COMING IN GLORY

It is not God is on our side, but rather are we on His side, because believe it or not Jesus is coming back in glory. Now that is not our glory, but God’s glory. And it is not in an unconditional way, but very much conditional. I wonder why we think salvation is unconditional? Did you know God has established conditions for those who would be saved. Salvation is only for those who believe, confess, and repent even though offered to all, but it is freely given to only those who meet God’s conditions. Now it is true God’s love towards man is unconditional; there is nothing man must or can do to receive God’s love, but salvation is a totally different thing. God has established for man to believe (John 3:16), confess (1 John 1:9), and repent (Acts 3:19) or they will not receive salvation. Sadly this unconditional thinking has bled over into the realm of salvation and many people miss the mark here. I am afraid it will not be so glorious for many people when Jesus returns, but for those who are ready they will appear with Him in His glory. Sadly many people dispute this truth, but that does not change the fact of the matter. Oh how silly we are when we think by not believing something it will cause it not to happen. I remember as a little boy hiding under a glass coffee table thinking no one could see me. The coming of the LORD in glory is seen in two fold periods of time. First He will reveal Himself to His people. After this He will be manifested to the entire world as the King of kings and LORD of lords. The first day began with the transgression of Adam and lasted until Jesus came on the scene. The second day includes all that Jesus said and did together with the ministry of the present day Church. During the second day what we call the Church Age Jesus is in the midst of His Church. John helps us with that, “And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands; And in the midst of the seven lamp stands I saw one like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and tied around the breast with a golden band.” (Revelation 1:12-13) We must never forget the Book of Revelation is the unfolding of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” and not so much about all of the mysteries we find it hard to get our thoughts around and questions that divide us. After His resurrection Jesus appeared to His people, but no one else saw Him. In 2 Thessalonians we read that He will first be glorified in His saints during the approaching time of His return. “When He shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe . . .” (2 Thessalonians 1:10) The primary purpose for Jesus coming to His Church first is to prepare them for their part in the judgments of God upon the earth and in heaven. The message to the seven Churches in the Book of Revelation span the entire Church Age and addresses the needs within each of these Churches to correct and purify those who are called to become overcomers. Therefore at the end of each message, Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.” The second reason for His coming to His Church first is to cleanse and purify her by the washing of the water of the Word so that He can present to Himself a Bride without spot or wrinkle. Following this is the revelation of the Son of Man to the entire world for the final judgments which will lead into the establishing of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is important for us to understand that the second coming of Jesus cannot be separated from the establishment of His kingdom. This fulfills the word concerning dominion which the LORD spoke to Adam when He created him. Adam was to have dominion over the earth and all that exists on it. This dominion was forfeited by Adam to Satan and the principalities who presently rule from their usurped places. Now it is through “tribulation” that we are prepared for the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The word “tribulation” here means “to put pressure on.” Now this is more than the many daily mundane pressures that we face in our lives, but also intense judgments and dealings from God to purify and refine our character. If we are not presently feeling a measure of this pressure then we may be less than fully committed to the LORD. It is very important that we understand that these pressures are not the result of the LORD being angry with us; nor are they punishment. Rather He is seeking to produce a quality within us that will enable us to stand and endure in any situation we must face in life. When the Son of Man appears in the sky all the tribes of the earth will mourn as a result of seeing Him. I do not know about you my friend, but it does not sound too glorious to me. That which they had chosen not to believe will have become a reality, and now they must face the consequences of their rejection of Christ. Jesus tells us, “But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not the angels of heaven, but only My Father.” (Matthew 24:36) There is wisdom as to why God did not reveal a time or date when Jesus will return. Had He done so we could put off getting ready until almost the time. The disciples had asked when this would take place. The answer Jesus gave was to explain the circumstances that would exist at that time. “But as the days of Noah were, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:37) Thus His return will be in a time that is similar to the days in which Noah lived. Lately I have been giving much thought to the “days of Noah” as compared to the manifested presence of the LORD on earth. I have wondered how the “days of Noah” got to be the “days of Noah,” “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered into the ark.” (Matthew 24:38) They were occupied with the everyday things of life and laughed at Noah for building a boat on dry land. When Noah entered the ark it was God who shut the door of protection. The people did not understand until it was too late when the flood came and took them away. It will be this way again at the coming of the LORD. I can remember as a child seeing the power of God in real and powerful ways where suddenly the power of God would drop (and you knew it was God), but today rarely do we see this power in churches. It seems with each generation there is less and less of the Spirit of God in the people and church not because God is taking His Spirit away, but because we are not as sensitive to His working and not so concerned with the things of God. Worldly and carnal distractions have filled our lives drowning out God’s presence. I think this is what happened to Noah’s generation. God finally had enough, “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.’ (Genesis 6:6-7) In six short Chapters God had enough of man’s sin, but God never hid His face or voice from man. Man had to have known right from wrong for God to bring such total judgment. The next verse says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8) God always provides grace ahead of judgment. Even in God’s anger God provided a way of escape for man. Peter tells us, “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (1 Peter 3:20) The Lord embraced these eight souls by putting an “ark” around them. Then He Himself closed the door and they were safe. When the Son of Man comes He will not take us and fly away. The ark did not go up to heaven rather it stayed on the earth rising on top of the waters of judgment. Eight out of millions maybe billions of people on the earth and we think heaven will be crowded? During this time the Son of God will embrace His people. Just as those eight people were spared in the universal destruction of all mankind by water the Lord will save the redeemed in the midst of the fire, but He will forsake the rest. It is those who have rejected Him that will be gone or destroyed in this fire. This is not a flying away process, but rather Jesus is coming to embrace those who are the redeemed and who have overcome by responding to His words when He was in the midst of the Church. Matthew (Chapter 25:1-13) compares the Kingdom of Heaven to 10 virgins who went out to meet their Bridegroom. Of these five were wise and five were foolish. Yes foolish Christians in the Kingdom of Heaven. While the Bridegroom (Jesus) tarried all of the virgins (even the wise) slumbered and slept, “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” (Matthew 25:5) Is this not a picture of most Christians (myself included at times) in the Church today? Distractions chiefly due to the rise of technology in the world has blinded the eyes of our understanding putting Christians fast to sleep as we slumber on day after day. I cannot believe how easy and how fast hand-held electric devices have conquered the world and the Church. I hear Christians say technology is the way to share the Gospel message, rubbish! Take heed do not be deceived by those Christians who know not God (foolish virgins) and have sold out to the god’s of this world that broadcast Christian TV (an oxymoron) and the word of faith prosperity crowd. Entertainment: Christian rock (another oxymoron) music, dance, light shows, sound shows, fog shows, every show imaginable to excite and titillate our senses fills our services not allowing the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to humble us. And I cannot believe the sudden rise of Christian movies (yet another oxymoron) from Hollywood. Are Christians that deceived that they would spend their money supporting the abortion, gay, and lesbian agenda of Hollywood? Are Christians that deceived that they would spend their money on parlor trick special effects movies instead of missions and people in need? Are Christians that foolish and deceived that they would give their money to Hollywood’s social engineering that shakes its fist in the face of God? I would say yes. Hollywood has discovered Christians are easy prey and yes even suckers for anything that looks or acts “Christian.” And why? Because most Christians do not read their Bibles nor have an imitate relationship with Jesus Christ. Take heed church in America (and around the world) you are about to get fleeced again with the movie “Son of God” (which Jesus never referred Himself as. Jesus referred to Himself as the “Son of Man” as in Isaiah) and “Noah.” Please do not go and see these movies if you have that much extra time read your Bible or spend the two hours plus in prayer. Those who were wise did not know the time of His coming in glory, but were ready. Did you get that? The foolish virgins did not know Him maybe they only had their sins forgiven, but the foolish put off knowing Him until it was too late. Then when the Bridegroom (the LORD) came at an unexpected time the foolish asked the wise for some of their oil (knowing the LORD through personal experience), but were told to go and buy for themselves, symbolic of developing this personal experience. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:10-13) In so doing they missed the time of entrance of the Bridegroom into His Kingdom and were lost. Thus the important thing is for us to become ready by coming to know the LORD in this present time in anticipation of His return. There are within the Church those who name the Name of Jesus as their Savior. But within these are those who are overcomers; those who have fully committed their lives to the LORD and have been tested and proven faithful. These will not only survive, but they will be the instruments of the coming judgment. Isaiah tells us “Behold, a king (Jesus) shall reign in righteousness, and princes (us) shall rule in judgment.” (Isaiah 32:1) We are not called to understand how the LORD will do this, but rather we are to be ready in that day when He returns in manifested glory to be joined to Him as a member of His manifested body. Jesus is about to return to establish His Kingdom on the earth, and those who are overcomers will rule and reign with Him. I do not believe we will be raptured out of this world nowhere in the Scriptures does the LORD rapture people from tribulations, trials, and troubles, but will remain here on the earth not as victims of God’s universal judgments, but as overcomers and instruments of His judgments which will lead to our ruling with Him in ages to come. Are we to rule and reign with Him in heaven? No on the earth! John tells us, “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10) Regardless of our view of these things there is one thing on which we all agree; Jesus is coming soon in glory and we must be ready. This time Jesus is not coming back as a wee baby in a manager, but as the ruler of all. Written by David Stahl

IN OUR OWN WORDS

It is difficult to express the idea of true spirituality, but it can be narrowed to a principle: in order to relate to and function spiritually one must be “spiritually minded,” or be “in the Spirit.” For us to be considered as being spiritual indicates that we have come into a degree of spiritual balance and maturity wherein we are living and walking in an ongoing personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus. In Romans Paul makes this painfully clear, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) Whether we are carnally or spiritually minded is not up to God (it is His intention we be spiritual minded), our pastor, spouse, family, or friends, but up to us. Are we willing to endure God’s dealings and judgments in our lives to be able to put the mind of Christ (please see Ephesians 2:5) on? Do we really think just because we have asked Jesus into our heart (hopefully we did not repeat the sinner prayer) God will give us the ability to think like Christ? Oh no my friend do not believe the latest lies from the word of faith crowd; coming to know how God operates and functions will cost you something my friend like things of yourself, things of the world you MUST give up to win Christ. To know how God flows and moves today (where we have the mind of Christ) we will have to have an experiential knowledge of God and His ways for this to happen we MUST have experiences with God. We MUST like the disciples be able to say in our own words, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:1-4) In these four verses John uses the words “we have seen and heard or we declare.” How can we truly have fellowship with Christians who have never allowed God to work in their lives? What is their testimony? They walked the aisle? To be able to say these words God MUST be able to take us to a place (far beyond faith) where trust is being developed in us. How can we preach and teach a risen Christ if we have never experienced the resurrection power of God as He takes us from one level of glory to the next? How can we tell the truth if we have never allowed God to take us through anything? Far too many Christians are comfortable in their Sunday go to meeting Christianity filled with religious and pious traditions and have never experienced the work of God in their lives. They just go through the motions every Sunday, content in the good feeling they get from the routine and ceremony never allowing God to get them out of their comfort zone so He can become a real God to them. It is when we get outside our comfort zone God can begin to work in our lives and not until then. Far too many pastors, teachers, and evangelists never venture outside their little safe world protecting the rice bowl they have earned, but lacking in real spiritual growth and development from experiences where God can get them out on a limb and maybe cut it off. Did you know my friend it is our own words that reflects where we are in God? To find out where you are in God all I have to do is let you speak, after all out of our mouth speaks our heart. To see what type of person you are all I have to do is taste of the fruit hanging from your branches. My friend our walk with the LORD must be first-hand experience (things we have touched and tasted of God) if not then we do not know what we are talking about. Far too many Christians have this type of Christianity; saved from something, but knowing not the God they think has saved them. Our salvation MUST be in our own words. To be “spiritually minded” also implies that we have been “fitly joined together” into the Body of Christ and function in our position. For us to be considered as being spiritual means that we are living in absolute integrity and have a positive testimony before all those to whom we relate or interact with in life. Paul expresses this thought in Ephesians, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:14-16) Sadly some pastors, teachers, and evangelists teach from the Word of God that knowing truth as being an end in itself, feeling that this is the mark of spirituality. The revelation may be genuine and true, yet unless it effects a change within our lives we will becomes as a “sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” Our consecration to the Lord, our walk with Him, our fellowship with the Body of Believers of which we are a part, our relationship to the world in which we live, must be of such a quality that the revelation which we have (seen, heard, and declared) will find its expression and fulfillment through our daily life experiences. The quickened, revealed Word must become a personal reality so it can be both seen and handled by those to whom we witness. The level of spiritual maturity to which we have attained is not determined by the amount of or the greatness of our revelation, but rather our spiritual maturity relates to the consistent application of spiritual laws and truths to our daily life experience. The Lord is looking for those who are willing to accept and conform to the Word that He is speaking and separate themselves from all that might hinder or limit this flow of spiritual understanding and relationship. For us to be considered as being “spiritual” indicates that we have come into a degree of “spiritual maturity” in which we can discern and respond to His voice and presence, and maintain an active ongoing personal relationship with the LORD. There should be within us a measure (30-60-100 fold) of God (as seen in the parable of the sower) which others can sense and relate to. Now the parable of the sower is not about four types of spiritual ground (heart conditions) in which the word of God can be sown in as much as it is about four types of spiritual growth and development we experience as we allow God to work in our lives and teach us His ways. Jesus sets up these truths and explains “the mystery of the kingdom of God” in parables (Jesus was the Master of using parables) beginning in Mark Chapter 4, “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 11And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.” (Mark 4:10-12) The “without” Jesus was talking about was the understanding that comes with “ears to hear.” These ears are not given to us at salvation, but must be developed in us as we allow God to work in our lives though His dealings and judgments. At the end of verse 12 is a mystery to me. That is okay I like mysteries, who would want to serve God you can figure out? Apparently Jesus was not ready (at that time) to reveal the secrets of the kingdom of God to others, only the disciples. Why I do not know, but I am sure Jesus had a reason. My best guess would be He wanted to lay a solid foundation first in the disciples. Just a note of interest here; seemingly the people had to understand this parable before they could get converted, “lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.” What a mystery. Then in verse 13 Jesus gives us the key, the Rosetta Stone to understand all of the parables He taught. “And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” (Mark 4:13) Jesus was saying if you cannot unlock the truth in this parable then you will not be able to understand all other parables He teaches. Truth is built on precept upon precept and line upon line, so if we fail to understand foundational principles (and that will be seen by what type of fruit growing in our lives) we will never be able to understand deeper truths that are progressive. Truth never abides alone and is always moving to the next level after we hold the understanding in our heart for a brief second or two. There are things I have been holding before the LORD for years and when I am ready for God to open them up to me I will hold them awhile and they will lead me to the next level of truth contained therein. Jesus goes on to explain what the sower was sowing. “The sower soweth the word.” (Mark 4:14) The seed was not money as most Christian TV celebrities and greedy pastors, teachers, and evangelists teach. God is not so much concerned with money as man is. This has been a liberating truth for BHG, if God wants me to do something He will make the funds available through people who are connected with us and who are obedient to His word. I do make the need known and Godly people respond out of a heart of love and obedience. I do not say, “Brother plant your seed (money) in the good ground of my ministry (it is not my ministry it is God’s that is why my name is not attached to it) and God will give you a 100 fold return” this my friend is nothing, but pure greed. By all means we must be led by the Spirit and give whatsoever He is telling us, God wants His money back and we need the reward that comes with our obedience. The seed was the word of God and not money. Jesus now gets into the four different types of spiritual growth. “And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.” (Mark 4:15) For most people when the word of God is sown in their heart it is lost to misunderstanding. Make no mistake misunderstanding is a form of understanding, but it is a misapplication of the word sown. I do not believe Satan has the power to reach into our heart and steal the word of God unless we allow. Often this permission comes by way of us not understanding what was said and the application of the word then is lost. New Christians often get lost from misapplication on their way to the wilderness (where God can begin to work in their lives), but if they are serious God will keep them until they can once again find their way. Jesus then went on to talk about the second type of spiritual growth and development where there was some understanding applied. “And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.” (Mark 4:16-17) Notice the word was still being sowed. The Christian now has matured in ways where the word was “immediately receive it with gladness” they heard the word, but because the Christians had no experience in dealing with the word of God (no depth of understanding) and had never allowed God to build in him a trust (beyond faith) the word sprang up in their heart, but was cut out of their heart by life’s many troubles and circumstances. Here the new Christian is trying to walk with the LORD (the word of God is getting through), but make no mistake when we desire to walk with LORD afflictions and persecutions will arise in our lives our family and friends as well as God will see to it. Here are a few promises (probably not found in promises boxes) from God, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:11) Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) What wonderful promises from God. And make no mistake once you make up your mind you will serve the LORD your friends and family (especially family and even children) will not understand and turn their backs on you, but Jesus said, be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” There is also a danger in this verse. Many new Christians and even many pastors, teachers, evangelists have no root or understanding in them so they hear some truth (get a message from the internet or from another pastor, teacher, or evangelist) are happy and run out and share it, but when troubles comes their way they lose the truth of the message because it was never a part of them spiritually. They then will have to run back to get the message again and again. This is the picture of most churches today or worse there is a cross pollination of churches by pastors whereby a hot evangelist or teacher receives a word from God we often see this on Christian TV and in magazines (that has not been worked into their lives) and then they travel the circuit from one church to the next depositing something they know little about. No root no lasting effect in our lives. One last thought here; make sure the persecution and affliction that comes our way is because of the sake of the word and not because of our sake. Jesus continues on our spiritual progression, “And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18-19) Here the word was sowed among “thorns” what Jesus referred to as cares, deceitfulness of riches, and lust yet the word grew, but the word was unfruitful because it was mixed with thorns. Fruit grew from what it was planted with. So too as we grow in the LORD we can mix the word and produce fruit in our lives that was not intended by God. The seed was from God, but the ground was made up from others things which affected the seed. It was sown maybe not in peace, but in arrogance, greed, or even in selfishness, but remember whatsoever is planted will grow. Here the new Christian is growing and failing (even maybe in ministry) in God, but now producing fruit. And lastly we discover the good ground a maturing Christian whose foundation is God’s word and God’s dealings and judgments in their lives. “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. “(Mark 4:20) Notice the three steps: they heard (understood it) the word, they received the word, and it brought forth fruit. God is not complicated, three easy steps. Now the amount of harvest depends not on the seed (all of God’s seed produces a 100 fold return), but on the ability of the hearer to receive the word. The more we can receive (by closing out the world and our self) of God the more fruitful we can become. As we walk with the LORD God will plow our hearts, till our lives, dung and water us with others (I have been dunged and watered by many wonderful people) lives achieving a fertile life in us in which to sow seeds that will germinate and bring forth fruit that will produce seed after seed and remain. Now please know I am not saying any of the three previous types of spiritual growths are bad (they are not) they are typical of our walk with the LORD as we develop in Him as He is able to bring us along. The Body of Christ is made up from Christians from these four types of spiritual development and as we allow God to help us overcome things in our lives we all will be fruitful and give God a return on His investment. Our walk with the LORD MUST be in our words and out from our own life; if not then it can never be said we are spiritual and will always be “carnally minded.” Written by David Stahl

DIVINE DECISIONS AND DISTRACTIONS

Our spiritual life (the level of spiritual maturity to which we have attained) is far more than the sum of the spiritual information that we have gathered or any compilation of our spiritual experiences. Rather the core and substance of our being “spiritual” relates to the level of inner peace and harmony that results from our making right choices, decisions, and our reactions to distractions in our lives along the pathway of our spiritual walk with the LORD. The Lord is seeking those who are willing to go beyond that which they have freely received through redemption and knowing our right choices, decisions, and distractions will never be easy. Paul told the Church at Philippi, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) No matter who or where we are we must make decisions as to what we will see, hear, and do, or where we will go or not go. The ever present temptation is to compromise and go along with the questionable and even the difficult situations that often line our path. We make few major decisions, but each day we make many “minor” (seemingly to us) decisions that feed either the carnal or the spiritual aspect of our being. The accumulation of these choices will result in our becoming predominantly carnal or spiritual. As our spiritual decisions begin to outweigh the negative pulls and responses in our lives we become an “overcomer.” To the extent that we rise above carnal soulish desires we are lifted into a place of communion with our LORD and we grow spiritually. Now the more decisions that we make which are toward the LORD and His purposes the easier it will become to continue making these correct decisions. The further down the road that we go in our walk with Jesus we will progressively become more detached from all that is either carnal or a temptation to us. In the beginning it may be difficult, but as we progress it will become easier. The pathway of our spiritual life can be considered as being an upward spiral. If we take a large wood screw and place our finger nail in the groove near the point and run it along the surface, we will gradually progress toward the head. Though it may seem to us that we are going in circles as we continue to make right decisions we are progressively moving upward. If we do this in reverse and feed the carnal aspect of our being it will lead us ever downward. There are those who have within them a quality of spiritual life. Now it may not be apparent as to why this is so, but if inquired into these folks would testify that through the struggles of life they have made quality decisions which bring them into increasing levels of fellowship with the Lord. Paul tells us, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.” (Romans 14:17-18) The “kingdom of God” begins with “righteousness,” in the middle is “peace,” and ends with “the Holy Spirit.” It is not a physical or mythical place, a church, or even a ministry as most Christians like to project in the earth, but is made up and we enter it by making right choices and by dealing with distractions in our lives in God. Our submission to God’s divine government will lead us to becoming a partaker with Christ. In His realm our decisions do not relate only to right or wrong, but with the motives that underlie right or wrong. It is here that the final test of our union with the LORD will find its outworking. If we truly overcome in this area of our being we will be able to enter all three areas of God’s kingdom. Now here is where all of my title comes into play. Not only is correct decisions and choices critical to our walk with the LORD, but so too how we handle distractions in our lives. I do not know about you my friend, but the older I get and the longer I walk with the LORD the more I seem to get distracted. At first we are tested concerning the choices and decisions that we make. As we progress up the spiral we will be tested concerning the motives of our heart which provoke the things that manifest as right or wrong. It is not enough to deny only the “thing” we must overcome the very principle that allows it to abide within us and assert itself. Those who are satisfied with being blessed and eventually going to heaven have their reward (streets of gold and a mansion), but for those who intensely hunger for God’s higher level of spiritual reality there is so much more. These are in the place of pressures, discomforts, and distractions we deal with the issues of our heart. Distraction can fall into several categories which can knock us off the main track. For example just look at the distractions that fill up our lives: TV, movies in the cinema (even Christians movies), hand-held electric devices, social media, sports, sports programs, cooking show, you name it man is doing it, all distractions from hearing God’s word to us. In the political world: Democrats strive against Republicans while the Supreme Court stands staking it’s fist in the face of God with each new law that it passes. Just because the Supreme Court (Rove v Wade 1973) said it was okay to kill babies does not make it right in God’s eyes and America will pay for her disobedience. Sadly the spirit of national and world politics have leaked into the church where many denominational churches are divided along racial and political lines. I have said it before and I will say it again if you call yourself a Christian and you are active in politics you must vote the Bible, what God says is true and not what man says is true. The late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was right, God is not too concerned about the color of our skin, but He is greatly concerned about our character. We must never support a politician (no matter who he is) or organization that does not speak the truth found in the word of God. I was listening to a radio program and a Christian was complaining about the Grammy Awards marrying off 33 same sex couples and I thought why in the world are you watching the Grammy Awards from Hollywood? What did he expect something of God? The world is full of distractions and we must not listen to them if we are going to follow the LORD. Our advancement in God can often be measured by how we tune out things of the world. These distractions that come our way can distract us from our true purpose before God. We can become so immersed in our distractions that we see nothing else. In the same regard the worth of a person can also be measured by what happens when he or she is really facing troubles and distractions. It is a given we will face difficulties, troubles, and even distractions. Paul told Timothy, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) What a wonderful promise from God. So it is not that we have distractions and troubles rather it is how we handle these difficulties that really determine the quality of our relationship with God. If we give up what does that say about our trust in God? Now believe it or not these distractions can even be from God. Paul also told Timothy, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” (2 Timothy 1:7-8) The longer we go with God the more He expects from us and the more He will exact from us obedience to His words. When I first started traveling in ministry I was zealous I would go at the drop of a hat. No fear, to the ends of the earth and beyond; well the longer I went with the LORD the more He was able to show me my motives, intentions, and my heart. The more I traveled the more I saw my zealousness became a distraction to the work God wanted to do in my life. Soon the ministry to others became secondary, because primary was the work God wanted to do in me after all, “We are God’s workmanship. . . ” (Ephesians 2:10). Trip after trip God was killing me (for mine and others benefit) it seemed like I had to drag my sorry self from country to country (trip to trip) while looking for ways to escape not going or while deployed ways to return home early. Now here is where distractions can be most divine for us, not in the distraction from the LORD’s purpose, but in the overcoming of the distraction. You know I still get this fear (and probably always will), but now it seems it is present after I buy my ticket, I have some skin in the game. When God speaks to us it is His very word that can become a distraction (and get us off track) that threatens our self-life and causes fear to arise deep with our spirit revealing our lack of faith. Do you know where fear lives? Fear is found in the pit of our stomach. Esther said, “if I perish I perish.” Now no one wants to perish ahead of their time, but if this be God’s plan for our lives (to lay our life down so that others may live) so be it. My good friend in Romania Pastor Jacob once said, “no one (Christians included) is afraid of dying, but what they are afraid of is how and when they will die.” My friend we are not really ready to serve God (and go to the ends of the earth or even across the street) unless we first are ready to die for Him. On the other side of conquering our fear is the approving and qualifying of God. Conquering our fear has nothing to do with faith, but everything to do with trust. Faith is what God gives (it is God’s faith not ours we cannot earn it or work it up) us to believe for salvation and such. How much faith do we need? Just enough faith to believe God raised Jesus from the dead and if we die He too will raise us from the dead. Now trust is built in us by every personal experience, every time God takes us through difficult situations and circumstances where we are sure we will be killed along with our dreams and hopes (even those in God), but in the end we see as an open mirror before us, God and only God has saved us. Job said, “though God slay me, yet I will trust Him.” Do we have enough trust in God to allow Him to slay us? If not at the end of the day and when we fail to keep moving through our fear it is because of our unbelief and selfishness. Unbelief in thinking God is not able to keep us in the hallow of His hand no matter the situation of circumstances and if something what we call bad would happens so be it. We must never allow our fear for self-preservation or our love for others and this world win the day over God’s word to us. And selfishness not wanting what God wants for our lives, but wanting our way. A selfishness were we do not want to experience loss (even if it is God’s idea), but loss is the way God measures our gain in Him. The writer to Hebrews told of the Children of Israel, “But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:17-19) Unbelief will keep us out of God’s rest (even further than trust) not an unbelief of faith, but of an unbelief of trusting God in every situation and circumstance, in every decision we make and every distraction we overcome in our lives and our families. Written by David Stahl

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

When we see man and woman in the garden eastward from Eden (Genesis 2:8) it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. It was the best of times when God would talk with man and even walk with him in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). After God created man He was constantly communicating and communing with man. God has always had a longing in His heart to be with man. God is ever building an eternal habitation for Himself in man (Ephesians 2:22). So God created man, planted a garden, and put man in it so that man could come to know his creator in a personal and intimate way. Many Christians like to believe the garden was about a perfect place a real paradise for man to frolic in; well it had nothing to do with a life of pleasure and ease Adam had in the garden, but everything to do with man coming to know a holy God, his creator. In Genesis Moses writes, “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” (Genesis 2:15) The word “dress” (Strong’s #5647) means to labor and work and the word “keep” (Strong’s # 8104) means to guard, observe, and to take heed. I believe Adam had no easy life in the garden he was working from sun up to sun down. Only the lazy and shiftless would want to believe Adam just played around all day. What would be better than coming to know God? After all God gave Adam and Eve all that they needed to survive, but they wanted more knowledge. Now that leads us to the worse of times for all of mankind. Sadly what Adam went after “knowledge” is what they lost. In Genesis we read, “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” (Genesis 3:7) The word “knew” (Strong’s #3045) means to gain knowledge and learn to know. Adam and Eve went after the knowledge to know and learn the things God had already given them and lost the knowledge of God. Man did not lose salvation nor did man lose the love of God for them, but what man lost was the knowledge of God and his way. Man lost his way back to the heart of the Father because of sin. We will read this truth in Romans. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” (Romans 1:21-23) And because of this (it is all about the choice we make) God rewarded man with, “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (Romans 1:24-25) Adam disobeyed God, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17) The death God was talking about was not a physical death, but the death that comes to us when we disobey God, when we do that which God tells us not to do, then we like Adam and Eve (and all who rebel against God’s word), “neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Adam had the potential to know God in a way that no other creature created by God could, but because of His disobedience He lost the knowledge of God (who God was intimately to him) and it seems Adam had no desire to gain that back. Adam seemed to be more satisfied with the things God created than God the creator. Adam’s heart seemed to be unworthy and his heart seemed to be filled with a huge emptiness of life’s detractions. This is so true for all of us. Isaiah said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; . . .’ (Isaiah 53:6) Like Adam when we are disobedient to God (and we know it like Adam and Eve when we are) we lose God’s way and turn to our way. When this happens (just like with Adam and Eve) our salvation can be lost if we never get back to God and make things right (confession and repentance) with Him and others if need be. At the heart of Adam and Eve’s salvation was the knowledge of God and in the garden they lost this knowledge. Man now needed God to set up an arrangement, some form of ritual worship by way of sacrifice to replace the knowledge they lost and for 1,000s of years man continued in this tradition until Jesus Christ made His appearance on the scene to be the supreme sacrifice for all of mankind and to be the conduit of the lost knowledge of God and a way back to the heart of the Father. For this to happen we must come to know the LORD, this is why I say one cannot be truly be saved unless we come to know God. Oh yes God will forgive us of our sins based on the work of Christ on the cross if we believe, but unless we really come to know God, unless we really posses the knowledge of God (who He is and how much He loves us) we will never ever experience salvation as God intends for us. My friend salvation is far more than just having our sins forgiven. Jesus prayed, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (John 17:3-5) Did you get that? Eternal life is not living forever, but “that they might know thee the only true God.” Eternal life is knowing God. For us “eternal life” is finding what Adam lost in the garden, the knowledge of God. Many Christians believe God was angry with Adam and Eve and kicked them out of the garden because of their disobedience, but not so. The Bible tells us why Adam and Eve was driven out of the garden, “And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:22-24) In love God drove Adam and Eve from the garden so that they would not eat of the “tree of life” and live forever in this state of the loss of knowledge of God. It was not to punish them and most certainly not because He did not love them. It was outside the garden that led our way back to the heart of the Father. It was outside the garden God made a way for man to once again commune and communicate with God. In the next Chapter we read where God established a way to start to get back the knowledge that Adam lost. We read, “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 2And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.” (Genesis 4:1-3) Sometime between getting driven out of the garden and Cain slaying Abel God established this process. Notice God was not angry with man God even talks with man to resolve some man-made problems, “And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 10And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.” (Genesis 4:9-10) If God was angry He would not have found time to talk with man nor make a way to restore fellowship, but God loves man very much. No matter what man does or says God still loves man and will make a way to have communion with man. This wrong thinking is as bad as some Christians thinking God (the Father) forsook Jesus on the cross because of the sin He took on Himself. Many Christians believe God could not look at Jesus on the cross in sin so He turned His back on Him, well this does not make much sense because God (all time long) looks at our sin and the sin of the world. God did not forsake His Son Jesus on the cross I believe He was cheering Him on. God has never forsaken man (and He never will) so most certainly God would never forsake His own Son. Yes it is true on the cross Jesus did say, “My God my God why has thou forsaken me,” but these words come out from a place Jesus has never been before, a place of non-dependence on the Father. Jesus has always been dependent on the Father for everything, but now Jesus finds Himself doing completely what the Father has asked Him to do, His purpose to be the sacrifice for all of mankind. No longer is the process God established (way back before the fourth Chapter of Genesis) needed to reconcile man back to Himself. No longer is spilled animal blood good enough as a sacrifice required to restore the knowledge lost by Adam in the garden, because the King of kings and LORD of lords shed His blood once and for all and for all. Jesus became an equal member with the Father in the Trinity. Paul tells us talking of Jesus, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” (Philippians 2:6-10) God never forsook Jesus He “highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” I believe God (The Father) was up in heaven saying that is my Son in whom I am well pleased, die my Son so many may live. Die well my Son so I can give them a divine power, a hope, so that many people can come to the knowledge of Me again. Peter tells us, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3-4) God has given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him.” Did you get that? Through the knowledge of Him! In other words through the knowledge of God we have “all things” so that we “might be partakers of the divine nature” (who’s nature? God’s nature) so we can “escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The more of the knowledge we have of God the more of the worldly lust we will be able to escape. If we lack the knowledge of God like Adam then we shall only know things about earthly life and never come to eternal life which is God’s intention for us. Written by David Stahl

WALK THE LINE

The longer we go with the LORD the more we will discover (we do not find things in God we discover them) there is a very fine line we must walk between the world and the LORD. I do not know about you my friend, but I seem to cross the line over into the world more often than I would like to admit. I see myself time and time again getting over in areas and habits (I think in my understanding) not pleasing to the LORD, but it seems I cannot help myself. Too often I find myself snared by American politics and the social issues of the day, with the global politics and issues of the world, and even politics and issues of our local community. And issues of my character, well that will probably be the topic of many articles for the years to come. Now there is a line we must straddle and never cross over while we find ourselves in this world. The Bibles teaches us we are not of this world we are strangers (just passing through), this earth is not our home, but at the same time seemingly we are assaulted with every human emotion and desire (no matter how much God has worked in our lives) known to man. Now to be honest this walking the line is a most difficult thing to do. I know God is not setting us up for failure because in God there is no failure. On one hand we are to share the Gospel message while we stand clear of the other hand, the world and all that is in it. The reward for not standing clear is evident we will not be able to do the things God has called us to do and we never will be able to come to the completion God has purposed in our lives. What to do? We see this spiritual dichotomy play out in the Scripture time and time again. In 1 Samuel we read, “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.” (1 Samuel 2:6-7) At the same time “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive,” “he bringeth down to the grave and bringeth up,” and “he bringeth low and lifteth up.” Please notice the progression is being brought down to be brought up. This is God’s pattern of advancement down to go up because the way up is down. In the Gospel of John we read of this dichotomy, “And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” (John 12:23-25) Here the spiritual progression is down to fall into the ground and die so that we can lose our life “in this world” and then find our life “unto life eternal.” Amazingly, God provides for life while He seeks a certain death for Christians. The purpose of God is to bring the individual into a spiritual death to self. This is the only way He can bring His fullness of life into us. Death is sought! God brought the Israelites (Exodus 15:23) to a place where there was no water. They traveled three days into the Wilderness of Shur and found no water. "This is a death trap," they screamed. Indeed it is death (the cross) to the carnal man in order that the spiritual man may find his release in God. Water is good it is a necessity. What is wrong with having water? Yet God brought His people to a place of no water. Why does God often withhold the good? Because many Believers have never seen God as the good. Many Believers only see that which they want or need as the good. Sadly often Believers will see that which God provides as the good. Seemingly that which pleasantly affects the Believer’s life is always good. It is impossible for God to fulfill Himself in an individual who has filled himself with good things. James must have understood this when he wrote, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (James 4:3) Thus it is often necessary for God to remove some things and in some cases everything from a Believer in order that He may become everything to the Believer, again this dichotomy in action. As long as there is water (or things we want) we do not mind serving God. As long as God showers us with obvious spiritual and physical blessings we are zealous to serve Him. We love water we do not like to be thirsty. So here we stand wanting our own way, wanting what we want when we want it and our flesh just screams to live, but we know we must die spiritually (and maybe physically) so that the LORD can live through us. In Matthew Jesus tells us, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16) When are we the salt of the earth? When are we a light in darkness? At what point do we qualify for these titles? At our conversion to the LORD or maybe after years and years of walking with Him? I would think both at the same time and as we walk that fine line not straying into the world. The more we stray into the world the less of God is in us. The more we go after greater and greater technology, the Hollywood glamour of TV celebrities and music, sports idols, and the social ways of the world the less of God will be in us. John tells us, “Love not this world nor the things in it.” (1 John 2:15) Oh how I see myself at times loving the world maybe not in word, but often in deed knowing not to do or say something, but in the end I find myself doing it anyway. Oh our character! God is so concerned about our character even more than our ability to share the Gospel, money we give to further the Gospel, or going after a closer relationship with Him. Our intention should never be an emotional experience with God, but a knowledge and understanding of Him. Now all of these are admirable, but when it is all boiled down what is left is our obedience to Him and His word. The more we can pull our hearts out of this world and all of its distractions the more effective we will be for God serving as salt and light in this world. And God’s idea of us being salt and light in the world is so that we can help God bring people out of darkness and into the light whereby they too can “glorify your Father which is in heaven” is by evangelism and not by dead traditions of men, Sunday morning rituals, pious well-meaning religion, nor by denominations, but through one-on-one evangelism telling your family and relatives, neighbors, and even friends at work what Jesus Christ has done in your life and how much they too need Him in theirs, by “speaking the truth in love” as Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:15. A few days ago Vinnie “a good New York Catholic boy” and contractor for Lowes came by our home to do a measurement on replacing one main door and installing two storm doors, well we hit it off right from the start. I could see the love of the LORD in him as he smartly worked and as we talked. I could see a depth of understanding and knowledge gained by once walking in the musical world of New York City, but now projecting the love of God in a most appealing way through honesty, sincerity, and a personal example. Before he left he handed me a newsletter his wife Karen wrote to their large family and in it I read these words quoted from St. Edith Stein who died in a gas chamber in Auschwitz, Poland, “Do not accept anything as truth if it lacks love. And do not accept anything as love if it lacks truth. One without the other becomes a destructive lie.” How profound. I am sure both ladies have paid the price for these words and have learned them out from heartache and loss. We must always “speak the truth in love” no matter the cost if not then our brand of truth (our revelation and understanding of God) is not God’s truth. This line we must walk at times can get blurred, but if we have a heart for God in the end He will bring to us clarity for our soul. This was the case with King Solomon. No greater books in the Bible speak more to us about being careful (to take heed) to walk that fine line between the world and God’s will and ways for our lives than the Books of the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. To me these books are red neon flags on how to live our lives; time and time again Solomon said do this or do that, be careful (take heed) of this type of person, this life-style, this kind of heart condition, but in the end we find Solomon did not listen to his own words. They could be stated from Solomon’s perspective; do as I say not as I do. Sadly Solomon got off the line and too far over into the world and it turned his heart from God and in the end Solomon’s testimony was, “Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. 9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:8-12) In the end Solomon “set in order many proverbs” in other words Solomon became what he said. This enabled him to be able to say, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Is this not true? Is not the conclusion of all things, especially all things in our lives, what Solomon called our “whole duty” is to “fear God and keep his commandments.” If we can do these two things we will be more than able to stay on track, walk in His ways, and stay far right of the line. Written by David Stahl

THE FESTIVAL OF POTS

My friends establishing and maintaining a close personal relationship with Jesus should be central to our spiritual life and ministry. We may be satisfied that we are seeking a deeper understanding of the Word of God, a life of good works, and even service, but it is essential also that we go beyond these levels of spiritual desires and recognize that the only foundation upon which our knowledge of the Word can stand is on the personal relationship that we maintain with the LORD. And for this to happen my friend we must allow God to bring (this is always His intention) us into a place of great unity with Him. In such a place that the truth of the word of God can grip our heart to where we are convinced, we truly believe what is written and what God has spoken. I am convinced most Christians are not convinced God’s word is true. They have a mental and emotional assent to this truth, but in their heart it has not really taken hold of them. My friend we must be really convinced to what God has written and spoke to us. The more convinced we are to this the more we will be able to stand and withstand (there is a big difference) problems, troubles, situations, and circumstances that come our way. You know many people think God looks at the relationship we have when He looks at our ability to keep relationship, but I am not so sure about that. It is easy to keep a relationship with someone who you like and who likes you, but now to keep a relationship (even if it is one sided in your heart) with someone who does not like you now that is a different story all together. I think God looks at the relationships we have lost over the years to whether or not we have the ability to keep relationship. God is not really too concerned about the relationships we have, but make no mistake my friend God is really concerned about the relationship we have allowed to slip though our fingers and heart. At the heart of these lost relationships is a lack of relationship with the LORD and lack of desire for the truth. In the Psalms David writes, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psalms 133:1-3) Please know this place of unity is not found in the “precious ointment” that ran down on Aaron’s beard nor is it found in the dew of mount Hermon, but “there” the LORD commands the blessing, “even life for evermore.” “There” is the place of unity with God and with man. Did you know you cannot be in unity with God and not with man? John tells us, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20) I wonder why we think we can get away with loving God and not our brothers and sisters? Now the “unity” (or “oneness” as translated all throughout the Bible) we are after is not the unity that brings two churches together to have prayer breakfast or special service, but the same unity that Jesus had with the Father. Unity with the Father will always will cost us something. In the real LORD’s prayer (only prayer recorded where Jesus actually prayed) we read, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” (John 17:21-23) Did you get that? Unity not to do something for God, but unity to become something in God. We in unity (in relationship) with God as Jesus was one (in unity in relationship with the Father) with the family so we can be one with our brothers and sisters. So you see no unity with the Father we will not be in unity with our brothers and sisters. I wonder how effective the Church globally would be if it was in unity with the Father as Jesus was in unity with the Father? The whole cannot be greater than the sum of its parts, thus the Church globally cannot be greater than the collection of individuals that make up the Church. What a prayer for 2014. What a prayer for ourselves. Now the truth aspect is even more chilling. Truth has always been at the heart of our salvation and walk with the LORD. Oh we often want only to be loved and called lovely, but that can never happen unless we walk in the truth of God’s word. Even Pilate knew this. The question of what is truth is nothing new even Jesus’ judge and jury asked, “Pilate saith unto him (Jesus), What is truth? . . . . ” (John 18:38). Today we like to mask the truth with religion, skilled and educated speaking, and our good works, but these good intentions of ours will never be enough if our words do not match Jesus’ reply back to Pilate, “my words are truth.” Some years ago I had an experience that has ever stuck with me. I attended a meeting in which the speaker gave an excellent word. I have know him for over 30 years, traveled to many countries in ministry with him, I love him very much still today, he has a mystical, deep anointing in teaching that few in the world can rival, yet there was something missing. As I left I said, "Lord, what is wrong? He was a great speaker with a good word. You know how much I love him and look to him." Then the Lord brought something to my mind that John Wright Follette had said, “there is a difference between having truth itself deposited within our heart and made a part of our life and simply reflecting truth that has come from another person or ministry.” This floored me. From that point on my goal was not to reflect truth, but to allow the Holy Spirit to deposit the truth God has for me into my life. Not the truth for others, but the truth God has for my life. Not all truth is for all people at the same time. There is some truth that we can handle now and there is some truth we are not able to handle. Someday if we grow in the grace and knowledge of the LORD the Holy Spirit will be able to make more truth apart of us, but until then we must be content with only the truth that is convenient and purposed for our lives. A big mistake we often make is to sacrifice truth for things. We know truth when we hear it there is no mistake it hits us in the stomach and bends us to our knees, but it seems we are willing to give the truth up for things that bring; peace, happiness, even things that bring what we call blessings into our lives. Some Christians say anything that brings harmony into our family is what God wants, well that my friend is not the truth. We must never sacrifice truth for peace and harmony (even love) if so then our relationships will not be built on God’s word. When we sacrifice the truth of God’s word for harmony and peace we then are rejecting the word of God for the people. How can they be saved unless they hear? Paul told the Church at Ephesus, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16) All that we do for God must be in obedience with a pure motive from love and a desire to see others “grow up into him in all things.” If not then it is a selfish and self-centered motive where we want to manipulate others. My friend I believe manipulation is the greatest sin of the 21 Century church and is the ruin of most marriages in the world. Our goal should be, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth.” On my last trip I had the good pleasure to see how this would look. When Michael Simonowich and I were in Bulgaria Rossi, Pastor Niki’s wife and Marcho took us to Silver Lake Village. What a wonderful time we had. The day was a joyous celebration of remembrance when all the people of Bulgaria had to eat was beans and they ate them from ceramic pots so every year the people in the villages around Silistra keep this tradition by holding “The Festival of the Pots.” The goals were two-fold; one eat as much good food as possible and two the food had to be judged by categories; i.e. breads, beans, soups, salads, meats, deserts you have the picture. Also judged was the best village singing group (six groups took the stage), best home-made wine, and of course best beer. It was a very pleasant time of food, family, and festivity. While the different village groups were singing (and in the in-between times) some of the older folks started dancing in a circular direction while holding hands. Now here is what I thought was amazing. To enter the group in motion no words of request were needed, no discussion, no dispute all one had to do was step up to the circle to make their intention known and then touch the hands of the people you desire to join between. It was amazing as the person who wanted to join the dance touched the hands of the two people they rolled over and opened their hands in harmony, in unison as the joining person stepped into the circle without missing a beat. They were “fitly joined together” without words. It was a totally seamless process no words were spoken no debate, no dispute only fluency in motion as the person became one with the other dancers. I know to some this does not sound like much, but to see it happen, well it was amazing. After watching this process a few times I thought this is the way it is to be with Christians. We are to be in such harmony and unity whereby a seamless process of coming together should happen in our lives, but sadly this is not the case in most situations. Sadly there is great debate, there is great discussion, even confusion and strife, there often is little harmony when Christians come together. It seems everyone has something different in mind. Paul told the Church at Corinth, “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.” (1 Corinthians 14:26) I do not believe this is the way the LORD has arranged things for His Body I think it is more like the dancers at the Festival of the Pots. Dare to step up to the circle and try to get in?

A MEDITATION ON CHRISTMAS

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