We received a call from a friend the other day asking, “Where are you? We haven’t heard from you in awhile, you know we like your updates.”
Well, subtle hint or not we got the point – WRITE! And let us know what you are doing – so here goes.
It has been a busy summer. Maybe not as one would expect busy to be for The Peregrinnatti, but busy nonetheless! We went to Family Week West with the Waller’s in Colorado and we were so taken with the Tabernacle of David worship that Zac and Brayden Waller led each morning. This is turning out to be a major impact on how we are thinking and praying about putting together our own presentations. Mainly the new one that we are working on called “And I, John, Saw”. We are hoping to have this ready to present by the fall.
As many of you know, our younger son, Micah and his family are moving to Australia the first of November. They asked us to spend significant time with them this year and we have willingly and eagerly honored their request. This has, out of necessity, limited our time spent on the road visiting with all of you. But, we do not regret this decision as Australia is a long way away, not a two hour drive to visit the grandkids like it is right now.
Another thing that has been heavy on our hearts is the state of America and the heart of her citizens. I have written before about guarding yourself from becoming weary of/in the battle that rages around us. The enemy wants us to disengage, to grow weary, to fall asleep, to lay down our armor. I myself have at times said, “Abba, I don’t know how to pray anymore!” This morning Steve and I were reading in the book of Nehemiah chapter 8, about the returned exiles gathering on Yom Teruah and reading the Torah and continuing the gathering through Yom Kippor and Sukkot – reading the Torah and worshipping YHVH and repenting of their sins. Chapter 9 says they spent a fourth of the day reading from the book of the Torah and a fourth of the day they spent confessing and worshipping YHVH their Elohim. That’s 12 hours a day. A thought flooded my mind; what if we were to gather like that – read the Torah, worship and repent of our sins, individually and nationally for the 10 Days of Awe. Would we then go into the Festival of Sukkot with great rejoicing and anticipation of YHVH’s presence among us in real and tangible ways?!
Is this a YHVH idea to gather together to pray and worship and basically obey 2Chron 7:14 for ourselves and our national identity – Israel, during the Days of Awe?
The calendar we are using says that Yom Teruah begins September 9 and Yom Kippor is Sept 18, during these dates is the time known as the Days of Awe. As you are reading this do you sense the tug of the Holy Spirit to join in with this? Steve will be joining the Wallers in Israel for the harvest and the fall feasts, but I am being led to remain in the States during this time. If the Father’s will is to gather in the States and pray and worship and repent during the Days of Awe, the state of Nevada keeps coming to mind as a possible place to gather in. Just a few miles from the town of Ely, (eastern Nevada, on Hwy 50) is Cave Lake State Park that might work for a gathering. No large covered building, and no electricity, but they do have showers and flush toilets.
Please seek the Father about coming together for the Days of Awe to pray and worship and read His Word – to seek His Will for His people, His set-apart ones.
If the Father doesn’t lead us to a gathering in Nevada think and pray about doing a Days of Awe gathering in your local area. There is a great need at this time to gather and pray and worship and repent – both individually and nationally. This is an opportune time – the moedine of YHVH - in which to do this.
Now for a bit of personal news; we have leased our property to a couple with two young children for the next 30 months. They have already moved on site and are quite enthusiastic about getting the place in shape and seeing the land prosper. Already they have cleaned the weeds out of the asparagus bed and are eating the fruit of their labors and have planted a small garden. A goat has joined the family – more for weed control at this time – as well as another dog and cat. Their animals and ours have seemed to work out a living arrangement with their cat coming out as the Alpha!
Steve and I are keeping control of the underground house as our home during this time, but this arrangement has freed us up immensely. We can come and go as the need arises and not have to worry about things being cared for or left undone.
We just returned from spending two weeks with our son Micah and his family camping through the southwest, visiting the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, southern Colorado, Capitol Reef National Park in Utah and then on home through Nevada. It was delightful spending such quality time with our kids and grandkids! The little ones grow up so fast – you want to catch what you can when you can! Jacob turned 3 months the 22nd of July and Isabelle is 2 years and 4 months. Jacob and Steve have quite a connection – Jacob will just look up at his grandpa and smile and smile at him, he’ll even quietly fall asleep in his arms – he really likes it when Steve plays his harp too. He seems fascinated by it! Isabelle is her own little lady/tomboy and lets everyone know what is on her mind. Oh, the joys of being two! Micah and Angela are great parents – our hats are off to them!!
When Steve was so sick this spring we were led to some information that has proved to be very helpful to us. I will post some web links here so in case you haven’t heard of these things you can become informed if you so chose.
http://www.sharinghealth.com/beckprotocol/contents.html
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=3879823462993133294
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=3494194760973110305 http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer02/BobBeck.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkCHrV6cCfw&feature=related
I will also let you know that we make these devices that are discussed on these web links. There are many sources on the internet where you can obtain these devices that help you get back your health, or you can build your own, but like one of our friends said, “maybe YHVH brought you to this information and gave you the skill and knowledge to make these as a benefit to the believing community and a way the believing community can help support you and The Peregrinnatti ministry.” Contact us if you have questions or if you would like to order one of the devices.
That’s it for now!
May YHVH continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
What If?
What if your life stopped being the way it has been your entire life to this point?
What if tomorrow morning when you woke up you suddenly realized that your life would never be the same again?
This can be taken two ways (at least):
1.) As in pre WW11 Holland, we go to bed one night with assurances that our world, as we know it, will be the same in the morning when we wake up. But surprise, in the morning we awaken to discover that hostile forces have taken over our country, the borders are closed and there is no way to escape the harshness and brutality that is being committed on those who do not submit.
2.) You are convicted by the power of the Ruach haKodesh to humble yourself, and pray, and seek YHVH’S Face, and turn from your wicked ways; then your life, out of the necessity of your decision to make Teshuva (to turn), will never be the same.
In both scenarios you have decisions to make – as Francis Schaeffer asked; “How then shall we live?”
The time is soon upon us, I believe, when we are going to be faced with both scenarios – a demonic invasion and the need to make Teshuva. It would be good to start making choices and decisions now, in preparation for the time that is soon upon us – if indeed it is not already here just waiting to manifest its presence.
In the parable of The 10 Virgins, all of the virgins fell asleep, but 5 had fallen asleep with adequate provision enabling them to join the bridal party when they heard the sound of the shofar. Have we been lulled to sleep by the constant bombardment of end-time teachers telling us the tribulation is right around the corner, but that particular corner has yet to appear? It was a favorite saying of my husband to our young boys when we went back-packing and they would ask, how much further? Just around the next bend in the trail, he would say. But the bends kept coming and the destination was still somewhere ahead. After awhile they would just sit down in the trail and refuse to go any farther. Steve would then go on ahead to the much anticipated camping place, remove his pack and then come back down the trail to help our young sons with their loads so they could make it to our destination, even carrying them if that was what was required. Likewise for many today, the trail has gotten long and many are weary, some may have become so weary that they have lain down in the path and have fallen asleep, but take heart, our Bridegroom has gone on ahead of us and he has promised to return for us. Keep persevering, hold fast to His commandments, sleep if you have to, but don’t leave the path – that’s the extra oil for your lamp. Sadly some have gone back to the old way of life putting that tribulation thing on a shelf. “Wake me up when it happens, until then I’m going back to my house, my family, my job, my favorite food, myself. I’ll be able to walk away from it all when I hear His call.” But will you? Will you even hear His call with the clamor of the world deafening your sensitivities to YHVH? Yashua said to keep watch, for you do not know the day or the hour. Keeping watch, living a fasted life-style is safety for us. Yashua asked the disciples to keep watch with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, but even they fell asleep. The consequence of their not maintaining watch was fear - with the eventual need for restoration. The bride of Messiah is to keep her wedding garments white – without stain or wrinkle, waiting for the day of his coming.
This brings me back to my “what if” questions.
It is quite common in our western, civilized culture to live in the land of “what if”. Allow me to give a few examples of what I mean.
• What if all these wars and earthquakes and terrible disasters are just more of the same, not really, now is the end-time, stuff?
• What if I leave everything to follow Yashua and He doesn’t provide for me?
• What if I quit my job and my spouse leaves me?
• What if I join lock, stock and barrel with this community of like-minded believers and then discover I don’t like them, or that we’re really not like-minded?
• What if I drop my health insurance to rely on YHVH and I get sick?
• What if I take all my money out of the beast system and then lose it?
• What if my children won’t come along with me?
• What if Yashua doesn’t return in the next few years?
• What if YHVH really isn’t who He says He is?
• What if America really isn’t Babylon?
• What if__________? And you fill in the blank.
As believers in Yashua haMeshiach, part of the grafting in of Romans 9-11, heirs according to the promise, Galatians 3:29, the land of promise given to Abraham in Genesis is our eventual place of residence. If this is true, as I believe it is, then why are we, as we see the end approaching, entrenching ourselves in the land of our exile. YHVH is shaking things up just like He did with the Israelites in Egypt. Why, because He is getting us ready for a journey. I was reading in the Psalms the other day and I was struck with a revelation in Psalm 78 of the progression of the Israelites from Egypt that it will be the same for us. We will experience some of the shaking of YHVH, but then we will be called out to gather into a place set aside for us like Goshen was set aside for the children of Israel in Egypt, (Exodus 8:22). The first three plagues of blood, frogs and lice were over the entire land, but from the fourth plague on those dwelling in the land of Goshen were protected from the devastation of the plagues in Egypt. If you remained outside of Goshen more of what you had just experienced would befall you. YHVH will bless you with His protection in that one particular place where He shelters us under His wings. It is even recorded that when the plague of darkness came the children of Israel living in Goshen had light in their homes. During the plagues the Israelites were not removed from Egypt, but they were protected. This is the message behind Psalm 91:14-16; “because he has loved me therefore I will deliver him, I will set him securely on high because he has known My Name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold my Yashua.”
From Goshen, where He gathers us, He will lead us into the wilderness. In the wilderness of the first exodus, the children of Israel became a people – a unit. They became betrothed to YHVH and they learned what pleased Him, by being instructed in His ways. YHVH says to, “be holy as I am holy,” Lev 11:44. The same pattern will follow for us. We too will be taken into the wilderness (Revelation 12:6) and in that place we will become a people – the bride of Yashua, we will be instructed in what pleases Him, becoming holy as He is holy. And from the wilderness we will enter the land of promise.
Here’s a possible scenario to think about, I’m not saying this is what is going to happen, I am just presenting this to maybe help you put in focus your “what ifs”:
The nations that are raging at Israel this moment are pretty much listed in Psalm 83. This is a war psalm, an entreaty to YHVH to deal with these war mongers Himself. According to the Geneva Convention an aggressor nation, in the event of winning an armed conflict, has to give back all lands that it acquired during the conflict, but the non-aggressor nation, in the event it wins the armed conflict can keep all the lands it acquired during the conflict. What if this Psalm 83 war is the prophecy that is preparing to be fulfilled, perhaps this summer? And what if in this war Israel is granted land from all these aggressor nations by YHVH? And what if the whistle then comes from YHVH for us to come home to Israel and be the fulfillment of Ezekiel 37? Could this be our Goshen until the abomination that makes desolate is set-up in the temple and at that time we flee as commanded into the wilderness? According to the word of Yashua in Matthew 24:32-33; he talks about the nation of Israel being reborn as a fig tree nation; when you see that know that summer is near. (See “Fig Tree vs. Olive Tree” at Articles on our website: http://www.biblicalstoryteller.com/. When is the return of Messiah according to the feasts of YHVH? His return is in the fall, the time of Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets. The nation of Israel we see today is the fig tree nation Yashua told us would come before his appearing, and he also said, the generation that witnesses this rebirth would not pass away until the Son of Man returns. Recognizing this present fig tree Israel as Goshen and the world as Egypt, it is then the only place where we will be kept in true peace and safety while the rest of the world tosses and turns in the foment of “A New World Order”. Are we prepared for YHVH to change our life that completely? What would keep you from answering His whistle? What are your “what ifs?”
Again, the above described scenario is my thoughts. It is included in this writing to help encourage you to think out and pray about decisions that we all may be soon called upon to make.
Note: YHVH prepared a place in the wilderness where He met ancient Israel and betrothed Himself to her; so too is YHVH preparing a place for us today in the wilderness, where, according to the type, He will meet with us and marry Himself to us. If this happens to be what comes about, I for one don’t want any “what ifs” I may be harboring to cause me to miss out on the greatest feast celebration in all of history!
Remain in your place on the wall, stay vigilant, have your lamps ready, so you will hear the call when it comes and like Samuel will respond, Hineni, here am I.
I am forwarding a link that you might find interesting as you consider what might keep you from hearing and responding to the whistle of YHVH.
http://www.america-in-prophecy.org/_____THE_GREAT_ABYSS_SAN222.html
What if tomorrow morning when you woke up you suddenly realized that your life would never be the same again?
This can be taken two ways (at least):
1.) As in pre WW11 Holland, we go to bed one night with assurances that our world, as we know it, will be the same in the morning when we wake up. But surprise, in the morning we awaken to discover that hostile forces have taken over our country, the borders are closed and there is no way to escape the harshness and brutality that is being committed on those who do not submit.
2.) You are convicted by the power of the Ruach haKodesh to humble yourself, and pray, and seek YHVH’S Face, and turn from your wicked ways; then your life, out of the necessity of your decision to make Teshuva (to turn), will never be the same.
In both scenarios you have decisions to make – as Francis Schaeffer asked; “How then shall we live?”
The time is soon upon us, I believe, when we are going to be faced with both scenarios – a demonic invasion and the need to make Teshuva. It would be good to start making choices and decisions now, in preparation for the time that is soon upon us – if indeed it is not already here just waiting to manifest its presence.
In the parable of The 10 Virgins, all of the virgins fell asleep, but 5 had fallen asleep with adequate provision enabling them to join the bridal party when they heard the sound of the shofar. Have we been lulled to sleep by the constant bombardment of end-time teachers telling us the tribulation is right around the corner, but that particular corner has yet to appear? It was a favorite saying of my husband to our young boys when we went back-packing and they would ask, how much further? Just around the next bend in the trail, he would say. But the bends kept coming and the destination was still somewhere ahead. After awhile they would just sit down in the trail and refuse to go any farther. Steve would then go on ahead to the much anticipated camping place, remove his pack and then come back down the trail to help our young sons with their loads so they could make it to our destination, even carrying them if that was what was required. Likewise for many today, the trail has gotten long and many are weary, some may have become so weary that they have lain down in the path and have fallen asleep, but take heart, our Bridegroom has gone on ahead of us and he has promised to return for us. Keep persevering, hold fast to His commandments, sleep if you have to, but don’t leave the path – that’s the extra oil for your lamp. Sadly some have gone back to the old way of life putting that tribulation thing on a shelf. “Wake me up when it happens, until then I’m going back to my house, my family, my job, my favorite food, myself. I’ll be able to walk away from it all when I hear His call.” But will you? Will you even hear His call with the clamor of the world deafening your sensitivities to YHVH? Yashua said to keep watch, for you do not know the day or the hour. Keeping watch, living a fasted life-style is safety for us. Yashua asked the disciples to keep watch with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, but even they fell asleep. The consequence of their not maintaining watch was fear - with the eventual need for restoration. The bride of Messiah is to keep her wedding garments white – without stain or wrinkle, waiting for the day of his coming.
This brings me back to my “what if” questions.
It is quite common in our western, civilized culture to live in the land of “what if”. Allow me to give a few examples of what I mean.
• What if all these wars and earthquakes and terrible disasters are just more of the same, not really, now is the end-time, stuff?
• What if I leave everything to follow Yashua and He doesn’t provide for me?
• What if I quit my job and my spouse leaves me?
• What if I join lock, stock and barrel with this community of like-minded believers and then discover I don’t like them, or that we’re really not like-minded?
• What if I drop my health insurance to rely on YHVH and I get sick?
• What if I take all my money out of the beast system and then lose it?
• What if my children won’t come along with me?
• What if Yashua doesn’t return in the next few years?
• What if YHVH really isn’t who He says He is?
• What if America really isn’t Babylon?
• What if__________? And you fill in the blank.
As believers in Yashua haMeshiach, part of the grafting in of Romans 9-11, heirs according to the promise, Galatians 3:29, the land of promise given to Abraham in Genesis is our eventual place of residence. If this is true, as I believe it is, then why are we, as we see the end approaching, entrenching ourselves in the land of our exile. YHVH is shaking things up just like He did with the Israelites in Egypt. Why, because He is getting us ready for a journey. I was reading in the Psalms the other day and I was struck with a revelation in Psalm 78 of the progression of the Israelites from Egypt that it will be the same for us. We will experience some of the shaking of YHVH, but then we will be called out to gather into a place set aside for us like Goshen was set aside for the children of Israel in Egypt, (Exodus 8:22). The first three plagues of blood, frogs and lice were over the entire land, but from the fourth plague on those dwelling in the land of Goshen were protected from the devastation of the plagues in Egypt. If you remained outside of Goshen more of what you had just experienced would befall you. YHVH will bless you with His protection in that one particular place where He shelters us under His wings. It is even recorded that when the plague of darkness came the children of Israel living in Goshen had light in their homes. During the plagues the Israelites were not removed from Egypt, but they were protected. This is the message behind Psalm 91:14-16; “because he has loved me therefore I will deliver him, I will set him securely on high because he has known My Name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold my Yashua.”
From Goshen, where He gathers us, He will lead us into the wilderness. In the wilderness of the first exodus, the children of Israel became a people – a unit. They became betrothed to YHVH and they learned what pleased Him, by being instructed in His ways. YHVH says to, “be holy as I am holy,” Lev 11:44. The same pattern will follow for us. We too will be taken into the wilderness (Revelation 12:6) and in that place we will become a people – the bride of Yashua, we will be instructed in what pleases Him, becoming holy as He is holy. And from the wilderness we will enter the land of promise.
Here’s a possible scenario to think about, I’m not saying this is what is going to happen, I am just presenting this to maybe help you put in focus your “what ifs”:
The nations that are raging at Israel this moment are pretty much listed in Psalm 83. This is a war psalm, an entreaty to YHVH to deal with these war mongers Himself. According to the Geneva Convention an aggressor nation, in the event of winning an armed conflict, has to give back all lands that it acquired during the conflict, but the non-aggressor nation, in the event it wins the armed conflict can keep all the lands it acquired during the conflict. What if this Psalm 83 war is the prophecy that is preparing to be fulfilled, perhaps this summer? And what if in this war Israel is granted land from all these aggressor nations by YHVH? And what if the whistle then comes from YHVH for us to come home to Israel and be the fulfillment of Ezekiel 37? Could this be our Goshen until the abomination that makes desolate is set-up in the temple and at that time we flee as commanded into the wilderness? According to the word of Yashua in Matthew 24:32-33; he talks about the nation of Israel being reborn as a fig tree nation; when you see that know that summer is near. (See “Fig Tree vs. Olive Tree” at Articles on our website: http://www.biblicalstoryteller.com/. When is the return of Messiah according to the feasts of YHVH? His return is in the fall, the time of Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets. The nation of Israel we see today is the fig tree nation Yashua told us would come before his appearing, and he also said, the generation that witnesses this rebirth would not pass away until the Son of Man returns. Recognizing this present fig tree Israel as Goshen and the world as Egypt, it is then the only place where we will be kept in true peace and safety while the rest of the world tosses and turns in the foment of “A New World Order”. Are we prepared for YHVH to change our life that completely? What would keep you from answering His whistle? What are your “what ifs?”
Again, the above described scenario is my thoughts. It is included in this writing to help encourage you to think out and pray about decisions that we all may be soon called upon to make.
Note: YHVH prepared a place in the wilderness where He met ancient Israel and betrothed Himself to her; so too is YHVH preparing a place for us today in the wilderness, where, according to the type, He will meet with us and marry Himself to us. If this happens to be what comes about, I for one don’t want any “what ifs” I may be harboring to cause me to miss out on the greatest feast celebration in all of history!
Remain in your place on the wall, stay vigilant, have your lamps ready, so you will hear the call when it comes and like Samuel will respond, Hineni, here am I.
I am forwarding a link that you might find interesting as you consider what might keep you from hearing and responding to the whistle of YHVH.
http://www.america-in-prophecy.org/_____THE_GREAT_ABYSS_SAN222.html
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Facing the Giants
During our time in Colorado at Family Week West the Ruach shared with me some revelations about the life of David and his encounter with the giant Goliath. Family Week topics revolved around restoring the headship of the family and empowering the family through its individuals being filled with the Holy Spirit to live an over-coming life. I was on the schedule to share at the Women’s Edification afternoon and the Ruach laid it heavily on my heart to talk about the giants that we face – comparing our struggles to the story surrounding David and Goliath. Like on that day I am compelled to share with you the insights that have been shared with me concerning this story. This is a long update – blessings in your perseverance!
Beginning the story in 1Samuel 16:12; David is anointed king over Israel by the prophet Samuel. David walked in the power of the Ruach as evidenced by the fact that whenever he played his harp for Saul the evil spirit that was tormenting Saul left. It wasn’t just the skillful playing of David that caused the evil spirit to leave Saul, but the fact that David was anointed of YHVH, and the Holy Spirit was mightily upon him, (vs.13). Where light is darkness cannot be – for light dispels the darkness. I John 1:5-7;
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Yashua haMeshiach his Son cleanses us from all sin.
When David shows up at the war camp of Israel he finds an interesting dynamic taking place – the chosen of YHVH are being taunted and tormented by a giant of a fellow named Goliath. For 40 days morning and evening the Philistines have been gathering in battle array on one side of the mountain and Israel would gather in battle array on the other side of the mountain with a valley separating the two armies, then the champion of the Philistines would come out and the impressiveness of his size and armor would send the chosen of God fleeing back to their camp much dismayed and greatly afraid.
Comparison: We too, as believers and followers of Yashua are chosen of YHVH. We have been told to ask for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, filling us, transforming us, enabling us to be the fulfillment of Malachi 3:1-4; to serve before Him in righteousness -
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
David with the Ruach haKodesh mightily upon him (I Samuel 16:13), was sent by his father to the war camp of the Israelites to check on the welfare of his brothers. He arrived at the camp just as the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. So far everything looks good and proper, but then the giant shows up. Comparison: We are grafted into the House of Israel, we have an inheritance in the land of promise, Yashua is our soon-coming Bridegroom, the Holy Spirit has been sent to comfort and lead us into all truth, we have the Spirits of YHVH – Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Strength, Knowledge and the Fear (Exceeding Reverence) of YHVH through Yashua available to us and yet, when the giants step out from the crowd into the valley of our life we so often run away from them in dismay and greatly afraid. Day after day, evening after evening they continue to taunt us and torment us. We might look good, we might sound good, but the giant is still standing.
What did David do? He ascertained the situation. I Samuel 17:26; Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”
David’s boldness in the face of Israel’s fear brought condemnation upon him by his brother – basically saying, how dare you rise out of your place with the sheep in the wilderness and suggest that you can kill this giant; you might have killed the lion and the bear, but this is a giant and it takes a giant to kill a giant. But David was undeterred – he knew what he knew – the Ruach haKodesh was well able to take on the giant foe! This knowing brought him before King Saul, the largest man in the camp if not in all Israel, the one man all natural eyes looked to for their deliverance because of his physical size, who also questioned his youth and ability, but David had been in training – well prepared for the confrontation of this day, vs. 36; “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living YHVH.” Vs. 37, And David said, “YHVH who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may YHVH be with you.” But even with this blessing from the king, Saul still wanted to load David down with garments and helmet and armor. David tried them on, but they didn’t work for him, he chose to trust in the tools he had developed expertise with in the wilderness – a stick, stones and a sling.
Comparison: During our time in the wilderness what tools have we become quite capable in using for the slaying of giants? Have we honed our capability in prayer – putting on the whole armor of YHVH with all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit? Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to YHVH. Have we honed our capability in submission – submit therefore to YHVH, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to YHVH and He will draw near to you. Have we honed our capability in humbleness – humble yourselves in the presence of YHVH, and He will exalt you. Have we honed our capability to rejoice – Rejoice in YHVH always; and again I say rejoice! Have we honed our capability to rest in His peace – and the peace of YHVH which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Yashua haMeshiach. Have we honed our capability to love as He loves us – a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold, but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yashua haMeshiach, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Yashua haMeshiach from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Yashua haMeshiach; whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Have we honed our capabilities by the power of the Ruach haKodesh in us so well that we can walk in the full assurance of the above quoted verses from 1 Peter 1 that they are ours with absolute certainty? David had used well his time in the wilderness and now armed with the tools he had honed his capability on he went forth to meet the giant – not in presumption, just assuming YHVH would help him, but in the absolute knowing where his strength came from, in YHVH Tzvayot.
The Philistine giant came onto the field of battle with his shield-bearer in front of him and when he saw David, he disdained him. Why? Because the giant was looking at the outward appearance of David and he cursed David by his gods. It is good to remember that the gods have no power other than what YHVH chooses to give them, in this instance the curses of Goliath by his gods had no power – for it is recorded in Proverbs 26:2; As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so a curse without cause does not alight. The Philistine made boasts to David, “come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.” But David was non-pulsed by the curses and the threats of the giant and responded with an affirmation in YHVH, 1 Samuel 17:45-47;
You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.
When we know that our Redeemer lives and that He shall stand at the later day upon the earth (Job 19:25), then we can like David run quickly to the battle line to meet the giant using the well-honed capabilities we learned in our wilderness to slay giants. Why did David pick up 5 stones as he crossed the creek that meandered through the valley? 2 Samuel 21:18-22 gives us the answer and it wasn’t because David thought he might miss on his first throw, he knew Goliath had relatives and David went prepared to take them all out. Such was his confidence in the delivering power of YHVH.
Comparison: In our own lives do we have giants that taunt and torment us. Do they always come at us with their shield-bearer before them? Does it seem impossible to slay the giant?
Most often the shield-bearer masquerades as fear. Fear is what sends us running in dismay and greatly afraid back to our camp while the giant hurls his insults and curses at us, taking great pleasure in knowing that he will live to see another day. Fear always makes the giant seem more formidable than it really is. Scripture says that love casts out fear – 2 Timothy 1:7; for YHVH has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power; and of love, and of a sound mind. When the giant rose from his place David ran quickly to the battle line and drawing a stone from his pouch put it into his sling and slung it, striking the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. In the power of YHVH when we run at the giants fear ceases to be a relevant factor.
Think about this – what happened to Goliath’s shield-bearer? Scripture doesn’t record his end, but may we surmise that he disappeared – ran off? All he had was a shield against the on-coming David. He was okay as long as the giant could intimidate his foes, but once the bluff was uncovered he ran. Don’t be afraid of fear, don’t let fear control your actions and reactions, go forward in the FEAR – reverent awe – of YHVH and He will make your path straight.
YHVH is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, what principles worked for David will work for us. Do not be afraid, trust in YHVH and He will lift you up.
1 Samuel 17:4-7 gives a description of the giant Goliath. As I read this description I think of a dragon. In Revelation 12:9 there is reference of a dragon; “And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world; he is thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Goliath is a counter-part of our old adversary the devil. He was playing the game of deception – making the armies of Israel think and believe that he and the Philistine army behind him were unconquerable. Isn’t this what hasatan does with us today? He tries to get us to think that the giants in our lives are unconquerable. There so big, they’re covered in armor, a shield-bearer goes before them, there’s no way I am ever going to conquer that giant. Every day, every evening, I’ll dress for war and go out in battle formation on the mountainside; I’ll yell the battle cry and sound tough – until the giant steps out into the valley and begins to taunt me. Then I run.
Just as the giant is dressed in armor so we too are to dress in armor. Ephesians 6:11 says,” to put on the full armor of YHVH, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” The armor we have been given is armor of Light. Light overcomes darkness. The giant’s armor is brass. Strong’s # (H5178) describes brass as brazen, filthy, base. Revelation 7:14; ”…these are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
When David killed the giant, Goliath, it motivated the Israelite army. 1 Samuel 17:52-53; “And the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron. And then the sons of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camps. And then scripture records that David took Goliath’s severed head up to Jerusalem. In other words, he went before YHVH to worship. When we slay a giant it is important that we go up before YHVH and worship for it is recorded in Matthew 12:43-45;
“Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to my house from which I came; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied , swept and put in order. Then it goes, and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”
The evil generation is the generation that chooses to believe deception over Truth. “I can’t be free, my giants are too big, too fearsome.” Yashua came to set us free. It’s time we started believing Him and began acting in that belief. The great God of the universe, YHVH, sent His Holy Spirit to us personally, to comfort us and to lead us into all Truth. For those are the worshippers the Father seeks, those that worship Him in Spirit and Truth. We have been believing the lie of deception for far too long – we can be free of the giants that taunt and torment – resentment, bitterness, hate, rejection, guilt and the list goes on. Put on the armor YHVH has provided, the helmet of salvation – protecting your thoughts, the breastplate of righteousness – protecting your heart of flesh where YHVH writes His Torah, the belt of truth – for it is truth that sets us free, the sandals of the gospel of peace – the power that destroys the authority that creates chaos, the shield of faith – that stops all the fiery arrows of the evil one, the sword of the Spirit – that divides truth from error. And then over all clothe yourself with the cloak of humility that you might stand firm in fervent and effective prayer.
David didn’t run from the giant, because he was clothed in the armor of light. Saul tried to get him to wear his armor of brass, but David had not tested this armor and didn’t know how it would function, but he knew the armor of light for remember in 1 Samuel 16:13 scripture says that from the day of David’s anointing the Spirit of YHVH came upon him mightily. It’s a timeless principle from Genesis 1:2-3 that Light dispels darkness. We are, as believers and followers of Yashua haMeshiach, children of the Light, 1Thes 5:5; Eph 5:8; John 12:36; Ex 27:20; Ex 10:23. Yashua came as a Light into the world, John 12:46, that whosoever believes on Him should not abide in darkness. John 8:12, “Then spoke Yashua again unto them, ‘ I Am the Light of the world; he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.’” John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”
Come on army of Messiah, take up the full armor of YHVH and walk in the Light that dispels darkness. It’s time to live in Psalm 91.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in YHVH with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Beginning the story in 1Samuel 16:12; David is anointed king over Israel by the prophet Samuel. David walked in the power of the Ruach as evidenced by the fact that whenever he played his harp for Saul the evil spirit that was tormenting Saul left. It wasn’t just the skillful playing of David that caused the evil spirit to leave Saul, but the fact that David was anointed of YHVH, and the Holy Spirit was mightily upon him, (vs.13). Where light is darkness cannot be – for light dispels the darkness. I John 1:5-7;
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Yashua haMeshiach his Son cleanses us from all sin.
When David shows up at the war camp of Israel he finds an interesting dynamic taking place – the chosen of YHVH are being taunted and tormented by a giant of a fellow named Goliath. For 40 days morning and evening the Philistines have been gathering in battle array on one side of the mountain and Israel would gather in battle array on the other side of the mountain with a valley separating the two armies, then the champion of the Philistines would come out and the impressiveness of his size and armor would send the chosen of God fleeing back to their camp much dismayed and greatly afraid.
Comparison: We too, as believers and followers of Yashua are chosen of YHVH. We have been told to ask for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, filling us, transforming us, enabling us to be the fulfillment of Malachi 3:1-4; to serve before Him in righteousness -
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
David with the Ruach haKodesh mightily upon him (I Samuel 16:13), was sent by his father to the war camp of the Israelites to check on the welfare of his brothers. He arrived at the camp just as the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. So far everything looks good and proper, but then the giant shows up. Comparison: We are grafted into the House of Israel, we have an inheritance in the land of promise, Yashua is our soon-coming Bridegroom, the Holy Spirit has been sent to comfort and lead us into all truth, we have the Spirits of YHVH – Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Strength, Knowledge and the Fear (Exceeding Reverence) of YHVH through Yashua available to us and yet, when the giants step out from the crowd into the valley of our life we so often run away from them in dismay and greatly afraid. Day after day, evening after evening they continue to taunt us and torment us. We might look good, we might sound good, but the giant is still standing.
What did David do? He ascertained the situation. I Samuel 17:26; Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”
David’s boldness in the face of Israel’s fear brought condemnation upon him by his brother – basically saying, how dare you rise out of your place with the sheep in the wilderness and suggest that you can kill this giant; you might have killed the lion and the bear, but this is a giant and it takes a giant to kill a giant. But David was undeterred – he knew what he knew – the Ruach haKodesh was well able to take on the giant foe! This knowing brought him before King Saul, the largest man in the camp if not in all Israel, the one man all natural eyes looked to for their deliverance because of his physical size, who also questioned his youth and ability, but David had been in training – well prepared for the confrontation of this day, vs. 36; “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living YHVH.” Vs. 37, And David said, “YHVH who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may YHVH be with you.” But even with this blessing from the king, Saul still wanted to load David down with garments and helmet and armor. David tried them on, but they didn’t work for him, he chose to trust in the tools he had developed expertise with in the wilderness – a stick, stones and a sling.
Comparison: During our time in the wilderness what tools have we become quite capable in using for the slaying of giants? Have we honed our capability in prayer – putting on the whole armor of YHVH with all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit? Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to YHVH. Have we honed our capability in submission – submit therefore to YHVH, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to YHVH and He will draw near to you. Have we honed our capability in humbleness – humble yourselves in the presence of YHVH, and He will exalt you. Have we honed our capability to rejoice – Rejoice in YHVH always; and again I say rejoice! Have we honed our capability to rest in His peace – and the peace of YHVH which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Yashua haMeshiach. Have we honed our capability to love as He loves us – a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold, but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yashua haMeshiach, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Yashua haMeshiach from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Yashua haMeshiach; whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Have we honed our capabilities by the power of the Ruach haKodesh in us so well that we can walk in the full assurance of the above quoted verses from 1 Peter 1 that they are ours with absolute certainty? David had used well his time in the wilderness and now armed with the tools he had honed his capability on he went forth to meet the giant – not in presumption, just assuming YHVH would help him, but in the absolute knowing where his strength came from, in YHVH Tzvayot.
The Philistine giant came onto the field of battle with his shield-bearer in front of him and when he saw David, he disdained him. Why? Because the giant was looking at the outward appearance of David and he cursed David by his gods. It is good to remember that the gods have no power other than what YHVH chooses to give them, in this instance the curses of Goliath by his gods had no power – for it is recorded in Proverbs 26:2; As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so a curse without cause does not alight. The Philistine made boasts to David, “come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.” But David was non-pulsed by the curses and the threats of the giant and responded with an affirmation in YHVH, 1 Samuel 17:45-47;
You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.
When we know that our Redeemer lives and that He shall stand at the later day upon the earth (Job 19:25), then we can like David run quickly to the battle line to meet the giant using the well-honed capabilities we learned in our wilderness to slay giants. Why did David pick up 5 stones as he crossed the creek that meandered through the valley? 2 Samuel 21:18-22 gives us the answer and it wasn’t because David thought he might miss on his first throw, he knew Goliath had relatives and David went prepared to take them all out. Such was his confidence in the delivering power of YHVH.
Comparison: In our own lives do we have giants that taunt and torment us. Do they always come at us with their shield-bearer before them? Does it seem impossible to slay the giant?
Most often the shield-bearer masquerades as fear. Fear is what sends us running in dismay and greatly afraid back to our camp while the giant hurls his insults and curses at us, taking great pleasure in knowing that he will live to see another day. Fear always makes the giant seem more formidable than it really is. Scripture says that love casts out fear – 2 Timothy 1:7; for YHVH has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power; and of love, and of a sound mind. When the giant rose from his place David ran quickly to the battle line and drawing a stone from his pouch put it into his sling and slung it, striking the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. In the power of YHVH when we run at the giants fear ceases to be a relevant factor.
Think about this – what happened to Goliath’s shield-bearer? Scripture doesn’t record his end, but may we surmise that he disappeared – ran off? All he had was a shield against the on-coming David. He was okay as long as the giant could intimidate his foes, but once the bluff was uncovered he ran. Don’t be afraid of fear, don’t let fear control your actions and reactions, go forward in the FEAR – reverent awe – of YHVH and He will make your path straight.
YHVH is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, what principles worked for David will work for us. Do not be afraid, trust in YHVH and He will lift you up.
1 Samuel 17:4-7 gives a description of the giant Goliath. As I read this description I think of a dragon. In Revelation 12:9 there is reference of a dragon; “And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world; he is thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Goliath is a counter-part of our old adversary the devil. He was playing the game of deception – making the armies of Israel think and believe that he and the Philistine army behind him were unconquerable. Isn’t this what hasatan does with us today? He tries to get us to think that the giants in our lives are unconquerable. There so big, they’re covered in armor, a shield-bearer goes before them, there’s no way I am ever going to conquer that giant. Every day, every evening, I’ll dress for war and go out in battle formation on the mountainside; I’ll yell the battle cry and sound tough – until the giant steps out into the valley and begins to taunt me. Then I run.
Just as the giant is dressed in armor so we too are to dress in armor. Ephesians 6:11 says,” to put on the full armor of YHVH, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” The armor we have been given is armor of Light. Light overcomes darkness. The giant’s armor is brass. Strong’s # (H5178) describes brass as brazen, filthy, base. Revelation 7:14; ”…these are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
When David killed the giant, Goliath, it motivated the Israelite army. 1 Samuel 17:52-53; “And the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron. And then the sons of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camps. And then scripture records that David took Goliath’s severed head up to Jerusalem. In other words, he went before YHVH to worship. When we slay a giant it is important that we go up before YHVH and worship for it is recorded in Matthew 12:43-45;
“Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to my house from which I came; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied , swept and put in order. Then it goes, and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”
The evil generation is the generation that chooses to believe deception over Truth. “I can’t be free, my giants are too big, too fearsome.” Yashua came to set us free. It’s time we started believing Him and began acting in that belief. The great God of the universe, YHVH, sent His Holy Spirit to us personally, to comfort us and to lead us into all Truth. For those are the worshippers the Father seeks, those that worship Him in Spirit and Truth. We have been believing the lie of deception for far too long – we can be free of the giants that taunt and torment – resentment, bitterness, hate, rejection, guilt and the list goes on. Put on the armor YHVH has provided, the helmet of salvation – protecting your thoughts, the breastplate of righteousness – protecting your heart of flesh where YHVH writes His Torah, the belt of truth – for it is truth that sets us free, the sandals of the gospel of peace – the power that destroys the authority that creates chaos, the shield of faith – that stops all the fiery arrows of the evil one, the sword of the Spirit – that divides truth from error. And then over all clothe yourself with the cloak of humility that you might stand firm in fervent and effective prayer.
David didn’t run from the giant, because he was clothed in the armor of light. Saul tried to get him to wear his armor of brass, but David had not tested this armor and didn’t know how it would function, but he knew the armor of light for remember in 1 Samuel 16:13 scripture says that from the day of David’s anointing the Spirit of YHVH came upon him mightily. It’s a timeless principle from Genesis 1:2-3 that Light dispels darkness. We are, as believers and followers of Yashua haMeshiach, children of the Light, 1Thes 5:5; Eph 5:8; John 12:36; Ex 27:20; Ex 10:23. Yashua came as a Light into the world, John 12:46, that whosoever believes on Him should not abide in darkness. John 8:12, “Then spoke Yashua again unto them, ‘ I Am the Light of the world; he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.’” John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”
Come on army of Messiah, take up the full armor of YHVH and walk in the Light that dispels darkness. It’s time to live in Psalm 91.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in YHVH with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Family Week Colorado
We are on our way home – no, I think that is the wrong word; home was more what we just left! – then let me say back to our current residence in California after Family Week West and I am going to try and describe to you what an impacting, wonderful, uniting event this week was. It was hard to leave, we were all milling about reluctant to get in our vehicles and drive away from what had been a most glorious taste of the Kingdom of YHVH dwelling among us. Each mile we drive our hearts yearn with greater and greater intensity to return to that place of intimacy and unity in YHVH with like-minded brethren. The week was definitely a mountain-top experience, but as Oswald Chambers says in “My Utmost for His Highest” we must come down to the demon-possessed valleys and walk out what was revealed to us on the mountain top. Our life is to be a witness of His great love in the “mean” streets among the “mean” people performing our “mean” tasks. (Mean = everyday, average, mundane)
As is common in the Colorado mountains at 7,000 feet altitude in the middle of May the weather was variable – averaging from absolutely freezing to shirt sleeves, shorts and flip-flops. (Some didn’t exchange their flip-flops for socks and shoes even when the rest of us were bundled up with gloves and scarves, jackets and thermal underwear!) About 250 gathered for the week, some rented the camping cabins the Durango Riverside Resort has along the Animas River and others spent the week in motor homes and the really brave ones camped in tents, all of us arranged around a large, white convention tent set up for our meetings; quite similar to the pattern of ancient Israel’s wilderness camp, actually.
We arrived on Friday about 2:00p.m. and began to set things up to be ready for Shabbat, but our efforts kept being hampered by the enthusiastic greetings of friends not seen for awhile, we didn’t mind a bit though, the reunions were joyous! The wedding of Angela and Sam set the tone for the week. Two young people absolutely in love, committed to spend the rest of their lives together – what a picture of us and Messiah – absolutely in Love, and Committed to spend the rest of our lives together! Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. And these are those that have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb and keep the commandments of Yashua.
There were so many highlights of this past week, but I only want to concentrate on one for this posting, in postings to come I will talk about others – it probably would have been best to have made daily updates… but alas, it is what it is. Every morning from 8:30 to 9:30 was the Tabernacle of David. The singers and musicians and dancers gathered and Zach and Brayden led us all in worship. I am neither a singer or dancer or musician but I came every morning and worshipped nonetheless! Zach had been impressed by the Ruach to have this time of worship more like what he imagined it was in David’s Tent. So he put chord progressions up on the overhead and told all the musicians to play these progressions over and over (with embellishments if they were skilled at that) and Brayden picked a psalm and led the singers in singing the words of the psalm. Kyle picked up on the rhythms of the music and led the dancers in appropriate dance movements. It was all very spontaneous and very beautiful! Two of the mornings Steve led the spontaneous prayer during the worship. Let me try and paint a picture for you. The violinists are tuning their violins soon the flutists and mandolin and guitars join them, then 2 budding harpists run up to Steve and ask if they can play the harps this morning, he eagerly shows them the chord progressions for the mornings worship. Joshua is ready to go on the drums and Jonathon is at the keyboard; there is anticipation in the air. The singers are gathered behind Brayden and the dancers are assembled with Kyle, Steve is at the microphone; we are all waiting. Brayden announces that this morning we will be singing Psalm 24 and then Zach finally signals and the musicians begin to play the prescribed chord progressions, and Brayden begins to sing directly out of the psalm. In a moment the singers have picked up the tune and they join Brayden. Kyle quickly leads the dancers into a circle dance of Yemenites, coupes, turns and side steps. It all flows like it has been rehearsed for weeks. The Ruach is so present – then the singers stop singing and the music slows and softens as Steve begins to pray – he starts slowly and then the power of the Ruach begins to flow out of him and suddenly the room is filled with hallelujahs and praises and clapping hands, tears fill the eyes of many and roll unheeded down up-lifted faces. Once again the music picks up and the singers begin another verse of the psalm and the hour continues to build in this manner – singing, music, dancing, prayer - until you are abruptly shocked out of this glorious environment of communing so intimately with the King of Kings as Brayden announces that our time is up. No one wants to leave, but other awesome and enriching things await so we adjourn and eagerly await tomorrow morning’s 8:30 Tabernacle of David with YHVH.
Some said they heard angels singing – I wouldn’t doubt it!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Getting the Leaven Out!
Some views from our place!
As we are approaching Pesach and the week of Unleavened Bread we are reminded of not only getting the leaven out of our houses but our hearts as well. In the Messianic movement Matthew 18:15-17 is often quoted as the standard for dealing with controversies between people. But there seems to be almost a glee sometimes in getting to the point of vs. 17 – maybe even skipping the protocol of vs. 15 and 16 in our rush to label the recalcitrant one a “heathen and a publican”. Sad to say, we have been a part of this mad dash to vs. 17 in the past, only realizing belatedly that by what measure we judge it will be measured back to us. We’ve all made mistakes, none of us are immune, but thank YHVH His mercy triumphs over judgment! If we took the time to read the entire 18th chapter maybe we wouldn’t rush so quickly to defend our view. (Here’s a word to meditate on – narcissism, its definition is: A pattern of traits and behaviors which signify infatuation and obsession with one's self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition.)
As the chapter goes on Yashua tells a parable of a King that forgave a servant of a great debt then the same, now forgiven servant, doesn’t pass the compassion on but puts in debtor’s prison a fellow servant who owed him much less than what he had been forgiven. When the King finds out about the forgiven servant’s cruelty to his fellow servant, he severely chastises him and then puts him in prison until his great debt is paid. The conclusion to this story:
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.
We all have been forgiven much by our Heavenly Abba. His compassion is great towards us. Yashua said, a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Let’s put this “new” commandment in relationship to Matthew 28:15-17; and if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer. If our brother sins do we then go to him in condemnation? And if he doesn’t listen to us do we then reject him and throw him out of our midst? Let us think hard about these words of Yashua:
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
1Peter 4:7-8: The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be clear-minded and self-controlled, so that you can pray. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. And from Matthew 24:10-13: And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
Yashua said in response to the question, “how many times shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Till seven times?”
Yashua said, the classic phrase we all know so well, but practice so poorly, “I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.”
We’ve recently been the recipient of vs. 17 without benefit of vs. 15 and 16. Ecclesiastes 11:1 seems to apply both positively and negatively; “Cast your bread upon the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.” What goes around does indeed come back around and usually in greater measure for we’ve been further condemned with these verses from Titus 3:10-11; “Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and sinning being self-condemned.”
The persons leveling these accusations at us are even spreading tales about our unwillingness to respond to them as they think we should respond.
So what do we do?
We forgive? Yes – according to the direct command of Yashua up to seventy times seven.
Let’s look at the number seven. It is an interesting number, it means perfection or completeness. So taking this into account I forgive until the work of forgiveness is perfected or complete in me. In other words until there is no leaven (sin) doing its fomenting action in me. If I say I forgive you and hold a grudge or resentment or anger or malice or hatred or jealousy or vengefulness or revenge against my brother I have not forgiven as Yashua said to forgive – until the work of forgiveness is complete in us – no leaven.
We are given this opportunity of Pesach / Unleavened Bread to forgive our brother with the same level of compassion the King forgave His servant – totally and completely. Will YHVH be honored in our midst if we go to this feast with leaven in our hearts? Read the haftarah portion of Isaiah 43:22 – 44:23 and let it speak to you about the kind of people YHVH wants to serve Him. And remember what happened to the forgiven servant who did not practice forgiveness, “and the King, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him.” Is holding onto leaven worth it?
I confess that I often struggle with the complete, perfected work of forgiveness, especially when “friends” falsely accuse you. It is difficult to turn the other cheek and not harbor bitterness and resentment toward them in your heart. But whatever momentary pleasure might be derived from this bit of self-pity will only lead to devastation, for as scripture says, a little lump will leaven the whole loaf. Soon your life will be consumed with leaven’s evil rewards for it is true that hasatan comes to do three things – to steal, kill and destroy and he is just waiting for any opportunity to wreak his havoc in you. If your life is in shambles check for leaven and then get it out for today is the day of Salvation!
Let us all come to the Pesach table free of leaven and truly celebrate the redemption provided us by The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world!
Chag Sameach!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Home
March 10, 2010
We have been home now, in California, for a couple of weeks and this is where we are going to stay at least for awhile it seems. Steve is quite ill and both our vehicles are not operable, we are at the mercy of friends for whatever transport we do need, but I cannot say it is a totally bad place to be. The California hills are green, such a glorious green! The beautiful wild lupines are beginning to bloom along with the baby blue eyes and shooting stars, the sky was a magnificent blue today, the oaks are beginning to leaf, the sun shone and the stars are lighting up the night sky like so many twinkling diamonds. Even though some days it may not seem so obvious – YHVH is still in control! When I get to looking at the crazy, berserk antics of man, his absolute disregard for the supreme sovereignty of our Creator, I go sit in the sun and watch the new little leaves unfold before my eyes or stand under the flow glow of a brilliantly lit night full of stars and I am reminded of David’s psalm 8:
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Yes, He still rules over the heavens and the earth no matter what our natural eyes may be trying to tell us.
Here is an email I received today that is worthy for consideration:
Are You in Satan’s Crosshairs?
Satan seems to be more active as we approach the Holy Days. This is one of the reasons why the Bible contains numerous warnings about how Satan operates to deceive, divide and destroy God’s people.
Satan is described as a hunting lion who stalks his prey (1 Peter 5:8).
He is a dangerous adversary searching for vulnerable individuals (1 Timothy 5:14-15).
Satan does not hunt with claws or bullets, but instead spreads gossip, rumors and lies about others (1 Timothy 5:13, Leviticus 19:16; John 8:44).
He fosters dissension and divisions by stirring up fears, jealousy and wrong ambitions (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). He will also use anyone—members and ministers—to sow discord and do his work (2 Corinthians 11:1-15).
Satan zeros in on people who have doubts, hurts and resentments, who feel wronged or who feel their ideas, opinions or ambitions have been overlooked or denied.
He uses such individuals to criticize, lash out at or undermine others—especially those in leadership positions. We are advised not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
As the Holy Days approach, let’s be ready to recognize and resist Satan’s attempts to deceive and divide.
Let’s not become unsuspecting victims of negative attitudes that he beams at those in his crosshairs (Ephesians 2:2.
There seems to be such a separation going on – in this are the tares being identified from the wheat? I heard an interesting talk about the tares awhile back that went something like this. When it comes time for harvest the tares are the ones standing straight up in the field while the wheat is bowed over because it is heavy with fruit. The tares have no fruit and therefore are not burdened under its wait. Whether this is indeed true agricultural fact or not I have not researched, but I did find the analogy interesting and appropriate for so many in this time.
There’s a lot of weariness among YHVH’S set-apart ones. We have struggled for the rich nourishment of the soil, the moisture from heaven, our share of fertilizer, space to grow, holding onto our fruit through adverse weather and now it is close to the time of harvest and our heads are bowed – waiting to be brought into the barn and delivered of the fruit we have carried to maturity.
The tares have no such weariness and with impunity suck up the richness of the earth and the heaven, crowding and jostling for space and standing tall as though impervious to all elements until the harvester’s scythe comes and cuts them down and throws them into the fire. They might have looked good, even sounded good, but they had no fruit.
“Well done” the Father is saying to His weary ones, “come now and enter into the joy of Your Master Yashua.”
Let us keep looking up for our redemption draws nigh.
We have been home now, in California, for a couple of weeks and this is where we are going to stay at least for awhile it seems. Steve is quite ill and both our vehicles are not operable, we are at the mercy of friends for whatever transport we do need, but I cannot say it is a totally bad place to be. The California hills are green, such a glorious green! The beautiful wild lupines are beginning to bloom along with the baby blue eyes and shooting stars, the sky was a magnificent blue today, the oaks are beginning to leaf, the sun shone and the stars are lighting up the night sky like so many twinkling diamonds. Even though some days it may not seem so obvious – YHVH is still in control! When I get to looking at the crazy, berserk antics of man, his absolute disregard for the supreme sovereignty of our Creator, I go sit in the sun and watch the new little leaves unfold before my eyes or stand under the flow glow of a brilliantly lit night full of stars and I am reminded of David’s psalm 8:
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Yes, He still rules over the heavens and the earth no matter what our natural eyes may be trying to tell us.
Here is an email I received today that is worthy for consideration:
Are You in Satan’s Crosshairs?
Satan seems to be more active as we approach the Holy Days. This is one of the reasons why the Bible contains numerous warnings about how Satan operates to deceive, divide and destroy God’s people.
Satan is described as a hunting lion who stalks his prey (1 Peter 5:8).
He is a dangerous adversary searching for vulnerable individuals (1 Timothy 5:14-15).
Satan does not hunt with claws or bullets, but instead spreads gossip, rumors and lies about others (1 Timothy 5:13, Leviticus 19:16; John 8:44).
He fosters dissension and divisions by stirring up fears, jealousy and wrong ambitions (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). He will also use anyone—members and ministers—to sow discord and do his work (2 Corinthians 11:1-15).
Satan zeros in on people who have doubts, hurts and resentments, who feel wronged or who feel their ideas, opinions or ambitions have been overlooked or denied.
He uses such individuals to criticize, lash out at or undermine others—especially those in leadership positions. We are advised not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
As the Holy Days approach, let’s be ready to recognize and resist Satan’s attempts to deceive and divide.
Let’s not become unsuspecting victims of negative attitudes that he beams at those in his crosshairs (Ephesians 2:2.
There seems to be such a separation going on – in this are the tares being identified from the wheat? I heard an interesting talk about the tares awhile back that went something like this. When it comes time for harvest the tares are the ones standing straight up in the field while the wheat is bowed over because it is heavy with fruit. The tares have no fruit and therefore are not burdened under its wait. Whether this is indeed true agricultural fact or not I have not researched, but I did find the analogy interesting and appropriate for so many in this time.
There’s a lot of weariness among YHVH’S set-apart ones. We have struggled for the rich nourishment of the soil, the moisture from heaven, our share of fertilizer, space to grow, holding onto our fruit through adverse weather and now it is close to the time of harvest and our heads are bowed – waiting to be brought into the barn and delivered of the fruit we have carried to maturity.
The tares have no such weariness and with impunity suck up the richness of the earth and the heaven, crowding and jostling for space and standing tall as though impervious to all elements until the harvester’s scythe comes and cuts them down and throws them into the fire. They might have looked good, even sounded good, but they had no fruit.
“Well done” the Father is saying to His weary ones, “come now and enter into the joy of Your Master Yashua.”
Let us keep looking up for our redemption draws nigh.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Canada Wedding Celebration
Kim and Holly under the Chupa with sons and attendants Don and Maureen
On February 17 we were privileged and honored to attend a wedding renewal in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada. About 25 people were present and the bride later told me that they had made the date for this very special event so we could be a part of it. We were thrilled to be present! A big part of this renewal celebration was due to the movie, Fireproof. The website that goes along with the theme presented in the movie is: www.fireproofmymarriage.com. Our last night in Salmon Arm, our good friend Maureen put the movie on and we sat together and watched it, (for her the third time). The message came across loud and clear, take care of and cherish your spouse or one day you may wake up and find yourself alone. In a very clear and understandable way the movie presented a path to reconciliation and love again.
Steve, Don and Jesse leading worship
Reflecting on this wedding renewal I am wondering if I/we have come to a place of taking for granted, ignoring needs and requests, putting off responsibilities, not taking time, the specialness, the romance, the love for not just my/your spouse but for our Yashua. Has His need for intimacy gone unmet? That door He is standing at knocking is ours! These words were written to the congregation of Laodicea:
Rev 3:14 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;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 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:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Signing the Ketuba
It would serve us well to take these words of Yashua to heart not only in our relationship with Him but also with each other. Kim and Holly took the initiative and by and through the incredible Grace and Love of Abba laid down their lives for each other and took up new lives together in their Master Yashua.
We applaud them for renewing their life-long commitment and doing the work it took to make that renewed commitment a covenant contract. YHVH Bless you abundantly – good measure, pressed down shaken together, running over, blessings!
It would serve us well to take these words of Yashua to heart not only in our relationship with Him but also with each other. Kim and Holly took the initiative and by and through the incredible Grace and Love of Abba laid down their lives for each other and took up new lives together in their Master Yashua.
We applaud them for renewing their life-long commitment and doing the work it took to make that renewed commitment a covenant contract. YHVH Bless you abundantly – good measure, pressed down shaken together, running over, blessings!
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