A MEDITATION ON CHRISTMAS

When I meditate on this time of the year and on what we call the Christmas (word not found in the KJV of the Bible) season I must conclude this is the most divisive time of the year just ahead of Easter. I wonder why these two holidays divide so many people in the world. Now I will tell you from the start Karen and I do not celebrate Christmas how can we the word is not in the KJV Bible, but we do celebrate the birth of our precious LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. As Christianity began to spread many were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs among their converts. We even see this throughout the New Testament Church as Paul constantly battled against pagan and cultural traditions from taking root in the young Church. At first the Church forbade this kind of celebration. But it was to no avail. Bible historians claim that the Christmas celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also to the Persians (Babylonian Chaldeans) whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. Oddly enough it was during this period the three Wise Men (also Magi) (Matthew 2:1) learned of the Star of Bethlehem by reading the prophecies of Daniel the Great Magi (Daniel 1:1-7). Sadly this religious deception continues today, even though the faces and names has been changed the spirit and intent has not. We Christians seem to be good at making up things to satisfy our flesh for fulfillment. Now as I said Karen and I do celebrate the birth of Christ, there is a huge difference. As we watch the news we cannot believe all of the fighting to keep Christ in Christmas. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask us to remember His birth? Now I can find plenty of Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus has asked us to remember His death, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) Who wants to remember Jesus’ death when we can remember His birth? Yet few Christians really remember His death (Romans 6:3) while they go crazy in remembering His birth. I wonder why? Yes there is a wonderful story about the birth of Jesus in the Bible, but where are we commanded to make His birth an annual holiday like we in American have made: Independence, Veterans, or Valentine Day even Halloween? And when you merge religious with traditions and customs you have an unbeatable national money maker. Is not Jesus’ birth much more? Yes my friend I am afraid we have gotten off track and the merchants of the day (and for 100s of years) have capitalized on our selfish greed (maybe only in America, but I think not) and great presumption. The same way Hollywood has recently discovered the untapped market for Christian movies. I find it really strange how many Christians today would rather go to a movie then to Church to hear about Jesus. I wonder why? It is not about fighting to keep Christ in Christmas or even about a baby in the manger. You know we really like seeing baby Jesus in the manger, but you know my friend Jesus is not a baby any more, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) Today Jesus is not a defenseless baby in the manger He is our victorious King of kings, Lord of lords, and some day soon He is coming back to earth not as a baby, but as a judge (to kick butt) and rule (to set righteousness in order) in the earth. Something else we are puzzled about is why Christians want to beat up on the Atheist in Washington State who put a sign beside a manger display in the Capitol building. I thought we were to witness to them and tell them about Jesus? There is not much of a Christian witness when we shake our fist and gnash our teeth at someone over a wooden display. How can this sign destroy the eternal timeless message of our precious savior Jesus Christ? It cannot and will not. Has the love of God been displaced by Christians wanting their traditional religious symbols? I too can speak for God and sadly I must say yes. Jesus did not come so that we could decorate our trees and yard with gold and silver balls or blinking lights. Jesus did not come so Christians could deck the halls with a blow up Santa Claus and reindeer on their roofs and lawn. What do we do with these verses? “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not.” (Jeremiah 10:2-4) Maybe we should ignore them or maybe the Holy Spirit made a mistake? I think God is very clear in what He is saying, but we continue in the lie with Christmas trees (a German custom) out from our American tradition (now transported to the world) and because we do not want to offend family members. Just look at the Christmas trees in churches today? What do we do with these verses? The answer will be what we do with Jesus. Never forget the Gospel message of Christ is very offensive and at times even divisive to the non-believers, but truth is truth. Either we will stand for truth or compromise for the lie for the sake of peace on earth. The truth is Jesus did not come so we could have songs to sing at our annual Christmas musicals. It is amazing how old Christmas recordings from people long ago come back to life every Christmas. Jesus did not come so we could run ourselves to death, buying presents for people, while going further into debt. It is no wonder support in America for missionaries and humanitarian programs dwindle to almost to nothing this season of the year. I am afraid the true character and nature of man comes out during Christmas. We even plug in a written list to a jolly fat man in a red suit that drives a sleigh of reindeer around the world in one night to make sure we get want we what for Christmas. Why do we think we should get a present on some one else’s birthday? Our selfishness and self-centered nature really comes shining through. Oh Lord please forgive us for the indulgence of our wrong attitudes, greed, and lust. Jesus did not come to give us a Christmas season to feed our passions. The Bible is very clear why Jesus came. Jesus tells us in His own words, “The thief (not the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came so that we “might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” not to get a bunch of Christmas presents to satisfy our flesh. Jesus came so that we might (our choice not His) have the life of God dwelling within our heart and lives. The creative eternal life of God moving in us and out from us to the world. Also in John Jesus tells us, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Jesus came so that we might have life eternal (one part of salvation) which is knowing His Father (and ours), so that we too could “know the only true God” as Jesus did. So we too could know the sublime unity of knowing God as Jesus did. I would think that would be worth far more than anything we can buy each other. Did you know, Jesus (even though the Prince of Peace) did not come into the world to bring peace as many of the major denominations and religions of the world tell us. Religious deception always leads us away from Christ into the traditional religious worship of the customs of man (like Christmas and Easter) and into a good works salvation thinking. Oh no Jesus Himself said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance (Strong’s #1639 to cut into two parts, cleave asunder, sever) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39) Jesus has come to cut our hearts out of the world with His word, the sword. Jesus has “come to set man at variance against” or sever every relationship where we love someone or something more than Him. Jesus came so that we could take up our cross (not Jesus’) and follow Him. Jesus came so we could lose our life so that we could then find our life in Him. We know and are persuaded if we lose our life for His sake we shall find it. We also know many of our friends will disagree (we hope and pray this is not the case) with this article, but that is okay getting the truth of the Gospel message out is more important than our friends getting offended at us. If they get offended at us over this article we know they probably are not our friends anyway. We have learned this truth the hard way. Please do not allow yourself to be deceived (your choice) by any pastor or person that says, “it is not a Heaven or Hell issue or it does not really matter” oh really? This thinking my friend is just spiritually wrong and a very subtle form of deception that has been carried on for 100s maybe 1,000s of years by the religious denominations and merchants both working hand-n-hand to get customers. Sadly at the heart of why we focus on the Christmas story and baby Jesus in the manger is so we do not have to deal with a risen Savior. How much more religious can we (like the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17)) who could not totally sell out be than to bow down and worship the Christmas story and the sweet little baby Jesus in the manger? This satisfies our religious flesh and helps to ease our guilt and feeling of disobedience from rejecting God’s word to us. Who wants to allow God to deal and judge in their hearts exposing areas where we must allow Him to work? It is much easier singing another song about Christmas as we buy presents for our family or even as we buy a present for some poor people who live down the street who we neglect the rest of the year. It is far less painful to go to every church musical and spend all we have than for God to be able to show us who we really are. Who wants to allow God free rein in our heart and lives to conform us into the image (icon) and character of Jesus Christ? Very few people do and the rest continue in this traditional religious lie year after year. I think I will end with a very sobering word; if you need a traditional religious holiday to know God sadly my friend your heart is very far from Him and you will never come to know Him. Let us turn our hearts away from the religious traditions of Christmas and allow God to bring the truth of His character and nature to us. It is our choice whether we desire presents on Christmas morning or the knowledge of God, we cannot have both.

WTFMT-39 HGM on 20 Dec 2016

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-39   (Without Margin Notes)

TEXT: "Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing." (Deuteronomy-7)

 

I. THE CHANGING OF PATTERNS

A. When God, in training us, calls us from a particular situation, do not be overjoyed. He may be calling us to even a more difficult situations.

B. God will bring us from one pattern to another. The children of Israel never had to buy water; they never had to buy meat. But now they do. Things are not as easy as they used to be. Training does not get easier; it gets harder. But, as we are being trained, we are gaining strength and are growing in Him.

C. Do not allow changing patterns to discourage your dedication to the Lord. Changing patterns are an absolute necessary. Today you wear size 10. Tomorrow you will wear size 12. God will change your patterns to suit your growing needs.

D. In addition to patterns changes in circumstances and training, even prayer patterns will change. As there are changes in the outward natural and physical patterns, there will be changes in the outward and inner spiritual patterns.

E. As our patterns change so does our understanding and knowledge of God. We then see His love in a greater way, as such as never seen before.

F. This love of God for His people contains a tremendous desire to give. His ultimate giving is not seen in the things He provides, but in His giving Himself. God wants to share Himself with His people to such an extent that we become partakers of His divine nature. This is what the Peter expresses, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (II Peter 1:4)

G. This is quite a task God has, getting into us His own character. Partaking of the divine nature lays the foundation for the partaking of His character. Partaking of the divine nature is instantaneous at the new birth, the divine character, however, takes a lifetime.

H. God must put a divine character in one who is filled with "undivine" characteristics. In order for the love of God to become characteristics in us, hate must be eliminated. In order for the dedication of God to become characteristic in us dedication to self must be eliminated. In order for God's spirit of giving to become characteristic in us, selfishness must be eliminated.

I. God puts the squeeze on us, to squeeze out certain juices in order to make room for other kinds.

J. If we know what God is up to when the pressure is on, when the fire is burning the dross, we can better maintain our personal dedication. When we understand what God is doing and why, we will more readily endure the fire and the valley of the shadow of death.

K. God's peace will not characterize one is whom there is unrest. In order for God to work divine trust into us, He must squeeze out that "undivine" doubt. This is the reason for the wilderness and the trials. Every trial, every circumstance, every experience, will be tailored our personal being and needs.

L. Through all the testings and times of enlargement of God is translating truth into our life and living. Know this and be faithful to Him. Know the Truth for the Truth will make us free to live it.

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

A. There is so much to know of the things of God. But knowing is not enough. Someone may explain faith to you. You may read six books on faith. But all that does not cause you to live it, nor even to have it. God by His Spirit must translate that truth to our life. Do not be to concerned about how He does it. We just be willing to endure whatever it takes to get these things of God into our everyday living.

B. God's work within us, in order to develop us into His image, may at times be unpleasant. Some believers consider these unpleasantries evil. I wonder where they get this. It does not come from the Bible.

C. The thinking that adversity is evil comes from certain logical conclusions drawn from particular truths. But God does not operate on logical conclusions. The apostle Paul certainly did not come to such a logical conclusion. Paul saw glory in the suffering, rather than evil. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9) Paul saw that the suffering works a very great glory in us.

REACHING GOD

The "nominal" church (remember we are the true church, the Bride of Christ not a denomination or organization) today has done a poor job at best in helping the people get to God. Paul in Ephesians shared this truth to the Church at Ephesus to establish a base line of thinking and to lay a foundation in them that would enable them to rightly understand the functioning and the power of this mystical body. Paul writes, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" (Ephesians 4:11-13) Notice the giving of "apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers" was not for the edifying of the church, but for "the body of Christ." There is a huge difference. And the job of the "apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers" was for "the perfecting of the saints" to enable and empower (through teaching and personal example) the people to be able to reach God not be entertained. Again not the perfecting of the church. The goal was for us to come "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" God's idea was for us to be conformed into the stature and character of Jesus Christ not build some organization. We my friend are the church, "we are the workmanship of God . . . " (Ephesians 2:10) Sadly, we (the apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists, and some, pastors, and teachers) have taught the people how to sing, dance, do skits and dramas, pray (to a certain degree), give money to the church, do good works (feeding and clothing the poor), even traveling the world in missions under the banner of the "great commission," but have miserably failed to teach the people how to reach God for themselves. And why? Well if the people can reach God for themselves there is no need for a pastor to call when they need something from God. There will be no need for a pastor to pray over them or even intercede on their behalf in their time of crisis or time of need. Now there are times when we must come for prayer, but this is often a stop gap method and should never be the norm in our daily Christian walk. At times the LORD will direct us to someone who does have a call on their life in spiritual gifts, but that is a very very small portion of the Body of Christ. Most Spiritual gifts I would say 90% of the Spiritual gifts are for the administration (see 1 Corinthians 12:28) of the day to day running and operation of a local body of Believers. Somehow (I am sure due to our self-important thinking) we all have gotten it backwards thinking we all have Spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 for the Body of Christ. This is an old trick to keep people involved and coming to church like giving people certain jobs just to keep them at the church. I have seen this for years. Now the LORD will use us, but very few are called by God to be "apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers," but the rest are called to be pew sitters and the better pew sitters we are the better God can be to the Body of Christ. Back in the late 70s there was a notable shift in the delivery of the Gospel message from evangelism to teaching. Everyone was suddenly teachers and scholars. It was like when we had our church in Germany many of the African pastors living in Africa were just that pastors or lay leaders, but somewhere over the Mediterranean Sea they became apostles, prophets, and bishops. Magically they were transformed in the Spirit so they could have a bigger title (how the church is influenced by titles) and name to fleece the flock more completely. The title Jesus gave Himself knowing He was the Son of God was the "Son of man." Is the servant greater than the Master? How we like to have Dr. and letters added behind our name. Funny how we can help plant a church and now we are called bishop or "Bish" by our close friends. Do we really think adding titles to our names is going to help us get people to know God? The goal is not to add to our selves, but to help people come to know God. When we started our church in Germany after every service I would "open up the altar" (not sure what that really means) for those who wanted prayer, well Sunday after Sunday the same people would come forward asking for the same things week after week. After a while of this and getting phone calls in the middle of the night I saw I was teaching the people to bypass God and come to me or come to me to get to God. Either way both are 100% wrong. God must be first in our lives and first on our lips when we reach out. This what Jesus taught the disciples in Luke in what we call the LORD's prayer. "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." (Luke 11:1-4) I always found it odd that John the Baptist could teach His disciples to pray before Jesus could teach his disciples. Jesus taught the disciples to pray "abba Father" or direct address to the Father. Now the disciples thought this to be strange because they as good Jews have been taught to pray "avia Father" or around through to the Father. Every Christmas season many folks sing a song called "Avia Maria" which means salvation through Maria. Jesus was teaching His disciples prayer it is not around through to the Father, but direct address to the Father. This too is what we need to teach our folks to pray (which is translated many ways: comforter, asking, beseeching, but most translated direct address) directly to the Father and do not go through anyone that means your pastor, teacher, mentor, friend, whomever. I saw in reality my job was to work myself out of a job. The more I could do to get our folks to do for themselves the better off they were in God and the more time I had for my time with the LORD and my family. How liberating this was. So that is what I did. I took my hands off the reins and let the folks do what God had called them to do. It was wonderful. I would come to service at 10:45 (unless I wanted to go to Sunday School) and take my place in the audience and when I was called by Joseph (our assistant pastor) to minister the word or talk about something we are doing. If not I did not need to be seen or get involved. Everyone knew who and what I was, no need to tell everyone. Anyway how else are the leaders of Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart (our church) going to learn how to be better leaders? How else are they going to learn how to succeed or fail? My Bible Teacher Charles Haun said he was not a teacher (only the Holy Spirit can teach us), but a dispenser. I have thought about that over these many years and you know he is right. We can teach no one anything. All we can do is dispense to other to one another what God has put in us. That should be our goal. To dispense God out from our lives helping others reach God is some way. As we look forward to 2017 and beyond we better be able to get to God on our own if not we will never make it and then what will we do?

POWER FOR TRUTH

We just returned from 14 days in Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Romania and while away my mind was often on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It seemed to me the nominal church and the many denominations in general have seem to have put the Holy Spirit up on the shelf so He could just watch. In Corinthians Paul writes (and this verse really scares me), "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:27) The word "castaway" here means not to throw away, but to be put up on the shelf so that you can watch. It is sad to be put up on the shelf and not be used of God, but having to watch what is going on and not being able to engage with what God is doing could be a fate worse than death to some people. I hope this never happens to anyone I know, but if it does it is because the choice was made to not get involved with what the Holy Spirit is doing. Today it seems to me the Holy Spirit is used for miracles, prosperity, to soften life's hardships, things to feed our flesh and senses, but these are not God's intent in giving us the Holy Spirit. God's intention for the Holy Spirit was to give us power and boldness to stand up against the wiles of this world and to be able to speak the truth in love. It was given not for material and physical things of life, but to be able stand with boldness and stubbornness in direct opposition to the world's way and system of doing things. But "truly" truth today is lost to a world that is full of its self and full of what self wants to do. No one hardly wants to hear or even know the truth, most people would rather hear a good lie it is much more entertaining. Maybe that is why churches today would rather entertain people instead of telling them the truth they do not have the stomach for the truth. Paul told the Church at Ephesus, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16) Sadly today even in the church we cannot speak the truth, even in love without being called a racist, homophobe, or just a hater in general. And why? People do not want to "grow up" into Christ. They want to make up their own truth so they can do, go, and even vote for candidates who resist the Holy Spirit and reject the word of God. We saw this in the election of 2016, many so called Christians voted for candidates like Hillary Clinton who would stand and shake their fist in the face of God and His word so that they could support a social ungodly agenda that is in direct rebellion to God and His word. I for one will mark these so called Christians and keep my distance. At the heart of this rebellion is the rejection of the Holy Spirit Himself. It is not about the ungodly agenda of Hillary Clinton and those who supported her, but about the deception to the truth of God and His word. And to the open deception of the working of the Holy Spirit. Paul told the Church at Corinth (do not you know both churches were really messed up?), "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:13-14) "The natural man (or the carnal, fleshly man) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God" that is the Holy Spirit. Why does the "natural man" NOT receive the Spirit of God, because of open and willful deception. It has to be willful and open for God would not intentionally deceive someone from the truth. Growing up as a child in mostly Pentecostal churches I remember the power of God suddenly dropping unannounced and in a holy and sovereign way, people were crying, repenting, asking each other for forgiveness, but it has been a long long times since I have seen such a manifestation of God. I know God changes not so I guess is it man who has changed to be able to receive the things of God. Some time ago I asked the LORD why the manifestation of His power is not seen today as it was in times past and He told me my people have lost the love for the truth. Not that they did not know truth they do truth is something we all know when we hear and see it, but what is lost is a love for the truth, this brings with it a respect and reverence for God and His ways. You know most pastors and Christians are not operating in the intent of the Holy Spirit where they wait to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church or even their family. Most pastors are busy caring for the people (hospital visits, weddings, funerals, etc.) and find little time to wait before the LORD to hear from the Holy Spirit instead they get an old word from someone else online or worse in some Bible commentary or teaching notes. They too have rejected the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us in Acts, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) It is interesting to know the word "witness" here means martyr. God gives us power to lay our life down for His sake. Do not you know we need power to die to our self, our ambitions, even our deception? Well this will happen "after the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Which means we need the power from the Holy Spirit. In John Jesus Himself tells us, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:7-13) This is truth Jesus said. How can we expect to make decisions in our lives, our families, in our world without the power of the Holy Spirit? It is no wonder most churches and this world is so messed up they reject the power and all of the benefits Holy Spirit offers. How can things in America and this world and even individual lives ever get straight? By the injection of the power of the Holy Spirit as we walk in the truth that comes from the power. The depth of the Holy Spirit's power is unlimited it even goes beyond our ability to reason and think. In Luke (Jesus again here) we read, "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say." (Luke 12:11-12) Now I know what Jesus was saying here. There has been times in my many travels that I have been at a loss for words when before authorities then suddenly out of nowhere God would speak to my mind what to say. Things I would never have thought of or dared to say. Things that cover the situation and make a way where seemed none. Notice it says, "shall teach you in the same hour" there is a process you go though to allow the Holy Spirit to teach you (and it can be painful at times) to be able to be quiet to hear Him leading and guiding you. I am amazed how the early church was used of God. They did not have the 100s of versions of the Bible, a church on every corner, or 24 seven so called Christian TV telling you what to do in every area of your life. We seem to find comfort in other people when in fact they too suffer from the same problems and issues that plague us. We think because they are on TV they have some special in with God, when this is so far from the truth. The special in is not with people, but with the Holy Spirit. Where did Jason find this ability? "And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;" (Acts 17:6) Only in the power of the Holy Spirit!

WTFMT 38 (TAUGHT ON 22 NOV 16)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-38 TEXT: " For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)

I. TWO IN ONE YOKE

A. The yoke is for two. Truth always has two aspects. The believer must always be tied in to God. It is strange this hookup between God and man.
B. The Amalekites were killing the Israelites. But when Moses held up his hand Israel prevailed; when he dropped his hands Amalek prevailed (Exodus 17:11). It was not just Moses swaying the battle and it was not Just God. It was both yoked together. God is not going to plow the whole field alone.
C. Take His yoke upon you and learn to move together with the Lord. The Lord knows His place in the yoke. The Lord works with man. "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen" (Mark 16:20) Mark didn't say, "they worked with the Lord." The reason why the Lord can work with them and us is that we are in the yoke. The reason why the Lord cannot work with some is that they are not in the yoke. The Lord does not work alone. Jesus and God occupied the same yoke during Christ's earthly ministry. It takes two-- God and you.
D. A covenant is made between two parties. It is to be kept both sides. Both parties are responsible. If either party fails to comply, the covenant will not work. The correctness of one party in the covenant does not insure the correctness of the other party. God is faithful. That does not guarantee the faithfulness of the other party. The very fact that God made a covenant with man and does not guarantee its success.
E. The Apostle Paul speaks of two covenants in Galatians, "Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar." (Galatians 4:24) But when God instituted this covenant in the Wilderness of Sinai, He did not intend it to lead to bondage. Nevertheless the covenant failed. God did not fail. God completed all His responsibilities in this situation. Even though God accomplished His part, the very thing He instituted for life brought death. Why? Because the children of Israel did not keep their part in the covenant.
F. The common theme of every covenant which God made with anyone was life. Outside of God's covenant there is no life. If one chooses to negate his part in the covenant, he has forfeited life, and has gone into bondage.
G. For him there is no fulfillment of the covenant of God. The failure of man's part destroys the full intentions of the covenant of God, resulting in bondage and death. God never fails; upon this foundation man can write his own guarantee.
H. God is sure; "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28) The success of the covenant between you and God does not depend upon what an enemy does. The third party, the enemy, or even your brother or sister in the Lord, has not the power to make your covenant with God succeed, nor does he have the power to make it fail.
I. We are responsible for making God's covenant with you a success or a failure. The fulfillment of our responsibility will be found in a dedication to the Lord. If we remain dedicated to Him, rather than to the world, rather than to our self, our success is assured.
J. The difficulty in maintaining our dedication is in the trials, the difficult situations, the testings, the training, the learning, the becoming conformed into the image of Christ Jesus.
K. There is one thing to keep in mind. The trials, the testings, the training are not permanent. "Joy comes in the morning." We are in constant transitions. All the mechanics of our spiritual training and learning are on the scene for only a short time.
L. They are tools used by God to bring us onward to greater spiritual heights. When the job is done, the tool is put away, but the work the tool did is taken with you. The work is that God worked in you is what He uses to continue to build we into the image of His dear Son.
M. When the children of Israel left Sinai, they left behind their trials and testings, but they took with them all that God had established.

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

A. God may have us under pressure where there is no water, no spiritual blessings. We are there for a special work. When God completed this work in us, we leave behind all the unpleasantries, and take with us God's work of art, which is eternal.
B. Upon completion of a set of fine kitchen cabinets, the cabinet maker installs the finished product in your kitchen. He does not bring his tools to mount them in your kitchen as show pieces, his tools have been put away. The trials and tribulations are not going to last forever. They are simply tools used to build something which will last forever. Paul said it this way, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)

HGM FOR 18 OCT 16 (WITHOUT MARGIN NOTES)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-37
TEXT: "Let all things be done decently and in order." (I Corinthians 14:40)

I. DIVINE ORDER

       A. "Order" was God's delivery to the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Sinai. There God gave order to the worship and the life of these people. Order was given to their manner of eating, their traveling. It seems that in the Wilderness of Sinai everything was set in order. So it is true in our lives, that when the Lord leads us to the wilderness it is to set us in order. Not punishment, but order. There is a difference.
      B. Looking in retrospect from our time, we can see the New Testament set in order in the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Redemption is set in order in type in the Tabernacle. This would not be difficult for God to do, since redemption was set in order before the foundations of the earth. Order! Order! Order! God is still pounding His gavel calling for order.
     C. Truth is not helter-skelter. Truth has as much if not more order and arrangement than we find in nature itself. And the truth, entering and working in our lives, will bring divine order to our living and doing. Truth regulates and relegates, adjusting each item and bringing it to its assigned slot.
     D. Truth makes us what we ought to be and puts us where God wants us to be. It is divine order and is often contrary to our own order. It's divine order, apart from which nothing endures.
     E. If our lives is to fulfilled with God's intention it must come under that which God has ordained or ordered. Our inner life cannot be in disarrangement and you still be effective in the service of God. When God first finds us we are out of order. He must take time to tear us apart, if we are not already torn apart. Next He must reassemble us in proper order, His order. He brings us to the wilderness for this job.
      F. It would make God's task of getting us in order much easier if we could learn well some of the principles of order from the revealed Word of God. For example, learn that evening comes before morning in God's arrangement. This is the first of God's order revealed to us. "And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." (Genesis 1:5) Night comes before day.
     G. Joy does not come first in God's well-ordered truth. In God's order sorrow is before joy. Esther said, "As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into" (Esther 9:22) "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (Psalms 126:5) Some may not be willing to learn God's proper order from the revealed Word of God. Maybe they will learn correct arrangement in the wilderness school. But even there some do not learn. This may lead to death in the wilderness.
     H. Disorder brings nothing but confusion, defeat, and ultimate death. Thus it is extremely important that we pay close attention to God's order. Learning God's divine order and adjusting to it will lead to victory and abundant living.
     I. Just because we are brought into the wilderness to learn, does not guarantee our success. Success is not guaranteed by any particular arrangement which God brings about.
     J. Jesus died for the world. Does that guaranteed by the world will be saved? That which God provides is absolutely necessary for success. But that which guarantees the success God intends is a person's relationship to God's provision.
     K. Obedience to the will of God guarantees success! Even though Israel was delivered from Egypt and called by God to possess the Promised Land this did not guarantee their success. Their obedience was lacking.
     L. God may call you into His service, but that in itself does not mean that you will fulfill it. This is why Peter urges us, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things,[obedience] ye shall never fall[the guarantee]:" (II Peter 1:10)

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

    A. In our learning of God's arrangement we do not have to see the whole beginning to end in order to experience victory in our lives. But we must align ourselves to that which we know God is requiring and move with it in His timing.
    B. If we do not understand what order is we at least will have a great advantage if we become obedient to what we know and what God is requiring. If a child had to understand everything about his food and his digestive system before he could eat they would die.
    C. Although understanding in the spiritual realm it through obedience. Obedience not understanding is our guarantee for success.

LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH

I was sharing the Gospel with an acquaintance and another (I suppose) Christian kept cutting me off in mid conversation to tell me how important it is to love, but to be honest their words and actions just got in the way and made it awkward. I found myself having to re-circle their comments and try to draw them (their words) in to what I was saying. I achieved my goal and later as I thought about the conversation I realized they were disputing and contending with the word not because what I was staying was wrong, but because they wanted to be seen as important and knowledgeable. Now do not misunderstand me here I like the word love. Did you know the word "love" is used 280 times in the New Testament? And did you know the Greeks use eight words (some say 12 words) for what we use one word to mean. For example the word "philia" to have attachment for with a friend, "eros" where we get the word erotica (not a good word for love), "stogy" an attachment as a mother has for a son, or "agape" which means dedicated. In John we read, "For God so loved (dedicated) the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Jesus dedicated Himself towards the world, He did not love it. There is a big difference between loving someone (you cannot really love a thing) and dedicating yourself towards them. Karen my wonderful wife gave me four wonderful kids, stuck with me as we have romped around the world, and has faithfully served me for almost 37 years. If I only loved her "eros" or "philia" because of her strength and beauty and when it fades as grass (we all like grass will wither and fade) then I too would fade away, but how could I do this? She has dedicated "agape" herself towards me, oh no my friend it is much more than love. Love is never enough. It takes more than love or even loving someone for someone to go to heaven. We can love someone with all that is within us and they still will go to hell unless they understand what sin has wrought in their lives, confess, and repent. Would it not be nice if all we had to do was love someone? Oh no, God has laid out a plan (His big idea) for us to follow (understand what sin has wrought in their lives, confess, and repent) and we cannot change that plan no matter how we try or want too. When we try to change it we are moving outside the fame work of God's plan for salvation, moving in direct rebellion (even in love) to what God has said and done. Christians that dispute the word and try to do things their way do so because of their immature thinking and strong doctrinal beliefs. They cannot cut through all of their religion and presumption and just let the Holy Spirit minister to the person. I am waiting on the right time to let my Christian (she says she is) friend know, but for now I know she cannot handle my words of correction so instead of losing her I will be long suffering and try to include her in things without losing sight of what God is doing. You know our love is a reflection of our emotions and feelings not an expression of one's need for salvation. To say you love someone yet do not tell them the truth of their need to understand what sin has wrought in their lives, confess, and repent is all about your need to be exalted and stroked and not the person's need for salvation. We must love them enough to put up with and endure the scorn, ridicule, and even the loss of their friendship. Paul told the Church at Ephesus, "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) One can only imagine what was going here there. He did not tell them to just love them, "but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things." Love without truth is useless and destructive, it is selfish, and carnal wanting its way without confronting the sin that is at hand. Sin must be dealt with by us. God has done His part He sent His Son Jesus to die in our place for our sin, but before we can receive our salvation we must "confess" or agree with what God is saying about us is true and that is "for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) And make no mistake my friend if you agree with "speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things" you will hated by acquaintances, neighbors, friends, and most of all family. I have seen this in my immediate family still to this day we have been excluded in family outings and not made a part of family plans because of our stance on the standards of God's word and the Gospel. Oh my family would say just love them (do not judge me) and everything will take care of its self, wrong. My dear and precious mother (who I believe to be in heaven now) whom I love and cherish so much had this area wrong. We cannot turn our head away from sin (even for the sake of family unity) and say to just love and pray for them that will never lead them to salvation, but gives them excuse and cover to continue in their ungodly ways and lifestyle. As I look back and now can see the condition of the lives (I was told to just love and pray for) involved I can see the word of God is true. Their lives today are even more messed up and sin has strengthened its heinous grip in new ways. No my friend loving them is not enough. Love is not enough. If we come to Christ we all must come the same way: understand what sin has wrought in our lives, confess, and repent now this is God's love.

WTFMT 36 (HGM FROM 19 SEP 16)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-36

TEXT: "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." (Matthew 3:15)

I. ORDER OF RESPONSIBILITY

       A. You are not responsible for the whole world. Jesus Himself fulfilled that responsibility. Your responsibility lies within your own awareness and control.

       B. In Numbers 30:5, 8, 12-13, the responsibilities of a daughter or wife before the Lord, through a vow, could be nullified by the father or husband. Responsibilities are limited. Paul wrote to Timothy, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Timothy 5:8)

      C. Personal responsibility cannot possibly move out to an unlimited extend. You cannot be responsible for going to Asia or Africa if you have neglect your responsibility to provide for your immediate family in order to go to Africa. Perhaps God has led you to go to Africa. But the leading of God is not in question. The question is, "have you fulfilled your basic responsibility?" "First things first" is God's arrangement.

       D. If in our obedience we have God's priorities straight we will bring the glory and honor to Him which He intends. If these priorities are not in order we bring shame to Him. If a wife prophesies and disobeys her Godly husband, it brings shame to the Lord. If a husband preaches, but does not provide for his family it brings shame to the Lord. If a child is a helper at Church, but rebellious at home it brings shame to the Lord. We can do nothing for the Lord if we do not take care of first things first.  

      E. Obedience, and in its proper order, is God's prime concern in the lives of His Children. Thus He brings us under training in order to accomplish this. Training may first begin in natural and mechanical things. Once obedience is learned on this lower level then it is less difficult for God to get it moving on the spiritual level. The Lord uses our parents, pastors, and the Brethren to get obedience into us on the natural level.

       F. Chastisement is training. The Lord does not delight in chastening His children. He does delight in obedience. Thus He continues to chasten in order to bring us to a place of broad benefits. Through Abraham all nations become blessed (Galatians 3:6-9).

      G. God calls each of us to this same faithfulness that our lives may richly flow out to others throughout all ages to come. The far-reaching effect of our faithfulness in obedience is staggering even unbelievable. God train s us for this. We must learn to obey. For this reason we come to the school of obedience in the wilderness.

       H. Once we make proper progression along the lines of obedience we become responsible enough to begin to fulfill God's call into service. This is the time we receive our orders and direction to participate in the work of God. The call of God into service is upon every developed saint without exception.

       I. Paul exhorts us to, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11) The armor of God is not for the weakling. Not all believers are able for it. God is not going to call you into His active service unless there is some ability in you to fulfill that calling. I do not refer to natural ability, but rather the ability which God has been able to implant within you. The obedience and strength God instilled within us.

     J. The reason for the need of inner God-given ability and strength is the battle itself. Paul again gives us the reason, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) Who are the wrestlers in "we wrestle?" They are not infants.

     K. Before Israel went in to posse the land they had training battles. In the wilderness they fought and defeated within forty-year period, about six kings. In Canaan Land they found and defeated 31 kings.

     L. King David was a man of war, but first he was trained. His first training took place in the sheep field. His second phase of training was on the battlefield with Goliath at a time when he was not yet able to handle armor. His third phase of training came when he was a renegade, on the run from King Saul. From there he went into full scale battle as king, with full armor, subduing kingdom after kingdom.

 

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

   A. In our training we sometimes feel as if we are in full scale battle. That intensity in training is necessary to prepare us. Some believers never succeed in their training. Therefore they never come into the fullness of the battle.

BE NOT CONFORMED

They say if you want to hide something from someone do it in front of them. As a school teacher I have learned the skilled talkers do not sit in the back of the room, but in the front. So too with Scripture. One of the most preached on and recited verse in the Bible is Romans 12:2, "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), but it almost is the most ignored verse in the Bible. I find it amazing (God is so amazing) God allows us to live in an environment of cause and effect making our own choices and learning from them as we suffer the consequences. And a part of the learning process is the ignoring of Scripture meant for our benefit. I would like to get deep here for a moment by making a statement and then expounding on my thought. Where there is a lack of judgment the expression of mercy can be a fault. wow I hope you were sitting down. In other words from lack of judgment the mercy we give may be wrong to give. I know this is deep, but we can get through it. For example: having a love for the truth is more important than knowing all truth. How we go hard after the understanding of truth when all we really need is just a desire for truth. Or having a love for God is more important than to be used in ministry and moving in God in powerful ways. How we go hard after being used in ministry by God when all we have to do is have a love for God and He will take it from there. The same truth holds true as we consider not being conformed by this world. Paul knew the look and actions of the outward man reflects the inward work in man done by God. Paul knew, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." (Proverbs 23:7) He knew how we think inwardly will reflect us outwardly. No matter how hard we try we cannot change this divine spiritual truth. Thus, if you look and act like the world no matter how much you say you love God you love the world more than you love God. It all goes back to the duck . . . if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, smells like a duck, and sounds like a duck it probably is not a chicken. The Bible says, "come out of the world, and be separate" (the word "separate" means judgment) and the only way we can come out of the world is in our thinking and our approach to the things in the world. John knew this also, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) Now I can find myself here at times loving things of the world. Did you get the end of that verse, "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" not that we have sinned and on our way to hell, but "the love of the Father is not in us." And why? Because we have the love of the world in us and good and evil cannot come from the same fountain. How can we say we love God and have our (Christians) bodies tattooed, our face and bodies pierced with shinny things, or our pants hanging around our knees, and so much more? All of these are expressions of the world that project a message and thinking that is anti-Christ born of man's exalting his flesh over Christ. I hear Christians say I am just expressing my artistic nature, no they are expressing their carnal ungodly nature that has not be dealt with by God. Now many would say David you are judging and I would say you are 100% right I am judging. Not judging is one of the biggest reasons why the Christians are is such a mess (and the world sees it) they have no ability to judge themselves, others, and ungodly situations that get them off track with God. Did you know there are some people you cannot hang around and there are some places you cannot go and still serve God. We are conformed to the world by our outward world-like appearance, like different colored hair, wearing the latest clothing styles (modesty in all things reveals a heart dealt with by God), following Hollywood and the "beautiful people," but more from our inward heart condition that rejects a holy God and what He stands for. How can we say we love God and our life is so plugged in to hand held devices where technology has replaced time spent with the LORD? No my friend we have been deceived by the god's of this world. Make no mistake there is a god of this present world called technology and the more Christians (even in our church services) go after it the less God will be welcomed into our lives. We will displace God and His Holy Spirit with the mind pleasing sensations and logical way of technology to connect with man instead of a holy God. Jesus is not hip nor is He on line. He is the saviour of the world and we must come His way. Through the message of the Cross, death to our selfishness as He deals and judges in our lives. A few years ago we went up in a small little town far back in the mountains of Pinhook, VA over the 4th of July ministering with Pastor Niki from Silistra, Bulgaria and his wonderful family. Now Pinhook is in the kuntry (not country) back where you have to pump in sun shine. I was talking (to mainly older folks) about judgment and asked who carries their cell phone in their right rear pocket and many hands shot up. I was surprised, but then I said, who told you to put your cell phone in your right rear pocket? The hands slowly dribbled down in shame. They have been conformed (without them really knowing it) by the worldly practice of stowing a cell phone in a right rear pocket. How subtle and deceptive the world can be in small areas that always leads to bigger areas of our lives. They are hanging on trying to walk a Christian walk, but with no judgment of discernment. They are not able to tell what is going on around them in the Spirit or what the will of God for them is in their daily living, they are so drunk with "stuff." These Christian have no clear judgment. How much of the self-gratifying pleasures are we drinking? How much do we load ourselves up with what the world has to offer? How much of this cup to we drink? Our self-centered, self-indulgences is greatly seen from the lack of judgment and the inability to judge ourselves. One of the greatest dangers of being self-centered is the inability to know the difference between that which is darkness and that which is light. Their thinking and ability to make correct and righteous judgments about situations, others, and themselves is the difference between life and death. Before we can judge we need to have an ability of discernment to know the difference between righteousness and unrighteousness, holy and unholy, and Godly and ungodly. Without this ability we will not be able to judge ourselves nor will we be able to judge righteousness judgment. God began this divine spiritual principle in the Old testament in the Book of Leviticus, "Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. 23And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. 24But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people. 25Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. 26And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine." (Leviticus 20:22-26) and has carried it forward into the New Testament. Peter knew something about judgment. "For the time is come that judgment (separation) must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17) Whenever we judge something there is always a separation. This tomato is ripe this tomato is not ripe so I will not select this unripe tomato. So too in our lives. This situation is ungodly this situation is not so I will separate myself from the ungodly situation. Right or wrong there is a judging and separation. Once we come to a judgment we judge it and it is either condemned or accepted. Whether it is unclean or clean is beside the point. If we judge it as unclean then it is unclean whether it is or not. We make a judgment so that we can separate things that are not of God, condemn them, and so that they do not follow us along our walk with the LORD, if not they will follow us to heaven. The main reason we are conformed to this world is because we have been deceived (our flesh revels in disobedience and deception) by the gods of this world and because we really do not have an understanding and a love for God. Where does Judgment begin and what are the results? When we are separated from others and become the LORD's in a fuller way we are brought to development and growth. God expects us to grow into maturity to the extent that we will be able to judge ourselves and others. Self-judgment can only be accomplished by those who have matured enough to see themselves in the perspective from how the LORD sees things. Sin CANNOT take root in us if we are "truly" convinced of God's love for us and His forgiveness. Sin is not an issue with God, but it is with man. This understanding will also prevent us from desiring to willfully sin. We understand God's desire towards us in a greater way, we hold the mystery of the Gospel in a higher esteem thus we have no desire to sin, we simply do right. Doing right becomes natural to us, it becomes our way of life. If we do not learn now to judge ourselves we will not be able, we will not have the ability to judge worldly things around us nor the Angels. We will not be free to move and touch lives with the life of Christ, even in the smallest matters, and why? Because within us is such a poor representation of the life of Christ.

NO FLESH SHALL GLORY

Not sure if you all caught the Olympics this year, but I did at times. I guess I am not dead yet because at times I found myself cheering on my country against another country (or one person against another) for something as silly as a gold, silver, or bronze medal. In the Olympics from its early years the reward or prize would be a laurel crown and at times would be held over the victor's head as someone (usually a slave) whispered in their ear all glory is fleeting. How petty and often foolish we can be when striving, training for years, enduring hardships for years, dedicating ourselves to reach a goal or to beat a time while neglecting the things of God. Now I will not say all of the athletes at the Olympics in 2016 fit this statement, but I would be surprised if more than 1% of all of the athletes really knew God. I seldom heard the word God mentioned, but the Muslims did a good job of this. Now I could be wrong and will be the first to admit it after all "no one knows one's heart" right well maybe that statement is not true 100% of the time. Jesus tells us, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." (Matthew 15:18) (also see Matthew 12:34) In other words whatsoever is in our heart (where are our treasures what we think is really important) is what we talk about. If I want to know what you like or who you like all I have to do is let you talk and you will tell me everything you like to do and who you like and do not like. My old boss at US Europe Command in Stuttgart, Germany showed this spiritual truth every time we sat down and talked shop. We would talk about critical US military issues in the world revolving around Europe, African, the Middle East, and Russia, but all he had to do to get me really going (his words not mine) is ask how my ministry and church is doing and out of my mouth would roll out the love I had in my heart for the people and the work God gave me . We cannot resist talking about things we really like and things we really do not like. We as flawed humans saved by grace love to speak our mind and tell anybody who will listen what we think and our opinion on issues. But in God dedication and commitment to earthly rewards and medals (scores and times) are NOT the measure of a successful man. Paul in 2 Timothy gives us the standard in God whereby we can receive the crown, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." (2 Timothy 2:4-5) In God the crown (reward or medal) of a race does not go to the smartest, the one swiftest of foot, or to the strongest, but to the one "except he strive lawfully." The key word here is "lawfully" it means within the law or framework God has designed something to be done. The Olympics has strict rules in which to compete, but don't you know God's rules are stricter? And why? Because His rewards are of eternal value not temporal. Here is the divine spiritual principle, the greater the rules, the greater the reward. Funny to know the only rules for salvation is to repent then believe (in that order), but to be used of God and to be able to carry His mysteries and wondrous message in your heart and life, no flesh must glory in His presence. There must be a spiritual death to our: selfishness, self-seeking, pride, arrogance, presumption, and all that is in our carnal nature through His dealings and judgments. It is when our flesh is killed God can be glorified if not and until then we will exalt ourselves over each other and God at every opportunity. We will try to take advantage of each other and God in everything we do. Every relationship we enter will be built on our self's ability and strength and glorying in each seemingly important achievement, but in reality they are fleeting and will pass away as the clouds move in the sky and as the water rolls across the rocks. No my friend the Olympics is nothing more than man exalting his flesh; striving to run faster and longer, jump higher, swim longer and faster, you name it while shaking their fist in the face of God and saying I do not need you. It is a time when all in the world comes together in unity of the spirit of competition and not in unity of the Spirit of God. It is a time when man strives to reach into the heavens and pull God down in the eyes and heart of many people on the earth so they could glory in their flesh. In the newspaper I read and on the TV I heard Olympic village life (where most of the athletics stayed) was nothing more than drunken orgies (24/7) where drugs and sex by all comers flowed freely and I believe this. The heart of man does not want to abide under restraints or limitations, oh no when out of the restraint of authority, especially God's authority, the best man will be is in open rebellion and reprobation. We see a time like this in the book of Genesis when King Nimrod (the mighty archer see Genesis 10:9) built a tower for one purpose and that was to be able to put an arrow in the heart of God. The people under King Nimrod on the earth at this time said, "Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:4) Out of their own mouth came their punishment. God has been dealing with this type of thinking (even in me sometimes) in man since time eternal. Man always wants to make "a name for himself" thus the heart and spirit of the Olympics, but God wanted nothing to do with what King Nimrod and the people on earth wanted. You see they wanted to come together in one language. If all can speak the same language then communication, thoughts, and ideas (even though ungodly) will flow freely and man will press himself higher in his thinking and in the eyes of other men while God is pushed down in the thinking and thoughts of man, thus man glorying in his flesh. God acted, "And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:5-9) I do not believe globalization (every nation of the world working together to benefit each other) is what God has in mind for His (all souls, Ezekiel 18:14, belong to God even the unsaved) humanity. God has separated the races (back in Genesis) by separating the languages and man has been trying to reverse what God has done ever since. Most of the deeds and laws passed by governments in America and other countries of the world are anti-Christ and anti God's word. And why? Because the heart of man not under the restrictions and limitations of God is in open rebellion and wants to resist all that God says is true and healthy for man. In direct rebellion to God and His word. In 1963 prayer was taken out of schools and now we see the mess the school system in America is in now we have kids killing kids. In 1973 abortion was legalized giving women the "right" (in God we have no rights except what God gives us) to choose life over 9 months of inconvenience in direct rebellion to God and His word. In 2015 homosexuality and the whole LGBTQ agenda (through gay marriage decision) was made legalized in the land of America in direct rebellion to God and His word. The flesh of the Court systems of America said, we know better than God so we will exalt our flesh and shake our fist in the face of God. Well, history is full of civilizations and countries who thought and acted like America, strewn over the eons of time in destruction and desolation. Make no mistake my friend God will not allow America or any nation to exalt their flesh over Him. There will come a time when God says, "enough is enough" and visits them like He did with Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, but much worse. God knows the longer man works together the more he will go astray. God is a God of boundaries man wants no boundaries. God is a God of borders man wants no borders. God is a God of restrictions and limitations while man wants no restrictions or limitations. God knows limitations and restrictions ends in fulfillment and purpose. This is why the nominal and denominational churches are wandering in unfulfillment and lack of purpose. Their purpose is to glory in their structure, by-laws, and loyal followers thus glorying in their flesh, but God does not operate that way. And this is why most of the nominal and denominational churches are empting out. Even unrighteous people know truth when they hear and see it. I hear a non believers say they despise the church for becoming like the world. The world is looking for a savior (found only in the person of Jesus Christ), but the church is glorying in their flesh and offers salvation in the name of its denomination or process of which there is no salvation found. Paul tells us the truth and hits us hard in the stomach, "And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:28-31) Now this is an example of reverse truth. "The base things of the world, and things which are despised" that God hath chosen are not the things of the world, but the things of God, the things the world would consider to be "base" and "despised." Remember, spiritual things are foolish and not received by man until they allow the Holy Spirit to open up their understanding and heart. Paul too helps us with this, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14) How foolish it must sound to people who glory in their flesh. Ah a mystery of God. When we glory in our flesh or others flesh we admit to God, "we know not the things of God" because of the lack of our spiritual awareness. But the real danger in this verse is, "neither can he know them" this speaks of a potential lack in the individual that can only be met by allowing the Holy Spirit (and He will do His job) to deal and judge in their lives, until then they are dead to God and all that God stands for is foolishness to them just like the Olympics.

WTFMT 35 HGM 23 AUGUST 2016

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-35 TEXT: "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying," (Numbers 9:1)

I. MORE ABOUT OBEDIENCE

       A. Part of His indwelling life is obedience. One of the reasons for which God brings us into the wilderness and the unknown is to learn obedience.
       B. The first few lessons of obedience are not difficult. God did not immediately tell the Israelites to go up and possess the Promised Land. But one of the first lessons was relatively simple. "And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel." (Numbers 14:5)
       C. He starts teaching us obedience in the small things. Things we think are not important to God, things that we believe are insignificant, things that God does not notice. As a new believer we cannot handle the heavier things of God. But, moving in obedience in the small things of God will qualify us for moving in the bigger heavier things of God.
       D. By learning to develop an understanding of the importance of obedience and the ability to recognize His voice we then can move in a greater understanding of what obedience to God is. In other words; We understand and move in greater obedience to the Lord by being obedient to the Lord. How can we can grow in the Lord if we do not do what He is teaching us?
       F. If we cannot hear the Lord's voice and move in obedience in small things we will not be able, in the future, to move in greater things of the Lord.
      G. The passover was instituted while they were in Egypt. Once they were in the Wilderness of Sinai, the Lord commanded them to keep the Passover. In this way they could begin to exercise obedience to the Lord in times of freedom or times when we can exercise our free will.
      H. If obedience was not learned in the wilderness, the children of Israel would not enter the Promise Land. The first relatively simple lessons in obedience soon fade into the background in light of more difficult lessons thrust upon us as we progress in our schooling. Obedience in the glory of His presence, when there is water aplenty, is not to difficult. What is much more difficult is obedience in darkness without water. In our difficult terrain we learn the most about obedience. Thus it is necessary that God takes us over rough roads to train us properly.
     I. Proper training in obedience prepares us (it is hoped) to obey without questioning. When God speaks and leads, He does not usually say why or explain the purposes. If we learn our lessons well, we will walk in His command without asking , "why?"
    J. After we learn not to ask why, the next trick we use to get our way is to make stipulations. This will not work. We must learn to follow Him without questions and without stipulation and without deals. Obedience should be based upon nothing but that which God commands. Our lives may depend on it.
   K. Immediate obedience may save our physical life or preserve us from other dangers. For more important reasons than our physical well-being God wants us to learn obedience. This is why in the school of obedience God gives us a very rough course. Usually one does not know what's going on in the realm of obedience until it is completed.
    L. Little did King Saul realize that failure in his test of obedience would cost him his kingdom. (I Samuel 15:11-28) In disobedience there is loss. In obedience there is gain, not just for the one, but for many others. "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Romans 5:19) There is no substitute for obedience. Some folks will pray rather than obey.
    M. A lady was playing the organ, God directed her to pass out tracts beginning with her nearest neighbor, but she was so taken up with her tearful worship and the presence of God she ignored God directive. A second time the Lord urged her, but still she continued to play the organ. About two hours later she heard a great commotion outside. She looked and saw at the nearest neighbor home am ambulance, fire truck, and police. She later found out that the neighbor, alone at home had committed suicide.
    N. Obedience is better than the tearful joy of basking in the presence of God. Nothing will take the place of obedience.

II. PARTING THOUGHTS
    A. Obedience is of great importance. It goes beyond ourselves into an ever broadening area. If we were the only one involved in our obedience, the importance would be greatly diminished. Consider the case with the disciples of Jesus. Their obedience has reached out over two thousand years to touch our lives.
    B. We are one grain of wheat, one seed. We come into God's life and obedience. We fall into the ground and die to self. Now there is a production which touches the lives of many. Where does it end? It never does. And this is just your obedience, no one else's.

OUR GREATEST NEED

As we step back and look at our "needs" we often go to God and beech Him to meet our needs, but in fact nowhere in the Bibles does God say He will meet our "needs." Now please do not get me wrong God does care (to a degree, but not as much as we think He does) about our physical concerns, that is because He knows we have greater "needs" in our lives than what to wear, eat, drive, or a place to live. Matthew puts things in proper perspective when he said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) all of "these things" are the things we wear, things to eat, what to drive, and the place to live. I always find it funny when I go to Africa, India, Nepal, etc. and visit the home of Christians from these areas who do not have nice clothes to wear, food eat, something to drive, or a place to live some would say God has not met their needs. Well I would beg to differ with them. I would say God has met their needs, but not in the way most Christians today believe or have been taught. I find it strange how some Christians use the Gospel as a crutch to soften the troubles of life while others use the Gospel as a way to survive. Each of us has varying amounts of information about God and many are satisfied to use this information to get what they want from God by manipulating Him while others are content with just being grateful for the things that God gives them. One of the most misquoted Scriptures in the Bible is, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) we like "his riches in glory" part and connect our needs to them, well it does not say "needs" it says "need." "Needs" are things, "need" is the attitude about caring for things. Another misquoted Scripture is, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7) Most Christians say, "casting all your cares," but it does not say cares, it says care. Cares are things, care is the attitude of caring for things. So we are to cast our attitude for caring about things (what to wear, eat, drive, or a place to live) on the LORD, because "he careth for you." Our "needs" consume most of our day, but I wonder how this world and our walk with the LORD would look if we spend more of our time concerned about the "needs" of others? Now to be fair there are some Christians who are being stirred to seek a higher level of spirituality in which they experience not only His presence or power, but have an active personal relationship with Him. Now that is a need worth casting our care on. The LORD desires to make Himself personally known to us. It is essential that we respond to this inner stirring of the Spirit especially at this present time as we are approaching the Kingdom Age. I really believe what many Christians call the church age (I do not really know for sure) is winding down and the LORD will (maybe soon) return for those have allowed Him to move them past satisfying their "needs" into a personal relationship with Him. Jesus said that we cannot enter the Kingdom, except we first become as little children. Luke tells us, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke 18:17) Jesus could be talking about the kingdom age I do not know, but probably is talking about what the kingdom of God is, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17) You know little kids do not worry if their parents have paid the electric bill, have food to eat, drive a nice car, oh no all they really worry about is does their parents really love them. Now here is where it gets deep. It is important for us to understand that the LORD may move in ways that differ from our past expectations or experiences. This means that our approach to this present stirring within our spirit must be with a child-like trust and faith. Paul tells us, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) And later in 1 Corinthians, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12) The LORD's response to our seeking may be in a way that is not familiar to us or that may appear offensive to our intellect. The Children of Israel had this test at Sinai, but failed and only Moses could have communion and receive an impartation from God. The LORD may do this to see if we are really sincere and if we are willing to accept Him on His terms. Herein is the test of our child-like faith and trust, “I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me... that I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” (Proverbs 8:17, 21) The LORD will respond to the expression of our heart’s desire to know Him. As we vocally express to Him our love for Him He will become interested the more in us. The LORD is saying that He will respond in a special way to those who seek Him “early” (those that seek Me early shall find Me). This “early” means that we quickly set aside whatever we were doing and respond to His quickening presence in unquestioning, unqualified anticipation of all that will follow, without any attempt on our part to understand why, what or to have our needs satisfied. One of the biggest draw backs in our relationship with the LORD and our brothers and sisters is us putting our selfish needs first in our lives. When we put the LORD first and in all things acknowledge our utter dependence upon Him then He will make Himself known to us, and also, He will work on our behalf. As a result, we will receive spiritual substance which means that our lives will become a witness of His life. This is the testimony of Jesus which is the expression of His life flowing out through the expression of our relationship to Him. Our words and deeds reflect our relationship with the LORD. Our primary calling is not to ministry, miracles, the "things" in what the church today prays for, but come to know the LORD and spending quality time in fellowship with Him. As we are faithful in our part He will be faithful in His part. The important thing is that we have spent time with the LORD so we might receive the something that is to be given in the outworking expression to our brothers and sisters. Our time of preparation is very important as we can only give that which we have received. Thus as we spend time in His presence, the LORD will impart into our lives the potential for all that pertains to our calling. It is one thing to be called, but another to be sent. After all many are called, but few are chosen. Those chosen are not chosen because they have been called (many are called) oh no those chosen were chosen because they choose the LORD first. Our correct choices establishes our future especially in God. In Matthew Chapter 13, a sower went forth to sow. Some of this seed fell by the wayside and was eaten by the birds. It is very important that the seed (Word of God not money and things) falls into carefully prepared soil for our being in the center of His will and purpose for us. The distance from the hardened soil of the wayside to this prepared soil is but one step. This step that we take into the place of preparation is very important, but while this inner work of the Holy Spirit is taking place there may be no evidence of a harvest. This should not concern us as during this time of change the important thing is the changes that are taking place within us rather than what we are accomplishing. When I was a young Christian (and maybe even now at times) there have been times when I have struggled to meet the LORD trying all kinds of ways, but getting nowhere. Then I became quiet and found that all the LORD required of us was for us to take one step to the side out of the way. When I did this He was there. He had been there waiting for me to wear myself out, so I would yield and come His way. I was trying to force the LORD to move as I thought He should. All I had to do was yield and come His way, in child-like faith. The demands of our soulish desires are very real and ever present. To seek Him “early” not only as a child, but also requires of us a time of heart preparation. This involves a crucifixion of these self-centered desires with a determination to seek the LORD and spend time alone with Him. As we do this the LORD will draw us to Himself and impart into us an adequate supply of that which we need to meet our "need" (which is more of Him) that He might send us forth to preach the word, heal the sick, and cast out devils. What is our greatest need? To come to the LORD with a child-like faith.

WTFMT 34 (HGM 26 JUL 16)

Teaching note for HGM on 26 Jul 16

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-34 (NKJV) TEXT: "These are the statutes and judgements and laws which the Lord made between Himself and the children of Israel on Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses." (Leviticus 26:46)

I. KNOW AND LIVE
       A. God gives direction that we may know His ways. WE need to pay attention! Here are the instructions, not for the Israelites only, but also for us today. This is the setup, in shadow for them, in reality for us today.
       B. "That you may live," is the purpose of God's commandments. "Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. "So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 8:1,3) Experience is to teach that the Word which God gives is life to man.
     C. The law was not given to kill the people. God said this in "Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and mu judgements: which if a man do, he shall live in [by] them: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 18:5) All that God gives His people is designed to lead them into the fulfillment of life. Both the path leading to life and the path leading to death were revealed to His people.
    D. The path which we follow will be the path of our own choice. The blessings of life are set in the path of God. "And all these blessings of life shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shall hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God." (Deuteronomy 28:2) "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not [your choice] hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee." (Deuteronomy 28:15)
    E. God's choice and provision are that we might have His life and benefit from its blessing. But our choice is that which determines our final outcome. We determine the path which will lead us to our eternal dwelling place, whether in God's glory or in the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)

II. HIS DWELLING PLACE
     A. Dwelling places are very important to God. Numbers 1:1, Exodus 25:8, I Chronicles 17:5-6, and many more verses speak of God's desire for a dwelling place. God was willing to live in the wilderness for forty years without complaining about the provisions or about not having a dwelling place. (I Chronicles 17:5-6)
    B. In the wilderness God gave Moses the plans for His dwelling place. This dwelling place was built and set up in the wilderness. And in the wilderness God inhabited it. If the wilderness is good enough for God to live in, it should be good enough fro His children.
    C. I would like to live where God lives. If He lives in Heaven, I want to be there. If He is living in the wilderness, I want to be there. If He is living in the valley, I want to be there. If he is living on top of the mountain, I want to be there. Location is very immaterial to me. It always has been in this earth. It doesn't matter where God is; that's the place for me. Many believers sing C.F. Butler's hymn, "Where Jesus is, 'tis heaven there." But very few will believe it.

III. PARTING THOUGHTS A. God wants to get as close to His people as possible. First He wants to dwell "in" them. That will not be accomplished over the entire population. There will be some that will be suitable only for God's dwelling "with."
      B. God does not always get the entirety of that which He seeks. He is not willing that any should perish, but some do. He will be content to get what He can. He looks to certain quality people for His dwelling place, forever.
     C. Some people want to live in Heaven forever. But the forever situation is you in God and God in you. Even the new earth may not be a forever situation. The geographic location is of no importance. God could camp in Hell. Even in that place He would be your shield. The powers of Hell have no adverse affect upon the God.
      D. There is no power greater than God!! There is no power which can burst into God and wreck everything there. Earthly circumstances cannot destroy that arrangement of God in you and you in God.
      E. In this present world, in tribulation, in distress, in anguish, in despair, in trouble, God wants to live in you, and wants you to live in Him. He intends this to be a constant and permanent arrangement. He does not want you to leave Him. He says, "I'll never leave you."
      F. Some individuals whom God brings into the wilderness will leave God because of the situation. God doesn't want that. He wants you to stick with Him, for He has brought you into the wilderness in order to make you His dwelling place. Be content to live where God lives, so that He can live in you.