader in command that was able to successfully lead them against the Ammonites. There was not one mighty warrior in their camp that was able to deal with and overthrow the Ammonites. So, the leaders of Gilead gathered among themselves and decided that they needed to send out a search party for Jephthah, in order to convince him to return to his homeland to fight and rescue them from the hands of the Ammonites (Judges 11:5).
Now, we have to remember a few months earlier, the people of Gilead and its leaders wanted Jephthah out of their region despite his giftings, calling, or abilities. At the time, the value of Jephthah’s brothers’ inheritance was more worthy to them, than the purpose of Jephthah’s position, role, and status in his family, in his city, or in God’s Kingdom. When the Gileadites failed Jephthah by rejecting him and forcing him to leave his post. The nation was rejecting the appointment of God that was serving a greater purpose for God’s nation and its people. By rejecting Jephthah and forcing him to flee, they could not see at that time the impact that decision would have on their future – the sudden attack by the Ammonites. It was not until later that they came to see and understand the value Jephthah actual was to their people and nation. Therefore, they were desperate for the return of this brave and mighty warrior to his proper place in his father’s home to fight for their nation and lead them to victory against the Ammonites.
jephthah's response to his nation
So, we see in verse 6 of Judges chapter 11 that the leaders of Gilead plead with Jephthah to come back and lead his people against the Ammonites. Now, I find it interesting how the Gileadites had no use for Jephthah when it seemed to them that everything was going well for them. When it appeared they had no enemies – no major conflict before them. But at the moment, when their enemies rise against the nation of Israel and they had no fearless leader in place to stand up and lead the people against the brutal threats and attacks or a leader who could led them into war. They had no choice but to search for the one capable leader that they unitedly ran off because they felt that Jephthah was not worthy based on his
- illegitimate birth status
- the greed of Jephthah’s brothers who did not want to share their father’s inheritance
- and his brothers’ hatred toward Jephthah
So, how did Jephthah respond to the Gilead’s leader's request? Verse 7 said that he asked the Gilead leaders
- are you not the ones who hated me
- did you not drive me from my father’s home
- so why do you come to me now, when you find yourselves in distress
the one that the people rejected
- without seriously inquiring of the LORD
- out of selfish motives and ignorance
- or what we think is right in our own eyes
So, it is wise to ask oneself. If Jephthah’s brothers and the Gilead leaders did not run Jephthah off when they did, for the reason they did, would they find themselves in the plight they were facing? Would the Ammonites feel confident enough to threaten or attack the Israelites knowing, Jephthah, who was known as a brave warrior in the region was there leading the nation of Israel?
We, the people, have to learn not to only look at things from a position of what we think is for our advantage or in our best interest for us as the people. But we must learn to always and in everything inquire of the LORD. Seriously inquire of the LORD about people and decisions we need to make before making them. For the one person or thing, we are about to reject may be what or who we need to save our souls or to prevent or deliver our nation from unwanted threats or attacks.
Now, I must go there. Consider the current plight of this nation. Since the illegitimate appointment of Joe Biden as president, Kamala Harris as vice president, and Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, this country has plummeted at a rate that is unexplainable in all spheres of influence – i.e. government, religion, education, finance, healthcare, border crisis, media, military and security, etc. We, these United States, have no true political clout, power, or authority. We have no real leadership that is truly able to lead this nation through its current crisis. This country, like the nation of Israel, needs a savior, that is, a deliverer to save it from its fallen and miserable state and condition.
Now, we have to understand that God is capable and is well able to rescue us from our pitiful state. That is not an issue for Him. Other than that, God will always honor the provisions and orders in which He has put in place. He will not go against the establishment of things, laws, and orders that He has put in place for our benefit and to maintain order and structure in the universe. In establishing order, God gave to the sons of man the responsibility to care for the earth and all of its affairs. (See Genesis 1:28; 2:15; Psalm 115:16). Therefore, God is not quick to intervene in the affairs of man on the earth. For He has given them the responsibility to rightly govern over the affairs of mankind. But men – out of their want, selfishness, lack of understanding, ignorance, and lack of discipline to include God in their decision making, have steward over the things of the earth and the things of God poorly. As a result, God had to raise delivers among mankind to rescue themselves from themselves.
In the case of the nation of Israel in chapter 11 of the book of Judges, the one that the Gilead leaders had rejected – Jephthah, was the one that God decided to use and raise him as their leader to get them out of the mess that they, the people, had created for themselves.
is this nation no better than jephthah's brothers
Now, the Scriptures do not tell us whether Jephthah’s brothers and the nations’ leaders ever repented from rejecting Jephthah. Obviously, considering the circumstances, they found themselves without an able leader that can lead them in their distressful situation. Their decision to force (vote) Jephthah out of their territory was a very bad decision on their part. As a result, the one man they threw away was the one man they needed the most in their time of crisis.
But the lesson we can learn is that Gilead leaders were wise enough to recognize their graven error, the dumb decision they made concerning Jephthah. They were wise enough to set aside their pride and to plead with the one man that could rescue them. The one man that God was backing and appointed for such a time as this.
As you read the remaining verses of Judges chapter 11, we see that God did deliver His people once again through the hands of His anointed mighty warrior, Jephthah, whom the people had originally rejected (Judges 11:29-33).
what can we learn
Just as Moses recognized the time and change in season, he graciously and humbly took Joshua under his wing for one distinct purpose. To pass on his authority and leadership over to Joshua. So that, Joshua could lead God’s people onto the battlefield. So that Joshua and with the Church behind him could rightly subdue and take possession of what rightly belongs to God and to God’s people.
We are in a season where we the people must relinquish our rights and get behind the will of the Father and what He is doing in this season and with whom He is doing it through. So that we the people can safely pass through, in this season, under the right set of leaders that the LORD has chosen for such a time as this.
The word of the lord
When the LORD God gives a word, it is for the sole purpose to teach, reproof, correct, or train His servants - His Body, so that every member within the Body of Christ may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). For the LORD has given the Body of Christ apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the Saints for the work of service, to encourage one another, and to build up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
This page will focus on providing the Body of Christ words of the LORD, that He has spoken through Deaidre. Regardless of the nature of the words of the LORD below - whether there is a word that teaches, reproofs, corrects, or trains, it is all for the purpose to build up the Body of Christ so that each one of us is made righteous, adequate, equipped for every good work.
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