THE GREAT FALLING AWAY

On 23 July 1996 (at 11:00) my family and I landed in Stuttgart, Germany where we lived for exactly (the jet way pushed back at 11:00) seven years leaving on 23 July 2003. When I think of this period when we arrived life was magical I was working at US European Command (USEUCOM) a four star headquarters as a Joint Medical Planner, but within less than one week upon arriving God was able to place the keys and the responsibility of the Pentecostal Chapel service at Robinson Barracks within my hands. Life was exciting, bright, a new, like I have never felt or experienced. The word "responsibility" took on a whole new meaning: family, work, and now a small Chapel service of about 30 to 35 foreigners, mostly Africans from West Africa. Suddenly, without any formal training, I found myself leading the service on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. What a time it was. Everything was so different to my thinking, my relationships with my family and at work God touched my life and enabled me to be used beyond my abilities and skills. When we allow God to run the show He will step in and make all things beautiful in our time. I remember thinking that my office mates (really cannot use the word friends) would come to our service and get involved with what God was doing, but boy was I wrong. But that was okay a man cannot give what they do not have. The first year we stayed at the Chapel and the small service grew and grew in numbers as God added people to positions needed for the work He was doing in us first and then out from us. Then on Easter week-end 1997 I found out the US Army (6th Area Support Group had base support for installations) was closing down our Chapel service to save money, but in reality our service was bigger than the Protestant (9 to 10:30) and Catholic (11 to 12:30) services combined with only a hand full of Americans. This was God 's way of kicking us out of the nest. On 27 April 1997 (on Karen's birthday) we started Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart (CGS) at the Dorint Fontana a five star hotel. So out from CGS and the US Navy I started traveling to the nations. When God wants something to happen He will move mountains seemingly working in the supernatural. I cannot begin to tell you of the times I represented USEUCOM in the day and God at night. God used the US military to move us around the world to share His wondrous Gospel message first in the States while in training then to the nations in 1996. So I began to travel to the nations. My first trip was to Opel, Poland about 7 to 8 hours from Stuttgart by car. The trip was exciting and full of newness for me. There in Opel I meet Pastor Piotr Cieslar, his wonderful wife Kristina, and their three kids. Pastor Piotr's church was small, but packed to the rafters with hungry hearts wanting to know God in a greater way. I really liked Pastor Piotr. Now it has been some time since I stopped by Opel, but Pastor Piotr really influenced my life in so many ways. Over the years while living in Germany I made many trips to Opel and had the unique opportunity to watch his kids: Thomic (Thomas), Bashua (Barbara) and Oliver grow up and something strange his church began to empty out. I remember Poland in 1996 everything was gray or brown and everything seemed dirty. No one seemed to laugh maybe that is why I liked Pastor Piotr so much he had an unusual sense of humor. I can still hear him say, "LORD move the sinners so the saints can find parking." You see over the years with the integration of NATO and the European Union (EU) money the country of Poland got richer. Coupled with open border immigration (no visa was needed to travel to other EU countries) the Polish people started the exodus west looking for employment. When you have little to nothing to live on your future looks bleak and hope seems to disappear right before your eyes. So as the people moved west for money I watched the churches empty out. Finally another church merged with Pastor Piotr's church (the other church had a bigger building, but no people), but in time things really got small. I remember in 2003 right before we left I made a trip to Opel with a friend and they had a big beautiful church, but no people. Not only in Poland, but I have seen this scenario play out in Czech Republic, Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria. As the countries got richer the people moved west looking for comfort, money, and security. One thing for sure once you get the taste of the "good life" nothing else will satisfy this human, basic hunger. Now do not misunderstand me here I am not beating up my friends in these countries (I have some dear dear friends in these countries), but what I am saying is more money does not mean one is wealthy and secure. The title of the first story in my book "Adventures with God" is taken from the words of Pastor Jacob from Constanta, Romania (who I dearly love). "No Money No Problems." In 1998 when I made it to Constanta this was the way they dealt with having no money, "No Money No Problems." Not only in Romania or other Eastern European countries, but also in counties in Africa, Asia, even in America I have seen as comforts and wealth increases churches decrease. Once we can do for ourselves we seem not to want to know God to seek His guidance and help. The end result is our absence from our brothers and sisters (notice I did not say absence from church), we seem to walk away from the things of God and our relationships with God. Strangely, it seems like we have walked away from those things that has enabled us to be able to move away from God. All of our early learning and teaching (as a child) that was our bedrock, our foundational principles, but once we get old enough to strike out looking for our fame and fortune all of our earlier teaching seems to vanish before our eyes. You know I have seen this in my life at times. I am sure this is no new revelation to most people who love God and want to do His will. The world is an exciting place for the young and adventurist at heart. This is why John warns us of this great danger, "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 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. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:14-16) Here the word of God is abiding in the young men to overcome the wicked one (not sure who the wicked one is certainly not the devil) , but John still directs them to, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." John even goes on to define those dangers in the world, "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." So too today. One thing for sure if we are running after the world we cannot be running after God. And for all of those seeker sensitive church leaders (which makes up the majority of churches today in the world) if the world is running after you God is not. I could go on and on, but I need to get to the heart of what I would like to share. Many popular world preachers and teachers in the church today say (so they can deceive you into giving more money to them) there will be a great end-time revival, well that is not what the Bible teaches, oh no. Paul in 2 Thessalonians tell us the truth so that we will be able to withstand the great deception and evil in the world "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) You may need to read these verses again, but this time not the words in the brackets. "Let no man deceive you by any means: [for that day shall not come,] except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" That is right not a big time revival, but a falling away. Let no one deceive you (on Christian TV) my brethren there is a "falling away" that is happening to fulfill God's word. I have seen this "falling away" from the start in the mid 60s with the feel good Jesus hippie movements that deceived people. In the 70s this deception continued with the word of faith movement "plant your seed (money) in my ministry and God will bless you" (thank you Oral Roberts and his ilk) into the 80s where the humanistic teachers (man is a god) started spinning their deception and outright lies. In the 90s it got worse with the prosperity teachers (giving to get), if a Christian God wants you to be rich, influential, and powerful. The message was for earthly riches (because I really believe they do not believe in our next life) and not eternal riches. And in the 2000s the deception (reached new heights) was mixed more with the truth (which stills makes it a lie) with the seeker sensitive message where everyone is welcome (no one gets offended) and accepted no matter what. Yes my friend there is a "falling away" going on right now and with the increase of comforts and technology it will be expedited faster and faster. Paul in his epistles again and again warns of this "falling away" so it should not take us by surprise lest we too be deceived. And strange as it may seem, whether we get deceived and fall away depends not on the deceiver, the devil, or even God, but on us. The "falling away" is here and has been here for a long time and yes God is here warning us of our fall. Make no mistake my friend God is shaking the tree not to see who He can shake out but, to see who is holding on to His unchanging hand. When we were at a Church in Greece after the service they had a time of eating before everyone headed their way. We were sitting at a table and a young lady came up to me and said, "Pastor Dave is that you?" I said "yes." And the lady said, "This is Monica, Koko from the Mission Bible School (Class of 2005) in Romania." Now I will be honest at first I did not remember her, but as she talked I began to pick up her voice. She said I made a statement during class that only with time has come true. She said I said, "In time you will see many of your class mates walk away from the calling God has on their lives." I remember making that statement. Koko thought, that would never happen with her class mates, but one by one many have walked away from God. Over the years many of the Mission Bible School students (that God is still using) have come to me and recited my words back to me and said, "your words were true' and began to name person after person who has walked, fallen away from their calling and God. Sadly I too can name people who were once walking with the LORD, but now have loved this present world and walk no more with God. Take heed my brethren.

WTFMT 48 HGM 28 NOV 17

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-48

TEXT: "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." (Luke 21:27)

 

I. THE GLORY CLOUD

A. People frequently ask me, how did I like Germany? I really don't know because it's beside the point. It is not the town nor the house in which we live. The focal point is the cloud.

B. I would rather live under the Shekinah Glory of God in a small humble dwelling than to live in a luxurious mansion without His glory. If we live under the abiding (Shekinah) cloud of God, it will make little difference whether we are in the wilderness or in heaven. It is the glory of God which is to make an impact upon us and overshadow our life.

C. "Shekinah" is a Hebrew word used in Jewish theology to refer to a visible manifestation of the presence of God. This particular form of the word is not found in the Bible, forms close to it are. The word means "to dwell," "to abide," "to remain." The term "Shekinah" is used to describe that which abides, whether or not it is visible.

D. It doesn't matter where we may be or under what circumstances we may be living, just as long as the Shekinah Glory of God abides upon us. The condition of the wilderness is immaterial, as we live under the shadow of the Almighty.

E. Live under the impact of God, not under the impact of some problem or some sorrow or some catastrophe. Live under the influence of faith, not wonderful feelings or the lack of them. Our life will be fulfilling and satisfying under the abiding presence of God.

F. We are by nature creatures of sense. The natural man thus limits his findings of truth to such matters as can be appreciated only through sense perception. He must see and feel before he will believe, thus closing the door to the realm of the spirit, where faith moves, discovering truths of higher spiritual value.

G. The faculties which operate in the realm of the natural are God-given. They are intended to function for the comfort of man in his natural realm in the physical world. But these absolutely fail when he tries to user them to discern God in His spiritual relations and manifestations. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:6) God has provided faith for this purpose. Through faith we may enter into a new realm where there are spiritual verities and spiritual laws operative.

H. The life of the Christian os supernatural, that is, above the natural. It is neither entered into or lived by natural means. The process of weaning man from the limitations of the human and introducing him to the life of the spirit and faith is extremely trying to our flesh.

I. There must be this necessary process of adjustment if we are to truly live the spiritual life and fully enter into the possibilities of development that God has provided for us. Let us welcome each stroke which sets us free, and like bold adventurers in faith let us discover and possess the rich prospects in God.

J. God brings us into the wilderness to meet with us. He desires to share His glory with us. There is nothing more meaningful upon the earth than God's approach to us and taking up His residence in us. He desires to manifest Himself to us and to live with us and walk in us.

K. There are times when wonderful feelings and goose bumps will accompany such manifestations of God. But most times there will be no wonderful feelings. Most of the time God will meet with us in the wilderness where the wonderful feelings are absent and no water.

 

II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. The secret of our success in this life is God. If our focal point is heaven as a place after our physical death, then we will miss the best thing in life. Here, in this life, God wishes to be with us. That is better than our heaven after death, which is beyond our present location. God is better than a believer's future heaven, any day of the week, any present time, any present place. God will be better than heaven, even after we get there.

B. Some believers live and talk as if their future heaven is better than God. I have never been to heaven. I live here on earth. That is where I will focus my living, instead of attempting to live in the future. I will focus upon the secret of success in the now life, and now God.

WHAT ARE WE WORTH

They say if we add up the cost of all the minerals in the human body the grand tally would be around 98 cents. Now that may be for the physical remains of our body, but in God I would tell you we are worth much more. In reality we are worth the death of Jesus on the cross, but that is for another article for another day. But the operative value would depend on the person and not some standard from which to draw conclusions, oh no the value of a man depends not on money, but on the work God has been able to do in our lives. This too is why our worth is increased NOT by what we can gain, but what we can lose. The more we can lose of our self and the world the more valuable we will be to God. We would think the more knowledge and wisdom of the world we gain the more useful we will be to God, well no that is not right. One would think the better and more skillful we get in our abilities and gifting (even in God) the more God can use us, well no that also is not right. The truth here is the more of the worldly ways and desires we can lose, the more of our selfishness, our self-seeking nature, our self righteousness we can lose the more profitable we can become and be used in God's service for His glory. Funny how we always get this backwards, maybe that is why not many are useful in God's service. Watchman Nee said, "the broken alone are useful to God.' Did you get that "the broken alone are useful." Not too many Christians want to be broken by God. We even think we can break ourselves of habits and issues in our lives: we have 10 step, 12 step methods to quit addictions you name it, but they do not work. Only God and God alone (when He changes our heart and desires) can break the chains that hold our mind and bodies in the bondage of addictions. More police and better healthcare programs are not the answer to the opioid epidemic that is sweeping America. God and God alone (as He crushes our heart and desires) can crush this heinous scourge. So too in our spiritual bodies. The more we allow God to crush us and break us the more He can use us. Now this crushing can be what we think and what we do not think. One thing I am learning is the longer we go in God the harder God's tests become and the more subtle. One would think God is trying to set us up or trick us in some way, but no this is not the case. God expects us to learn the lessons He has taught us. God does not expect us to learn the lesson for the test and then forget it. When I was in college I would cram (because I was working in the US Navy and had a family) for a test and learn the material long enough so I could pass the test, then it was forgotten because I never really did learn the material. Well that is not how God operates. God expects us to learn and remember every test He brings our way. God expects us to have the spiritual wherewithal to discover the work that God desires to do in our lives and to retain the work He has deposited in our heart. And oh how sweet the deposits are after they have worked into our lives. This kind of reminds me of the words of Thomas Watson when he said, "till sin be bitter Christ will not be sweet." These testings from God can be bitter, but if we endure and learn from them they will be sweet as Christ, like honey in our mouth. Recently I experienced a test that caught me off guard, but when it was over all I could say was, this is the doings of the LORD and it was marvelous in my sight. For those who know me they also know I like football (not soccer) and I like coaching/teaching football. For the last four years I have taught football as a coach (last three as the head coach) at the Middle School level (grades 6-8) and this year I decided to try to move up to the high school level (grades 9-12), so I applied to be an assistant coach at the high school. To my surprise I was selected to be one of five coaching positions. I was happy God gave me a desire of my heart and the money, well as an assistant coach I would get (before taxes) $7,000. What could I do with $7,000? Sink some of the money into BHG. Buy some new things for the home. I think I had the money spent before I earned it. Happy yes, yet at the same time puzzled. I knew all of our games were played on Friday night and I also knew at the present time Freddy, Gerald, and I were going up to Craven Detention Center to talk to 275+ prisoners the second and fourth Friday of the month. I was confused to say the least. I knew God wanted me to apply for the assistant coaching job and when hired I knew God wanted me to coach which meant I could not go to prison on Friday night. So I went with what God was doing at the time even through it seemed strange to me. We need to stop asking so many questions and just go along for the ride with what God is doing. Well as the season opened I was excited (I like coaching football), but as summer work outs began I began to see the lack of leadership of the coaching staff. Worse I began to see the great lack of integrity of the coaching staff (from the head coach down) and of the program. I was asked to do some things that would require me to lie, turn my head to coaches using tobacco on the field and to turn a blind eye to coaches with alcohol on their breath. I was even more confused. We were only four games (got beat by over 40 points each game, God does not bless a mess) into the season when God sent Pastor S.J Peter and his lovely wife Helen from Hyderabad, India by for a visit. We planned to drive them down to Charleston, SC after about a week in town and hand them off to Pastor Ronnie Huneycutt. At our HGM Pastor Peter spoke from Psalms 26, "Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide." (Psalms 26:1) God was speaking to me. Here David (the one in the Bible) resorts to God confidence of his own integrity. God was speaking to me about my integrity. The next day (Wednesday) a few more things (God is good to pile on things) happened at practice and I was at the end of myself. Thursday things came to a head and I called the principle and told him I was going to resign. He asked for my resignation in writing (he wanted to investigate my comments) so I sent him a four page resignation letter detailing my time with the team. My heart was clear now. Friday when I went to Craven Detention Center with Freddy I had something personal to share with the prisoners. I told them my story and let them know my integrity was worth more than $7,000. I could have turned my head or winked at the lack of integrity, but I chose to walk away from $7,000. God's number is 7 was there a connection here? Yes! Within me there grew a strength that I never had before. I have never left $7,000 on the table. The next day (Saturday) as we drove down to Charleston, SC the LORD let me know He was testing me through all of this. God wanted me to do football and not go to Craven Detention Center so He could test me. I slid down in my seat and calmly told Karen, Pastor Peter, and Helen what the LORD told me. What was I worth? More than $7,000. As I said the longer we go in God the harder and the more subtle the tests become. I never expected God to test me with football, but He did. What we like God is good at going after in our lives. As a matter of fact He will do whatsoever He wants to do to test us. Now the test is not about seeing if we can pass or fail. The test is about qualifying or being approved for the next thing God has for us. If we fail the test make no mistake my friend we will see the same test in a different form on a different day. What are we worth? God's Son Jesus Christ gave His life for us. What is the value of Jesus' life? One cannot measure this, but one can measure the value and cost of loss we must experience to pay the price. Nothing is free in God. Even our salvation cost Jesus His life. Everything we get from God will cost us something make no mistake my friend we are worth what we pay for in God.

WTFMT 47 (FROM HGM ON 24 OCT 17)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-47 TEXT: "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7)

 

I. THE WORKSHOP

 

A. The wilderness is God's workshop. He has designed it for us. He brings us to it. We are His workmanship. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) The workman (God) works on and in the piece of work He has created formed and made, in His workshop, where ever He wants it to be.

B. We are brought there to see His glory, to relate to it, to learn from it, and above all, to be conformed to His image. We would prefer God to work on us in His workshop of green grass and still water. Although these have their places in our Christian experience, certain changes in us are not accomplished in these lovely and pleasant places.

C. We do not seem to linger long in the pleasant places. So when there, breath in the enjoy and strength, fore soon He will move us on to yet another place of growth and development.

D. The children of Israel followed the cloud to green grass. The name of the place we "Hazeroth." The stem of this Hebrew word "Hazeroth" (2698) means "green," "grass," "leeks," "enclosures, " and others. "And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth." (Numbers 11:35)

E. To those camping there this would have been most pleasing. WE don't like to camp in the desert or in the wilderness, but rather in an oasis where there is a carpet of green grass and a fish-filled stream. How long do we camp in the green grass besides the still waters? Not very long! We must follow the cloud. "And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran." (Numbers 12:16)

F. The cloud did not tarry long over the green grass, but moved to the Wilderness of Paran. The lush grass must be left behind. Leaving green grass and entering a wilderness like Paran is most discouraging.

G. Everything seemed to be to Israel's advantages in pleasant Hazeroth. However, not everything was fine and correct in the hearts of the people. This is where the murmuring against Moses was so strong that Miriam became leprous because of it.

H. Wildernesses, not utopias, are the workshops of God. In a utopia God cannot work into His people the dedication needed to fulfill His purposes. Adam and Eve more than anyone else, except the angels in Heaven who fell, prove this truth. They did not respond correctly in their paradise.

I. The green grass of Hazeroth is desired by all, but does not fully and totally meet man's spiritual needs. The leadership directly under Moses failed in the green grass. "And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; [Aaron and Miriam] and he departed." (Numbers 12:9)

J. The workshops of God are not in places of pleasantries where everything always goes well. The potter's wheel is not always an abundance of money. The anvil of God is not necessarily a state of unfailing good health.

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. What kind of Christians would emerge from a utopia where there is never a threat, never the valley of the shadow of death? Where there is no battle, there can be no victory. If there is no victory, there is no overcomer. We can't live in a utopia as long as the angles who fell did and not be any better for it.

B. Aaron and Miriam loved the green grass of Hazeroth as much as anyone. It did not cause them to respond to God properly. His glory and His beauty [Paran] were not manifested through them there.

C. Green grass fades and the flower withers, but whoever does the will of God abides forever! Our physical well-being, all the things of this present life with which God could possibly bless us, these material blessing, ALL fade away. If we wait long enough, we will see the car God gave us be placed in the junkyard. He gives us another if we are doing His will.

D. Everything passes away. Back and forth, back and forth the fashions of this world are always passing away. Nothing is permanent; nothing here is established. Except for! "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (I John 2:17)

E. We must release all things that shall pass away, and follow the Master. We must not cling to the things of this life. Jesus said these things do not hold the essence of life. " . . . . for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." (Luke 12:15) Life does not consist of these things of this present world, although most people suppose it does. God in opposition to this philosophy is always attempting to draw us away from that which is temporal toward which is eternal.

PRESS THE MOMENT

As odd as this may sound sometimes I like to just sit at my home computer and watch the screen saver scroll. I catch dinner guests doing the same out of the corner of their eye. The pictures come in waves of family events like birthdays, weddings, funerals, trips we have been on overseas, and other odds and ends. As I look at each picture (knowing there in a few seconds of time before the scroll will move on) I look hard and try to remember the time this picture was captured for history. With each picture my mind goes back to the time and the occasion the picture was taken. You know there is NO such thing as the past or the future. We often project things (we call it planning for the future) that will happen in what we call the future, but in reality the present is all we really have and what we call the future is a hope and a dream. Same as the future there is no past. All we have is the now. The past is no more. Memories, failures, victories, and the like all ring in our thoughts, but in reality they are finished in our lives. I hear people (even Christians) say, "I remember the good ole days (for some they were not so good)," but in reality we are in the place in God we find our self based on the actions and decisions we made in the past. Our future (or what we call the future) is based not on the future, but on the things we do for God (or not do for God) in the now. The now is all we really have. Paul told the Body of Christ at Corinth, "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) Now the salvation Paul was talking about was much more than salvation from their sins. They were already saved of their sins, but needed saved from themselves. Strife, hatred, ambition, offense, greed, and so much more (maybe sounds like us today) filled their hearts and the Body of Christ. And Paul says, "now is the day of salvation" for all of these things (and yes even our besetting sins) to be removed so that the LORD could have His place on the throne of our hearts. God can never take His place on the throne of our heart if we do not give Him leave. I wonder why we always go toward removing sin in our lives and leave our character flaws to fester? Paul also tells us, "We all have sinned and come short (our character flaws) of the glory of God.' (Romans 3:23) I would think it is those character flaws (and not so much sin) in our lives that prevents God from moving as He desires in us. After all sin was gloriously dealt with on the cross. In Ephesians Paul tells, "Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times (which is always now) he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: " (Ephesians 1:8-10) This "dispensation of fulness of times" can stretch out across the span of years, but at the same time it can be defined in a moment, in an event, in smile, and in one act of kindness. We can see this truth play out knowing God is the same yesterday, today, and forever , yet He is the same in a moment of time. The "fulness" here really captured my thoughts. How long, how big, how small, how full is "fulness" with God? To be honest I am not sure if God can be measured in such terms. In Solomon's prayer of thanksgiving to God for the Temple he said, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" (1 Kings 8:27) I do not believe God can be measured with earthly instruments, oh no God must be measured in what is "gathered together in one all things in Christ" and that brings me back to my pictures on the scroll on my desk top computer. As I look at them the events and actions have been captured, "gathered together in one all things in Christ." The people, the meals, the preaching and teaching, everything that has been recorded in picture format for me to remember and think about. Now we have covered much ground so far, but here is my point has God's "fulness" been accomplished in the picture? Have you ever had a conversation with someone and later said to yourself, "I wished I would have said this or that?" I am sure we all have well my pictures are kind of like that. I look at the pictures now on the scroll and remember the event, location, setting all of the details, and wonder if I have done all that I could do to maximize the moment for the glory of God? I look and imagine what could I have done different or was what I did all that could be done? The memories are great, but the relationship in the pictures are greater. In the end I seem to always come back to the same conclusion what was done is done. In most cases it is too late to take back words or deeds. What we did is gain and what we did not do really does not matter. At the end of the day we must give what we do to God's good graces and capable hands. I was traveling with Jake Luffy overseas and I asked him, "how about the people who do not respond, those who do not hear and heed our words?" He said, "there must come a time in our walk with the LORD where we give the people over to God." Our job is to speak the word and the people's job is to respond. All we can do is what we feel what the LORD is saying. I believe Paul had this or a simpler thought. In Ephesians 3 Paul tells us, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 3:13-14) In verse 13 Paul says he forgets those things he has done, "which are behind" so he can "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus." You know unless we forget what happened in the past we will never be able to "press toward the mark." It is a casting or taking off things in our lives (our job here) so we can put on things. Paul helps here again, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." (Romans 13:12) We will never walk in the light of Christ Jesus unless we allow God to work in our lives (through His dealings and judgments) so we can learn to cast off the darkness that causes us to stumble and fall out of the way God has for us to go. My brothers and sisters Paul was saying we must press the moment while in the moment. We must achieve the greatest good for God in the time He has made available for us to be His arms and hands on earth. The prize is not some crown, a wreath, some reward we may get "when we all get to heaven," or even Christ Jesus Himself, but just the opportunity to be of service to our brothers and sisters. What else could we want? What better prize in God than to be a word of strong encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, a word of rebuke, etc? I could go on all night, you fill in the blank. When in the moment of need we press forward and are there to hit the mark for our brothers and sisters, the mark that eases the pain and anguish of loss, confusion, and despair. Moments are fleeting in the lives and affairs of men, but in these moments we must press the moment for God's best. Written by David Stahl 

CONVINCED BUT NOT CONVERTED

I often hear Christians talk about our faith and our belief. Now it is true we can exchange these two words in a sentence and not much of the meaning will be lost because they are close in understanding, concept, and context, but when you look at the spiritual application of these words we find there is a huge difference. The word believe is really soft and mushy. We humans can believe anything all day long and it be wrong. I can believe (also works for those Christians who like claiming the things of God) I am a car, sit in my garage all day, and even go beep beep, but that will never make me a car. In God you cannot translate or substitute faith for belief they are separate spiritual concepts in application. You know I marvel when I think of faith . To be honest no person alive today and only one in the past has really known how faith works its seemingly magic in our lives. God took me all the way to India to help me with understanding faith and to be honest again I marvel at the outcomes (signs and wonders), but I do not know and understand how it works. Oh I know we can read, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1), but what does that all mean? No really. I have heard sermon after sermon on Hebrews 11:1 and to this day, honestly to be able to grasp the concept is far beyond my ability and yours if you are honest. You know I do not need to know how it works, oh no all I need is to know is the one who is working it all through our faith. Paul tell us in Ephesians even our salvation is through faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10) Grace (what God has done and given us) is God's part before the foundations of the world was laid and faith (our response to God's grace) is our part. If we get grace wrong (can do what we want and still be saved) we get over into lascivious or fleshly sins. And if we get faith wrong we get over into legalism and emotionalism. Sadly way too many churches are here. There is a balance we must walk for us to be saved. When I think of "real' faith I think of Ester saying , 'if I perish I perish" or Job saying, "though God slay me yet I will trust Him." Oddly enough Jesus never made this faith or belief mistake. He was very clear when it came to issues requiring our faith and our belief. As a matter of fact like grace and faith there is a relationship between faith and unbelief. In Matthew Jesus said, "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17:20) Not because of their lack of faith, but because of their unbelief mountains (or problems in their lives) were not removed. Unbelief was the reason (Hebrews 3:18-19) the Children of Israel entered not into the promsied land. I think one reason why we get off track here with faith and belief is today we get the things of God from other people so we can believe, yet still not be converted because if we get the things of God though revelation (for ourselves) from the Holy Spirit how could we not have faith and believe? We see this truth in Peter's life. Jesus was asking the disciples who do they say I am? "And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:14-17) Peter had to have gotten this revelation from the Holy Spirit (and not from the other disciples) who had not come yet. It was not all of Jesus' good works, miracles, and sermons that convinced Peter to say of Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Oh no it was the good work of the Holy Spirit in his life that brought Peter to this revelation. At this time Peter was convinced, but sadly he was not converted. Okay let us go a little bit deeper here. We can be convinced about the things of God to a point. We see it every week on Sunday morning when countless millions of Christians trudge off to church, sing three fast ones and slow one, hear some announcements, take up the tithes and offering, maybe hear a special number, and then hear 15 to 20 (no more than 30 minutes) minutes of inspiring words. What I call the denominational lullaby. Shhh do not wake them up. They are convinced Jesus loves them and they are on their way to heaven (and may not be), but they are not converted to the truths of the word of God that will enable them to stand and withstand life's circumstances and difficulties making it to heaven. Having an opportunity to learn, but never learning. Not converted to the point where there will be spiritual growth and development in knowing God in their lives. Brother Peter (I really like Peter he is so much like us) experienced this too in spite of his deep revelation who Jesus is. In Luke we read, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:31-32) You know I hope Jesus really did not pray (as we think prayer is) for Peter because his faith did fail just a few hours later, but in the end he was a rock. However, in the garden and in the court yard of the high priest he was a scared man who failed just like you and I may have been. Notice Jesus' words, "when thou are converted strengthen thy brethren." Not when you are convinced, but when you are converted. I wonder what made the difference in his life? That moved him from being convinced to being converted? Maybe it was the whole garden and court yard experience? In this maybe he saw his weakness and loud mouth boasting of what he would do for Christ, but in the end he discovered he was nothing more than an arrogant liar. Or maybe it was when Jesus asked him (in John 20) Peter do you love me and all he could say was I am only fond of you. What is even more amazing Peter walked with Jesus for three years: he saw the miracles, the deaf ears and blind eyes opened, he tasted of the loaves and fishes, he saw the dead come back to life, and yet he was not converted, but only convinced. How easy it is to be convinced God loves us, but oh so hard to be converted. After Peter was converted he was never the same man or leader. Today many say a leader is a reader, well I would say a leader knows the difference between book sense and the good sense of the Holy Spirit. Peter's sword was put aside and he listened before he opened his mouth. A real conversion in God will lead us to a quietness and silent spirit. Jesus took it much deeper in the fruit manifested from our conversion, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4) Notice the word "Except" which means there is no other way, it is the only way to be converted to become as a little child. Not too many Christians want to become little children, oh no they want to be bishops, pastors, deacons, prophets, evangelists, apostles, teachers well becoming all of these are NOT the requirements to go to heaven. They want to be great, but becoming these (bishops, pastors, deacons, prophets, evangelist, apostles, teachers) will not make you great. Jesus said to be great we must humble ourselves as little child. I guess greatness in our eyes is different than in God's eyes. And notice Jesus did not said say shall not enter the kingdom of God oh no, He said the kingdom of heaven which is much different than the kingdom of God. Maybe many are not converted because we do not want to be as a little child? Just a thought for us to ponder. You know what ever is planted grows. If we plant a cherry seed a cherry tree will grow. So too in the spiritual realm. When God had us start Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart back in 1997, Bill Pepper a wonderful brother and mentor to me would come by Germany for a visit. After a few days of getting the lay of the land he would sit me down for a few hours of counseling me. How I loved it. How I loved getting the boom lowered. Well one of the first times he said I will be able to see what we have planned in the people. I will be honest at first I did not understand what he was saying, but as time went on and I saw the fruit springing up in lives I knew crystal clear what he was saying. If outcomes in the lives of the people were unpleasant, well I had some fault in that. Whatsoever is planted grows. If I sow seeds of strife, confusion, or division from the pulpit or more important in relationships in the church then these will grow and bear the fruit and more seeds of the fruit which will only be spread to other lives. So too when it comes to our conversion. If we are only convinced then the seed we spread will not be strong enough to handle the cares of the world or thorny and dry ground. Real conversion is seen in the lives of mature men and women of God who are able to learn and teach, endure whatsoever comes their way. Are you convinced or are you converted? The answer is always seen in our lives by others, but sometimes the truth is hidden from our heart. Written by David Stahl 

AT THE END OF THE DAY

Okay here is the good news right up front. At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) it does not matter what our ministry was while on earth, how much money we gave the church, or what we did for the pastor and God's people. No all of this is over. All of our good works and well intentions are over. At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) what matters is what we did with Jesus Christ. God will say to us, "who do you say Jesus is?" A couple of days after Michael Jackson died I was sitting in a sauna with some friends (one being my dear friend Pastor Foster) and my friends (many call themselves Christian) were recounting Michael Jackson's life, his dancing and singing ability. Well, I chimed in and said, "yes he was a great singer and dancer, but when he stood before God He did not ask him to sing a song or dance a lick." Well the sauna got deathly quiet. You would have thought I let the air in the room out. I said, "oh no when Michael Jackson (like us all will) stood before God He only asked him one question, what did you do with my Son Jesus?" I cannot speak for Michael Jackson (maybe for him it is too late), but I can only speak for myself. In my heart I want to be able to say, "thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" as Brother Peter had this revelation. In Matthew Jesus was talking to the disciples and asked " . . . . whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:13-17) The disciples were quick to reply with earthly responses, except for Peter. Jesus asked and they told the truth, "they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Jesus then brought it home to the disciples as He always did, "But whom say ye that I am?" And of course Peter speaks up first not because he is a loose cannon, but because he has the right answer, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus was quick to commend Peter while giving him a back handed love tap. Here Jesus called him "Simon Barjona" (not his name) or blessed art thou old man of the flesh. I have also heard Jesus here was referring to Peter's nature and comparing it (his nature) to the wild golden doves from the Isle of Barjona that could not be tamed. Saying Peter was like a wild golden dove beautiful in flight, but had a wild streak in him that could not be tamed. Now this had great significance for the other disciples because Jesus was teaching them to understand who Christ is, to be able to understand the kingdom, to understand anything of God it must not be by flesh or blood (man's wisdom and ways), but must be "revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." We must allow God through the Holy Spirit to reveal the secrets of the kingdom, the mysteries of the Gospel, wisdom, the mystery of God, of Godliness, all of these and more must be revealed to us we cannot learn them with head knowledge or book learning. I do believe this is what Paul was teaching the Church at Corinth when he said, "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more." (2 Corinthians 5:16) or if we have known Christ in salvation and then try to know Him after the flesh (book learning and through carnal ways) then we know Him no more. God must reveal Himself personally to us by the Spirit. Remember "carnal" just means not of the Spirit, worldly. We Christians like to make this word something more than what it is. Too many Christians try to know God after the flesh, carnally: through books, education, music, dance, flag waving, even service to our brothers and sisters, but that is not the way God wants us to know Him. God wants us to come to know Him through the Spirit, through revelation as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God's nature and character to us. What benefit is it to us if we come to know about Him and even use some of His power yet never come to know His person? Oh how we go after the truth in the word of God, but when God begins to reveal the truth about our nature and character (oh me) quickly we shut down. At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) it does not matter what we have done or said for God, all of our good works will be over. I remember when Charles Haun was gathered to his elders (and I believe he is with the LORD) in July 1996 his wonderful wife Violet was left with his Bible, his ministry, all of his office (how I use to enjoy him and his office) equipment, all of his outstanding writings, his luggage that he used to travel countless 1,000s of miles, his watch, his personal clothing, his tooth brush all of this and more now was in Violets care. I look around and wonder what will happen to all of those things I hold near and dear to my heart. I have laid out in my last will and testament who gets my swords and weapons, and some other things, but in the end all of this stuff does not matter. What matters is what did we do with Jesus and did we keep the faith till the end. In Ecclesiastes the Preacher gives us "the conclusion of the whole matter." He writes, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) The "whole matter" is to "Fear God and keep his commandments." There is a day coming when we all will stand before a holy God, great and small, sinner and saint alike. Not because I say it, but because the Bible says it. In Revelations John says, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Revelation 20:12) So we shall be judged as the Preacher says in Ecclesiastes and John says here in verse 20:12. What will be judged according to John will be our works. Maybe that is why so many Christians want to do good works for God thinking the more good works they do the greater chance they have making it into heaven. Well not so fast my friend. Our works will be judged, but it will not be how many or what kind of works we did for God, oh no. What will be judged will be how we did those works for God. Did we do them with the right heart conditions, motives, and intentions. These will be the standard our works will be judged. You see in God, it does not matter what we do for God, but it matters how we do it. Do we do things with the right heart condition and for the right reasons. One of the first times I went to Nairobi, Kenya I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Faith Mutua. Faith is the wife of Pastor Joseph Mutua. So many wonderful memories with the Mutuas and their girls. Well one day I was talking with Faith and we got on this subject and I made the statement , "it does not matter what we do for God, but it matters how we do it" and Faith (a tiny lady) looked at me and jumped up on the chair and said, "I see now. I see how I can compete with someone like you and Jake (a mutual friend). I am just a house wife and you all travel the world in ministry, holding huge meeting, sharing deep truths. I thought I was in some type of completion, but now I see it matters not what we do for God, but it does matter to God how we do things for Him.  At the end of the day (when our life is over and we stand before a holy God) our works will be judged and rewarded (maybe for another article) accordingly. It will not matter what we do for God then, but it will matter then how we do things for God, have we kept the faith to the end, and what we have done with Jesus Christ.

WTFMT 46 ON 22 AUIG 2017

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-46

TEXT: "And the cloud of the LORD was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp." (Numbers 10:34)

 

I. FOLLOW THE CLOUD

A. The first lesson to be learned is to follow the cloud. We must learn to follow what we know to be the direction of God.

B. Many of us spend so much time and effort in worrying about what we do not know, that there is little strength and opportunity left to follow God in what we do know. As we learn to walk in the known will of God, we will spare ourselves much trouble and anguish.

C. The second lesson to be learned is not to complain and question God as you follow. The children of Israel were always complaining about these wilderness stops. "Well, why did the cloud stop here? Doesn't God know that there is no water here, and that this is the wilderness?"

D. Why does God lead us into the wilderness? To kill us because there are no graves in Egypt? As they followed the cloud, they did not recognize the wisdom of God in leading them to these specific places. Therefore they did not recognize God's purposes in each stop.

E. If we do not learn the second lesson (learn not to complain) we will never see the meaning in "Paran." We will miss the beauty and glory in the wilderness and die of spiritual hunger and thirst.

F. Many believers are starving for God's glory and beauty, but do not receive because they have not walked in obedience to what they know to do and are always complaining when God takes us to His workshop (the wilderness) and begins to work in us. If God cannot teach us obedience, He can do anything with us.

 

II. DON'T MISS IT!

 

A. The brightness of the glory of God, the cloud, the burning fire by night, rested in the Wilderness of Paran. The tribes of Israel under this cloud. But one can live under the glory of God and never see it. Consider how many people missed the glory of God as Jesus walked this earth to teach and perform God's wonderful miracles.

B. Today some believers will miss the glory of God, in the wilderness. There are many things we would never want to miss. Holiday! Would we want to forego our vacation time? Payday? Who would want to miss payday? Christmas! Few believers would want to miss Christmas.

C. We want money, convenience, comfort, health, happiness! We want a nice home and car! When a Christian gives these things greater priority than the glory of God, we have come short of the glory of God. We will miss the beauty and glory in the Wilderness of Paran.

D. We will miss seeing the glory of God in our vision is fixed on our fears. Fear of the work of the Lord (possible humiliation and embarrassment) in our lives, in the wilderness, will keep us from looking toward the wilderness and the glory He wants to work in our lives. Let us not be afraid of the wilderness.

E. Seasons in the wilderness will become the occasions when God imparts certain divine meanings and revelations and richness to us. The wilderness will be the place of our greatest progression in God. God can not do must work on us in a time of blessing, even during church.

F. But He can take us into His workshop and work His nature and character in us. "For we are his workmanship . . . " (Ephesians 2:10) The Lord takes us into the wilderness and reveals His thoughts and intents of His heart to us, which are thoughts of love and joy and intending for us to walk with Him in victory and prosperity.

 

III. PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. There are certain things which God can bring to us only as we properly relate to His glory in the wilderness. There are certain aspects of the work of God in us which must be accomplished in the wilderness and nowhere else.

B. These cannot be done in the Promised Land. They cannot be done in Heaven. They cannot be done in prosperity, alone. They cannot be done in health. Wherever they must be done, we must follow God to the place and respond to Him there in that place where He leads you too do the work in you He desires.

C. Certain aspects of God's care and character are seen only in difficult places. How can we know Him as Healer unless we become sick? How can we see Him as Provider unless you are in need.

D. Most of us will not render to God complete surrender and cooperation when we are in good times. Wherever we must be to have God accomplish His work in us, we must follow God to that place and respond to Him there. This was true for Abraham, David, Job, and Joseph and for us as well.

FATHER IN THE LORD

I recently had three emails shot gunned to me from an older fellow I recently met. Now I am not going to go into the fellow, but in one the fellow's emails he mentioned, "due to my maturity in God I am a father in the LORD." Now this fellow is a nice, stately, older man (really do not know him that well), very busy for God (maybe too busy), but older than I so I will respect him, but his statement really struck me odd. I thought how does one become a father in the LORD? What are the scriptural qualifications one must accomplish for God to be called a father? Do we have to be in service to the LORD for a certain amount of time, give a certain amount of money, or do mighty miracles, signs and wonders? I looked in the Bible and could NOT find any qualifications or requirements one must master to earn this title. Now I know where he and many in the church get this title. I cannot believe how title hungry some Christians can be. The push for knowledge, degrees, and such (in some circles) over revelation is very sad to me. After all the Holy Spirit said He will teach (see John 14:26) us all things. But back on thought. In 1 Corinthians Paul was chiding the Church at Corinth to pay attention, to "take heed" to themselves for they were not learning the lessons and teachings he brought them when he established the Church at Corinth and now he is coming back so he was scolding them for their wavering from the truth and their mixing of other religions with the Gospel message. Paul writes, "I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me." (1 Corinthians 4:14-16) Paul said of the Church at Corinth they gathered together for the worse than the better. Paul again writes, "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse." (1 Corinthians 11:17) They had every gift of the Spirit in operation, yet they were filled with strife, division, self-serving ambition, ungodliness, and great perversion. Paul was NOT telling the people to call him a spiritual father oh no, Paul was using an analogy, drawing into contrast the requirements for a son to learn from his earthly father. From this one verse (and maybe others) countless Christians think of themselves as spiritual fathers to other Christians whose light may not be as bright as theirs. After all if we can find another Christian whose light is not as bright as ours, well that makes our light even brighter. Sadly we see things in the Bible that appeal to our flesh and project them into our walk with the LORD and with our brothers and sisters. Who would not want (not me) to have many spiritual children under their wing? Those babes in the LORD who lack initial guidance to get their feet on the ground. Heck you can even get money for this. The church (but we really know we are the church) of today is obsessed with titles such as being a Father in the LORD, positions, functions, and duties. Many Christians try to see how many letters they can get before and after their names. As if God is impressed with our degrees and accomplishments. I am sure when we stand before the LORD on judgment day (and we all will) He is not going to call us by our titles and degree. The only thing God is impressed with is our ability in Him to lower and humble ourselves before Him and our brothers and sisters in humility. In Romans Paul gives great advice to the Church at Rome and we should take heed to it also, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) The biggest title we can have in God is to be called a nobody. My friend the way up is down. The lower we can go in God the higher we can go in God. Jesus had a few titles while on earth, but never a father in the LORD or any title most Christians would like to identify with. Jesus had great titles like, "son of sorrows" or "son of man." In Luke we read, "And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. " (Luke 9:57-59) "No place to lay his head" who wants to follow someone with no place to live? Most Christians want a big home, nice car, good job, and all the distracters of life. At least this guy was honest he did not have the heart and stomach to follow Jesus. I wonder how many Christians would like to identify with these words here of Christ? I cannot believe how fast some Christians become Bishops. In the Catholic Church it takes many many years of dedicated service, but in Protestant churches just start one new church somewhere and BAM you are a Bishop. This is really big in Africa. Funny I looked in the Bible at the qualifications to be a Bishop and I found nothing about starting churches. Paul writes to Timothy (who was not a Bishop), "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." (1 Timothy 3:1-7) If you look at the words: elder, deacon, bishop, and teacher are all basically the same word used in the same context. Pastor (in KJV) is only used one time (Jeremiah 17:16) Strong's # H7462 and means; companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman. And the word "pastors" (in KJV) is found 8 times (seven times in Jeremiah) and once in Ephesians Strong's #G4166 with the same meaning. I think we need to remember the warning, "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; I am sure when we stand before God He will not call us elder, deacon, bishop, teacher, preacher, minister, first lady, or pastor, but He will be looking for the qualities of Himself in us, He will be looking to see if we have learned the lessons He has been trying to teach us, if not we may enter in, but we will suffer loss. Again I do not see how a Christian graduates from being just a plain Jane, lowly Christian to become an apostle or prophet. Again there is no qualifications in the Scripture for this, but I can tell you how the folks (not sure if I can call them all Christians) I know who call themselves an apostle or prophet became apostles and prophets, they were made an apostle or a prophet by another person who call themselves an apostle or a prophet. Something is not right here. Man cannot bestow God's spiritual authority. Man may be able to ordain someone into a denomination from a certain Bible School or organization, but man cannot ordain another man with God's spiritual authority. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul was pleading with the Church at Ephesus for unity (because they were not in unity) he was NOT defining the five-fold ministries of a church. Read the context of entire 32 verses of the chapter, feel Paul's heart for the dysfunction. Paul writes, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" (Ephesians 4:11-12) Paul was not talking about offices, but attributes that need to be found in the functions of a Spirit filled Body of Christ. He (being God) gave "some" who, "some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" for the Body of Christ. Paul is not talking about offices and duties (where you can get a job and make money), but qualities and attributes that must be operating in people for the Body of Christ to be in unity. We see the same message to the Church at Corinth, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:28-31) The "some" are people (not titles or offices religion does this) who have the attributes and qualities of God to edify the Body of Christ in these areas. After "teachers" (no evangelist or pastors here) are miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." They do not sound like titles or offices to me. If Paul was establishing offices and titles in the Body of Christ he forgot two major functions. Paul even corrects the Christians at the Church in Corinth, "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" Sounds like what is going on today in most churches. I guess it is true there is nothing new under the sun. Now do these happen in the Body of Christ? Yes absolutely 100% and they need too. God has provided to every child that comes unto Him the ability to do these things 24/7 and more if they desire to walk in obedience to God. The requirement and qualifications to be able to flow in these spiritual qualities and attributes will take us to the school of hard knocks (what I like to call the wilderness) so He can knock us down, break us so He can fix us, but when we stand up in God we will have something to give of eternal value. Am I a father in the LORD? I would say no. I have been walking with the LORD for over 58 years at differing degrees, but that does not make me a father in the LORD only "some" one who needs to be more humble and open to God. Anyhow Jesus told us not to go after such things. In Matthew he said, "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:9-12)

WTFMT 45 (25 JULY 17 HGM)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-45

TEXT: "And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran." (Numbers 10:12)

 

I. THE WILDERNESS OF PARAN

A. The Wilderness of Paran will have features which differ from other wildernesses. This is true in the case of every wilderness. They all differ from one another in some aspects. We shall not be considering the physical characteristics of the Wilderness of Paran rather we will focus upon spiritual aspects which are taken from the Bible.

 

II. SO AWFUL

A. In Christian circles believers have been given quite a variety of thoughts on spiritual wildernesses. Some of which may be correct and most incorrect. However a person's experience in a spiritual wilderness may not fit anything that he has been told.

B. For example the totally terrible thing which was reported to me is not nearly as bad as I was led to believe. Most believers have the idea that the spiritual wilderness experience is practically unbearable. If such a person is found in the wilderness then their built-in attitude would immediately translate the experience as terrible.

C. It is almost impossible to convince them that it is beautiful and a wonderful place in which to be. The wilderness does not feel good nor does it appear beautiful. They may have a very difficult time with the wilderness. D. They may have difficulty believing that it should be part of the Christian's spiritual training. They may find it virtually impossible to discover its positive aspects. If they would give their attention to the Word of God and to the wisdom and experiences of others they would indeed learn the ways of God in a wilderness experience. Anyone with an open honest heart, desiring God's best, will gain much from the Wilderness of Paran and from all of God's wildernesses.

III. WILL WE UNDERSTAND?

 

A. Most (if not all) believers have experienced a spiritual wilderness. These (the believers) have a foundation or platform upon which they can better understand (or understand for the first time) its divine arrangement and purposes. If they have never experienced a spiritual wilderness (which is highly unlikely) then they may have extreme difficulty in understanding.

B. Even some who have passed through a wilderness experience will have a difficult time understanding. This is mainly due to the fact that they do not wish to believe the wilderness is a Godly part of their Christian experience. C. The believer somehow assumes that they must understand everything today. Therefore they press for meanings which do not exist; or they will insist upon enlightenment which is beyond their experience and capacity to know and to carry. The result of such persistence is misunderstanding. The real damage in this is the assumption that a true understanding has been attained.

D. To avoid the dangers entailed in such practice we must first be content not to understand. Secondly, we must be willing to lay aside what we may or may not believe. Thirdly, we must be willing to hold or contain, "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." (I Timothy 3:9) That is we must be willing to hear that which we do not understand, receive it, and hold it within ourselves without doing anything with it for the time being, maybe forever.

E. Most of that which Jesus taught His disciples was not grasped by them at the time. Later they understood what they received. What we do not understand today we are to hold in a pure conscience for the future.

 

IV. PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. The Wilderness of Paran is "glory" or "beauty." This is the meaning of "Paran" a Hebrew word (Strong's #6290). Most of us do not look upon the wilderness as a place of glory and beauty. In order to see the wilderness in such gratifying terms we must first become aware of God's intentions in bringing us into the wilderness. Once we come to this grand awareness we can then begin to understand why and how glory and beauty can be in a wilderness.

B. Scriptures which directly and indirectly relate to the wilderness in question will add to the description. The Word of God will tie things together for us and give us the picture God wants us to see and greatly understand. From the Bible we shall see what is moving in the wildernesses. God's direction and purposes in the wildernesses can be discovered only in His Word.

C. God's direction can be seen and somewhat understood as the Israelites first approach the Wilderness of Paran. This was not their choice rather it was God's choice even it was God's direction for them.

D. The Israelites simply followed the cloud stopping where it stopped moving when the cloud moved. The wisdom of God stopped is in His direction. If we find His direction we will find His wisdom. We must follow this order to find His best.

NOT KNOWING IS ENOUGH

Although the LORD does not withhold provision from us as His children (we just think He does at times) we should ask of Him concerning our needs. Then we can express our thankfulness to Him and others who helped when He responds, but if He does not reply when and how we think He ought to (in these times) well . . . not knowing should be enough for us. Whatever we may need we are to first sow to that to the LORD believing that He will multiply it back to us – not just the seed that was sown, but many times more. Of course our greatest need is not things, but more of His Spirit in our lives. Often we do not receive from God because we have stepped out from under God's umbrella of dependence for our lives. Many Christians quote, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) expecting more than the moon and stars, but God's riches are more than money, jewels, cars, houses, jobs, our health, power, influence, favor, all of those things that stir our senses and move our emotions. Oh no God's "riches in glory by Christ Jesus" are: righteousness, truth, integrity, wisdom, a Godly character, the ability to render righteous judgment and so much more. I do not see any earthly riches here. My friend no farmer would plant seeds in order to harvest the same amount as was sown. One seed planted for one seed harvested this is foolish even for a non-farmer like me. Rather the planter expects an increase greater than what he plants; maybe 60 , 80, or 100 fold. So too this principle is spiritual. What we want we must give that away expecting to get more than what we plant, but (here is the rub) if not what will our reply to God be? Some believers expect to harvest a crop of financial blessings yet they have failed to first plant seed. They may even say, “When my ship comes in, I will give thousands for your ministry.” I then wonder if they had sent their ship out as they fail to give from the resources they already presently have. This type of thinking and Christianity is NOT what the Bible teaches. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: and 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10) Notice in verse 10 that it is the LORD who provides and that He provides two things; seed for sowing (we have no seed unless the LORD gives it to us) and bread for eating. We will never get beyond having our basic needs met, if we do not sow seed. Now I am not talking about money alone, but sowing of our abilities, talents, and intentions. If we eat the seed there will be nothing to plant and therefore no increase. Again I do not see anything in these verses that talks about physical earthly things like cars, houses, jobs, etc. The increase of the seed here the LORD gives and we are to eat of is the righteousness He works in us. It is our righteousness we give away. But who wants to eat from the tree of righteousness? You can answer that question for yourself. We all want God to bless us, but what do we do when God is silent during these times? Are we willing to be like the three Hebrew Children and say, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." (Daniel 3:17-18) Can we say, "But if not" now there is a place of faith in God. It is easy to have faith in God when all is going well, but allow God to put us to the test (God is good at making us eat our words) and He will see what we are really made of. You know often the path to His provision is through dry places (what I like to call the wilderness) and what do we do when the river of blessings run dry? It is not in the times that flow with milk and honey God is closely scrutinizing our lives oh no, but in the times we allow (it is up to us) Him to lean into us with both feet and give us a gut check to see where we stand with Him. And during this time if God does not answer we need to have enough of God in us to be still and silent holding our request before Him with a pure conscience. Timothy tells us, "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." (1 Timothy 3:9) "Holding the mystery of the faith" where? In our heart and thoughts until God gives us the enlightenment. We must look at the LORD's long-term plan and maybe be willing to go through a bit of tribulation in order to reach the promised land of understanding and knowing, otherwise we may quit. We must believe first the LORD will arrange our circumstances. He will make a way through the impossible as we align ourselves with Him and His will for our lives. Second the LORD will allow us to go through a time of testing and humbling because He is more interested in what we are becoming than in what we are doing for Him in the sowing. And third when we reach our promised land we must not forget the LORD. We may be sure that the LORD will take us through these three stages for our own good and for His glory. Lastly this not needing to know everything goes to the heart of our walk with the LORD. If we need not know everything then God does not have to bless our every whim and desire. We will be content and happy as a clam with our mouth shut knowing God knows and He will take care of things for us. Man is a nosey, curious beast and sadly the church feeds this selfish desire by teaching some things that makes man even more inquisitive. In Luke Jesus gives us a warning to be careful in this area. Jesus said, "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Luke 11:9-10) Now many denominations teach if God does not answer keep on knocking, seeking, and asking, well that is NOT what Jesus was saying. Jesus was really saying (just read the words without trying to make them all spiritual) ask and it shall be given you. Jesus was saying if you ask and even keep on asking you will receive something, but it may not be the thing you need at the time you need it. If you seek and keep on seeking you will find something, because everyone that seeks findeth. If you knock and keep on knocking something will be opened to you. Now it may not be what God wants for you, but to some Christians it will not matter. I am not saying not to ask, seek, or knock, but I am saying to be careful, take heed, because God knows what we need before we ask, seek, or knock. Ask, seek, or knock and leave it with God's good graces and if we get no answer we can hold it in our heart before the LORD. I do not know about you, but when our kids were growing up and they kept bugging me for something my resolve not to give it to them stiffened. Other times I just gave them something knowing that it would work a better purpose developing their character. The more we know the more we want to know and the more we know the greater chance we have in getting off track. There are many unanswered questions in the Scriptures and that is out of God's arrangement, but it is funny how man cannot be happy not knowing and just trust God. One of the greatest signs of spiritual growth and development in us is not needing to know everything and leaving the unknown things to God's sovereignty and will. I have been holding many things before the LORD for years and I know in His time and His good graces He will be able to unlock the secrets I have in my heart and unfold the "riches of glory in Christ Jesus."

OUR FAITHFULNESS

Of all of the names in the Scriptures Jesus (such as Lamb of God, Son of Man, Son of God, the Messiah, the Good Shepherd, etc.) has I guess my favorite is Jesus as “The Faithful Witness.” John in Revelation shares, "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," (Revelation 1:4-5) As we are to be like the Master in all things, He was faithful to His calling and He expects us to be faithful in ours. This is why the rewards that He has for us relates to our being faithful to our calling not for all of the good works and all of the spiritual things we do for Him. Today sadly the Body of Christ often focuses on the good works (clothing and feeding the poor, etc.) and all of the spiritual experiences in God (and yes these are important), but these miss the mark in what is truly important to God which is being faithful in the little things, those things we think God is not concerned with. In Matthew Jesus told us, “His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:23) The "joy" of the LORD" depends not on our ability in God, but on our ability to be faithful to God and man. It is not what we do that determines the reward we receive, but rather it is our faithfulness in what we do (well done, not much done), that determines our future position and reward. Many of us have experienced the let down of an unfulfilled promise, and have felt the hurt and the disappointment that goes along with it. We were created in the image of God and feel, in a limited measure, as He feels. Just as we can feel disappointment so also our LORD can be disappointed when we are not faithful to the outworking of all that He has made available to us. We as Christians should be the most faithful people on earth. Our words that we speak should be true and honest with no pretence. How many times have we said, "I coming to night" or "you can count on me brother" (all meaning well), but not following through on our words. Not doing what we say is still a lie in God's eyes. God is listening and watching to see if our words are yea (yes) or nay (no). You know you are much further along in God saying nay and meaning it than you are saying yea and maybe meaning it depending on the situation. We see this truth also in the Revelation when the faithful Angel was talking to the Laodiceans, "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" (Revelation 3:14-17) Because of their lack of faithfulness they did not know they were deceived in their daily living. This speaks volumes of the world in which we find ourselves in (even Christian) today. See God is listening to our words and watching our actions to see not if they are good or bad, but to see if they are righteous and faithful to His expectations for us. It would have been much better for the Laodiceans if they were just cold, but because they were "lukewarm" (not honest or a liar) God's judgment was to spue them out of His mouth. God is really concerned about our faithfulness and even goes beyond our daily living. Our eternal abode is at stake. We really see this faithfulness principle in the parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins all ten received lamps (were saved and going to heaven) and went forth to meet the Bridegroom, but the foolish did not take a supply of oil with them. "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. (Mathew 25:1-8) I find it amazing "all slumbered and slept" even the wise virgins, but when the LORD delayed His coming their lamps went out, even the wise virgins (same lamps, amount, and time will empty at the same rate) because it says they (the wise virgins) "trimmed their lamps" or filled their lamps and adjusted the wick. The LORD is faithful to us as He gives us a daily readymade supply of oil for our lamps, but the foolish did not develop or carry a means to resupply their oil. Again the “lamp” represents our salvation. All ten were saved. The oil speaks of the LORD's enabling grace and anointing which quickens and maintains our spiritual life and strength. When we are not faithful to maintain a personal relationship with the LORD we use up the supply of oil that we had allowed God to fill our life with and soon if not careful our light too will go out. And all along the decreasing flame we wonder why. To be faithful on our part means that we take seriously our need to spend time in the presence of the LORD to receive from Him. The oil is available, He who is ever faithful is waiting to pour spiritual life and substance into us. The foolish took their spirituality for granted and did nothing to make room to receive more oil. The result was that their lamps went out (as the wise virgins did) and they could not enter into a deeper level of communion with Jesus. In Psalm we read of David desiring to fill his lamp with oil, “As the hart pants after the water brooks, so my soul pants after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2) Here David is crying out for an enlargement of his spiritual capacity. He had his faults, but he maintained a hunger for God that was so intense that the LORD moved him from tending sheep (the most esteemed profession in Israel) to the throne room. But we may ask, “How can I become so spiritually hungry that I will be found among the five wise rather than with the foolish, in that day?” There is no simple answer, but the first step is in our will. We must make the decision to make room for God and spending time in His presence. The LORD often comes in the night to knock on the door of our heart. Although our bed may feel warm and comfortable we must make a firm decision that we will get up and spend time in His presence. The second step is to guard what we allow to enter into our being. Carnal relationships, television, social media, etc. will rob us of our spiritual perception and hunger. Our life patterns must be broken and a schedule set so as to make room for God and His things. We must determine to remove those things that could become a substitute or distraction for our spending time in the Word of God and in prayer. We will never become the overcomer who finds himself among the five wise unless we develop a disciplined pattern of life. The foolish said, “give us of your oil.” But the wise responded, “Go and buy for yourselves.” No one can give to another their commitment to spiritual obedience. But they can share the testimony of what they have received, which will make others so hungry that they also will begin to seek for themselves. The third step is to spend quality time in the presence of the LORD. There is no substitute for the time we spend with the LORD. When we do our part the LORD will do that which we cannot do. He will create within us the hunger to propel us into great depths in Him and develop in us a hunger for faithfulness something we MUST have moving in us if we are planning to see Him some day.  Remember our walk with God will be only as good as our word to God and man. 

WTFMT 44 FOR HGM ON 20 JUN 17

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-44
TEXT: "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." (Psalm 34:7)

I. HEAVEN ON EARTH

 

A. There is more heaven here on earth than most people suspect. "Encampeth" would indicate a lifestyle of place and condition. "Around those who fear Him, and rescues them" would indicate the place to be on earth. "For He will give His angles charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11)

B. The Word indicates that there is a lot of heaven with us in the here and now. When you are taken into the wilderness, heaven goes with you. For heavenly beings to stay with us, they must live here. For the sake of the prophet. Elisha says, "And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (II Kings 6:17)

C. Of what are you afraid? Angels? "Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." (Hebrews 1:14) There is nothing to fear. The provisions of God for you are more than you can possibly imagine. Even food was brought from heaven to the wilderness to feed the needy people.

D. Most believers have the dream of going to heaven. But before that happens, God brings heaven, with all its appropriate provisions, to us. "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)" (Romans 10:6)

E. Rather believe that God has brought heaven to you. There is no need to live there now. For the present you are stuck on earth. Live in God's presence and enjoy heaven in the wilderness.

F. If we deny ourselves the nearness of heaven, then where is God? Where are the angels of God? Where is the work of Christ? Where are the provisions of God? If heaven were not near us, all these would be out of reach.

G. As in the Wilderness of Sinai, God has brought heaven down among us. If salvation is in heaven, how are you going to receive it? If you need physical healing and it's in heaven, what good is it going to do you? If you need deliverance and it's in heaven, how are you going to get it?

H. But it all comes down and touches our lives right here on earth. A song by John W. Peterson, expresses it this way, "Heaven came down and glory filled my soul." God Himself expresses it this way, "That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 11:21) This is God's intention for us. He is doing His utmost to get heaven down to man on earth.

 

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. The purpose of the wilderness is to get heaven into your soul. Heaven came down in the Wilderness of Sinai. If that truth is worked into our living, then our hardships, our trials, testings, and temptations, as well as our sufferings, fade into nothingness.

B. The glory of heaven overwhelms the situations, circumstances, and difficulties. It brings down to us the victory we need. In it we can see God and learn of Him and His ways. In it we partake of His provisions. Come let us follow the beckoning of God toward the wilderness that we may experience HEAVEN ON EARTH.

C. Rise up move! Look to the northeast. The Wilderness of Paran is waiting. Lessons learned training completed for now. God met with man, but did man met with God? God's laws and patterns of worship was given a place of personal benefit, prosperity, success, and victory. Eleven months have passed around the mountain. His vision, strength, and faith has been developed in us. The glory of God is next or is it?