Thumb Sucking

On March 2sd, Sheldon David had a Friday evening meeting at his house. It was a time he felt God wanted others to get together for worship and be in God's presence. It started at 6:30 and there was worship music to sing along with if you wanted. This continued for about an hour. Then we prayed and talked about what was on our hearts. It was about 8:30 and David said, most people would be ready to go home now, but that would only be about 30 fold of what God had intended. So he asked if we wanted more, and we all did. So he put on more praise and worship music and things really began to change.

The room got hot with the presence of God, plus there were a few lit candles to set the mood. Those who had been raising their hands earlier were now dancing—some by themselves, others in groups and a few as married couples. It was awesome, and I even danced with my wife. People were laughing and praising God, some were laying flat on the floor and others were just holding each other. It was beautiful. I had not seen anything like this for almost 20 years; back when David first had meetings. This was a picture of true ecclesia, the church-life that meets in homes. Then we all sat down and God started to share His heart through David.

After David had prophesied to the others, he turned to me. I was not sure what God would have to say, because He had already said so many things over the years. But this past year has been most challenging for me and I was a little bit nerves to say the least. But God did have some things to say and I'll share them as best as I can remember. The Lord said, "I'm examining you, Israel. Like a doctor to a patient—I'm examining you. I can see some things that need fixing and you know they need fixing, and I will fix them."

This was no surprise to me. Then the Lord continued to say, "I already said you'll have a visitation and revelations of the Father, as you move forward one foot at a time. You're an incredible man of faith and your reward will be great... I have not forgotten my promises to all your grandchildren, especially Joshua. However, I need to fix you and I'll do it on the road." Sounds good to me, but then God said, "Stop sucking your thumb and whining that life is hard... I'm expecting a lot of faith from you and it will be rewarded. People will be freed through you and you also will be free. You spent years in identity crisis, now you'll find out who you are in Christ out there. Sheldon and Roberta know this is true, and you'll find it as you go forward. Where there are hardships know that I'm fixing these areas. I've given you so much and you must believe I will meet you in your faith, even in the difficult times." I knew this was true also, but that one phrase, "quit sucking your thumb," was a shocker.

The more I thought about that the more upset I got. This was a subtle rebuke, but a rebuke just the same, and I was not a happy camper. This only goes to show there are definitely some areas in my heart that need to be fixed. Yet, everyone there was a son or daughter of God and He said encouraging things to them. Plus, He revealed some of their future and exposed areas that also needed His help. There were things we all needed to do or not do, but mainly cast off all our fears.

We're a part of the same family, and the heavenly Father was there that night to help us, even discipline, if necessary. Yet in front of all these people, God told me to quit sucking my thumb. I'm almost 65 years old and I don't suck my thumb. So what was God really saying? I know the Lord wasn't trying to be mean. Then God spoke to David about his life and then some others prayed and thanked God for David's life and love for God and the Church. It was 10:45 and an awesome night. As we were getting ready to leave, some said they would like to do this again and others agreed, including me.

After we got home, my wife and I talked until almost 1:30am about the things God said to everyone. (She had taken some notes.) And then we went to bed. I was very tired, but satan wanted to create an offense between God and me, over this statement of "thumb sucking." Finally, I reminded myself that God loves me, and I commanded satan to back off. Then I thought more about the comparison God was making.

Why does a child suck their thumb? There are a number of reasons; insecurity, fears, and some suck their thumbs because it's comforting and calming. For a baby this is normal, but when they get older the practice can become a habit. Some children return to their thumb when tired, scared, bored, sick, or trying to adjust to new challenges or lull themselves back to sleep. This is fine for a young child. However, it's not normal for an adult. But sometimes we can be doing this figuratively, because we're not really trusting God in some area.

What I believe God was telling me is don't be afraid and quit complaining. He has given me everything I need and I don't need to worry about the circumstances now or even later, and I certainly don't need to get sympathy from others. For example, the other day I saw a picture of a beautiful house and it cause me to reflect on what I was leaving and other carnal things. That's was so foolish considering I'm heading for the greatest adventure of my live in a few months, and this is no time to feel sorry for myself. Satan's would want me to focus on comfort, the past or what I might miss. But the Lord say, "Do you believe that the plans I have for you are for your good and success." My answer is "yes Lord, I do believe." 

So from now on, I'll try harder not to suck my thumb. Sure I will be living it a van for a while, but it certainly beats riding a donkey and living on the street—that's for sure. God said, "You are blessed." And that's good enough for me.

Note: Often when God reveals something to me, I share it, because I don't believe I'm just the only one who may feel this way at times. We are sons and daughters of God and He has great things in store for all of us. You can count on that, so why should we feel sorry for ourselves. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm not going to let a little pride get in the way of this awesome journey.

The Mind of Christ

  And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him," these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

 The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them, because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for,
   “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

 I Corinthians 2:1-16

What the apostle Paul is saying here is no different today, and is no different than what I too desire, but the principle of it has been nearly lost due to the bad teachings of man's doctrine, theology and fleshly desires. However, for those of us who are not content to go along with the status quo, but have chosen to listen and seek the mind of Christ. We have learned the Truth and the Truth has set us free. 

To the sons of God the Lord says, "I am your shield, guide and every great reward. Not only will I protect and lead you to your destiny, I am your destiny."

State of Grace

This past year, I have already shared with you about God's next move. A move of the heavenly Father’s grace and power that the world has never seen before. I've seen it starting in my own life this past year. God said, my life (and others) would change, not because of how good, smart or spiritual we are, but because of His awesome love, grace and mercy. It will be God the Father doing what He does best—exalting His sons and daughters and loving the lost souls.
 

On February the second, I was at David's house for a weekly Bible study, there was ten of us there. David asked each of us a question that God has often asked him, "What do you want?" Therefore, each of us gave our answer to that question. I said, "I want to know more of God's heart and to be able to share His love in such a way that it would change people’s lives. However, my soul wants many other things, but most of all I want to find contentment in being a friend of God."
 

After everyone spoke, David prophesied God's heart for each of us. For me the Lord said, " Israel is about to embark on the greatest adventure of his life. It will start with a visitation of the Father, and with that everything would change." Wow! I can't wait. It's what I have been waiting for so long.
 

God is raising up sons and daughters, like you and me, to take their rightful position at the Father's right hand. We are not only flesh, but spiritual beings, and neither are we limited by time and space. All that Christ is and has is at our disposal—His love, power, health, prosperity and authority and much more. There is nothing that He is withholding from us or that we are lacking as His sons.
 

Christ's nature and DNA was infused into our spirit and body the moment we asked Jesus into our heart. At that time we were made a "new creation." All things became new, we just didn't realize or understand how all that worked, because we listened to some ignorant ministers and the lies of satan who would try to keep us from reaching our full potential and purpose here on earth. We've lived a life much lower than we were meant too, but God is changing all that. By faith, we can live above circumstances, the cosmos, the flesh and most of all satan, from our heavenly place in Christ.   

"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6)

Jesus told Pilot that His kingdom was not of this world and neither is it ours. Jesus was and is establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. That is why He came here, and through us His brothers and sisters we too have been given the opportunity to do our part as fellow workers and to reveal the heavenly Father.
 

This next move of God has started, despite the small beginnings we now see. The anointing on His sons and daughters will change lives for many generations to come. This anointing trumps any "gift, gifting, position in ministry or possession, that many believers once thought were important. Now we're learning it comes to those who sit and wait in the presence of Jesus Christ, the heavenly Father.
 

This "State of Grace" will embrace the wounded souls, the broken hearted and the fatherless. It will go into every area of life and every religion; to break the power of darkness and false mindset, and set people free. Lives and bodies will be restored by the Great Restorer, Jesus Christ himself who said, "It is finished."
 

We've been living and operating in His grace, and its only going to get greater. The power of our love comes from the supernatural realm of Jesus' blood and God's grace. There's a great movie called State of Grace, about two young Mormon missionaries. It's a classic and one of the most powerful and anointed films I've seen after The Passion.
 

Note: God has chosen people and will use unexpected source to reveal the message of His love and grace. And He will continue to use whatever means necessary to reach all His children. The Father is calling us home and out of Babylon, the world (cosmos) systems, including all religion and denominations; and into the family of God.

Til Death Do Us Part

The other day I went to a barber salon. Now that may not sound like a big deal to you, but it was for me. This was the first time in over thirty four years, because my wife had always cut my hair. I had been given a SportClips haircut coupon at a hockey game that we had been given tickets. I'm not a hockey fan, but it was a fun date. Later on, my wife encouraged me to use the coupon, and so I did. For only ten dollars I got the works—haircut, massage chair while my hair was washed, scalp massage and hot towels applied to my face. Wow, I never felt so pampered. 

The young lady cutting my hair was in her mid twenty's and was getting married in a couple of weeks. As she worked on me, we talked about a number of things, including the kind of books we read, how we each met our mate and raising children. I also mention that it doesn't really matter how long you have known each other before you get married, because you'll have the rest of your life to do that. But you will also encounter many unexpected things that will make it challenging for both of you, including the possibility of unfaithfulness and willing to forgive each others mistakes. She said that would never happen and explained. She told her fiancée that she didn't want to go to prison, because if he ever cheated on her she would kill him. I said, "what?" And she repeated it, "I would kill him,” and then she laughed. 

Now that's not how a marriage should end. However, my haircut was finished and it was time for me to leave. I thanked her and gave her a hug and said God bless you. All we can do sometimes is plant a seed and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

After I left there I thought more about her statement. To me, a threat doesn't sound like a very good way to start a marriage. But then neither are many other ways. I don't claim to be an authority on marriage. However, I am married and I've personally seen and heard of a lot of other marriages in my sixty plus years. I also have my opinions and preferences like everyone else. Yet, I also now know the heart of the heavenly Father a little better. And so I have written a small book on the subject of marriage, based on the Bible and God's heart. However, I have not published it nor have posted it on my blog. Maybe someday, and maybe I'll have more incite to add to it later on. But I will share a few highlights on what is a huge subject.

Marriage is a lifetime commitment that should end when you die, not in a court of law. It should not be entered into based on human emotions, or physical attraction, but on following God's will first. Then the emotions and the physical will follow at the right time and place. Most marriages haven't happen that way, including my own. I just didn't care as much as I should have, because I was not taught how to honor God or a women the way I should, and because of that I made a lot of selfish decisions in the past.

 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." (Hebrews 10:16)

Marriage is a covenant established by God, it is also a picture of our heavenly covenant (Ephesian 5:23). Our emotions and desires as human beings will always be there, but we must make them subject to His will and plans regarding anything especially marriage. Unfortunately, many people don't understand this and the result leads to all kinds of abuse, and too often divorces in every culture around the world. 

The main thing that helps marriages is God's love and forgiveness. This is conveyed through communication; not only in just words, but also in our actions. That love will honor and respect and it always forgive. It's was spelled out to us by the Apostle Paul in First Corinthians Chapter 13—this is "true love" agape love. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (Corinthians 13:4-8)

Know this that when the right time comes for God's children to marry, He does not necessarily guarantee that a marriage will be a "happy every after" experience, even though that is what we would all hope for. There are many rewards and benefits to marriages, but there will also be challenging times and humbling situations. They can be hard and very painful at times and some can even be horrendous. The Bible gives us many examples of people whose marriage didn't go as they had hoped, yet it was still God's will. There was Jacob's, Samson's, David's, Ezekiel's, and even Mary and Joseph's to name a few, but they were still all a part of God's greater plan.

When we act presumptuous in getting married, the outcome can be even more disastrous as we have all seen or experienced. But the bottom line—marriage is all about love and forgiveness. You can't separate the two. It's just like when a man and a women come together; they become one. It was all in God's design, and what God has joined together let no man separate, except for God Himself.

Note: God's love, grace and mercy is always there to help us through anyone experiences, regardless of what happens or the outcome.

The Covenant of Love

What do you think of when you hear the word LOVE?  Do you think of the heavenly Father, Jesus and the cross, or are your thoughts more carnal or emotional? God's love is pure, strong and it is covenantal, and it was sealed by the blood of Jesus. He is our All in all, are Everything. Jesus Christ is LOVE. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

"The entire covenant contract God gave to mankind, The Holy Bible, is based upon the ancient Abrahamic Covenant. Jesus through the mystery of the cross, became the sacrifice that for ever sealed that pact. There is no further treaty anyone can strike up with God. Seeking people can only come to Him on His own terms, through the already-cut covenant between Himself and Jesus. To banish the stars from the sky would be the only means to alter the Abrahamic Pack. Circumstances and people may come and go, but the Abrahamic Pack stand forever."

The previous paragraph was from a small booklet called, Passing Between the Pieces, and it was written by Sheldon David. The following is a prophecy regarding this covenant, it was from last year, but it's worth repeating again and again. God will never stop loving us, because of this promise.

"What you have stepped into is so rich, prosperous and powerful. It's too late. It's too late. Your head (satan) is crushed. The lie and the liar is exposed, and the Son is glorified to His rightful place on the thrown.

The lies are coming down... The elder son in the Prodigal Story didn't understand who he was and what he had been given. The father says, 'Don't you realize that all that I have is yours.' (Luke 15:31) No, he didn't realize that. But the younger son is now in the house and will eventually realize who he is. You know why? Because you're getting it yourselves. You see your the prodigal who came back home and has been given the Father's house and been given the Father's robe and shoes of sonship and a signet ring of his Father's authority. And he has come to that place of rule—that intended place. At first he didn't know who he was. And at first you didn't know who you were, but you eventually did. He left himself out there in the pig pen, says the Lord, and he came with the Holy Spirit drawing him to his father's house. And the father exalted him. And he move him into the place of a prince and a king it says. Full sonship rights, says the Lord."

"The covenant promises is alive, says the Lord. It been true for over 4,000 plus years. And in the western world, it's pretty much a dusty old document that's in the first book of the Bible. People relegate it to the importance of the Mosaic Laws. But, you'll never believe that, not for a moment.

I will never be unfaithful to the Promise. I gave it to Abraham and his sons forever. I gave it to Jesus Christ, He is the fulfillment of the Promise, the fullness of it. And He fully lives within you. So the Promise is fully activated in living His life through you. He will makes sure it all comes to pass. 

There is no competition in God, boys. There was no competition in the first family for all the people on the earth. Adam represented the Father, Eve the Holy Spirit and then you have Abel, who represents the Son. And then you had Cain and he represented the older brother in the story of the prodigal. And he represented satan. Remember, I said satan was a murder from the beginning. Cain was his vehicle to murder through, from the beginning. I also said, he was a liar from the beginning. It's his native language, his native tongue—he is a liar. His choice of skin was that of a serpent at the time to lie through. The first family, four people, those four people were meant to be something else. If it were not for the fall, it would of represented something completely different. It would of represented the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and the mini-member wife of the land, the sons. But it didn't happen that way. God had to shoot up 4,000 more years and then you see it happen that way. There's no competition in the Godhead. There's no competition. The Son does not feel slighted. The Father does not feel slighted."

 (portions of a prophecy by Sheldon David on April 1, 2011)

Note: Things have shifted and changed. It's not the way it used to be. God is calling His sons and daughter to rise up and come forth from the caves and the pig troughs to their true calling and anointing. It is the Heavenly Father's pleasure to exalt His sons, those who have learned to hear His voice, to abide and wait on Him. All power, authority and blessings dwell within and upon those who embrace the treasure of the Abrahamic Covenant and Promise— full Sonship Rights. This is the Abramanic Covenant:

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3-5

The Greatest Super Bowl

The real "Super Bowl" isn't over yet. And it has nothing to do with football, half time entertainment or even fireworks. This game is being played out for the hearts and minds of men, women and children all over the world. The risks are great, but so is the reward. It's the game of Life and death; the battle between good and evil, love verses hate. The goal is to help restore the Kingdom of heaven, and to take back what the enemy has stolen. This is all accomplished through the love and power of the heavenly Father.

The Lord says, it's not over; the real Super Bowl is not over—in fact for some it's just begun. It's a battle between the flesh and the spirit, a conflict between the forces of darkness and the Sons of Light, whose coach is Jesus Christ and their owner—the heavenly Father. This is all being played out on the field of planet Earth, and all creation is waiting for the outcome of this game. 

There is a great crowd of witnesses cheering for the Sons of Light from heavenly bleachers, among them are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and all the saints of old, plus Jesus Christ himself. They are seated at the right hand of the Father who's watching too, and they're cheering, encouraging and praying for them not to give up. 

Many people have thought the game was too long or difficult, and others have stumbled and fallen away, some have wondered if it's really worth it, or if they could ever win, and at times we even felt like giving up or quitting. But we didn't, even when we fell down. There was something deep down inside of us that made you and I get up and try again and again. It was the Faith of Abraham and the will that goes beyond all logic or reason, an inner strength that makes us who we really are and empowers us to rise to the occasion. We are the sons of God and we terrify our enemy, satan and his wimpy cohorts—because we know the Truth.

The game's not over, but the outcome has been already determined, says the Lord. Our opponents have been defeated and we are the champions. We have already won and been given a victor's crown as we lift up our trophy, Jesus Christ. Plus we get to wear a ring that can never be stolen or taken away. The victory is ours in Christ Jesus and the heavenly Father is very pleased and proud to call us His sons and daughters.

Can you see that? Can you believe it? When you're in Christ, you're already sitting at the right hand of the Father, along with your brothers and sisters. There is no time or space in Christ. They're all watching and waiting, praying and cheering for us and for the next generation who will also be players and participators in the greatest Super Bowl of all.

Comment: I have nothing against watching football, but I've learned to find better things to do. So I didn't watch Super Bowl XLVI this time, because I chose to go to a Sunday night prayer meeting instead; where the real battles are often fought and won. It was there that the Lord told me, "The games not over, it's just begun. And the good news is you're on the winning side." I also share those words with my friends in Christ.

Follow That Dream

Lately, I've been thinking about my future and the awesome dream to reach the nations. In the process certain songs came to mind, and one of them was Follow that Dream, an old Elvis Presley song. He sang it in a movie by the same name. It was a great song and movie, at least for Elvis' fans. Elvis was a man in search of a dream, even though many people though he was living it. I believe he was a man who was torment by what he had become verse what he really wanted out of life. One of Elvis' favorite past times was singing Gospel music with friends. He also made a few Gospel Albums and sometimes at the end of other albums he added a favorite Hymn. There was a time at one of his live performances where a fan shouted out, "You're the king, Elvis," and his immediate response was, "No I'm not, Jesus Christ is King." Wow, I don't know, but I would like to believe that Elvis finally found Christ before the end of his vain life just like King Solomon. Maybe that is why he named his home Graceland, because that is what we all depend on, isn't it.

A while back I wrote an article on suicide, and as I stated then, don't believe suicide is the unpardonable sin. Too often people start out living a dream and in a short time it becomes a nightmare or a trap that seems to spiral down and out of control unless they get some help before it's too late. They made the mistake that many others have; seeking that which is only temporal instead of that which is eternal. In order to change that one must come to have a personal relationship or contact with Jesus Christ, even if it's in their final hours, just as the thief on the cross did with, "Lord, remember me..." Then hopefully they will be able to pursue the dream that the Heavenly Father had for them, if there is still some time. And so this song came to my mind, Follow that Dream.

"When your heart gets restless, time to move along
When your heart gets weary, time to sing a song
But when a dream is calling you,
There's just one thing that you can do


Well, you gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead
You gotta follow that dream to find the love you need."

However, the love you'll need will never be fulfilled in a women or a man alone, but in Jesus Christ. Yet they can be very helpful in that pursuit of God's dream if that is His will for you. Anyway, several years later, Elvis also sang another awesome song, The Impossible Dream, at Madison Square Garden. Elvis Presley was one of nearly a hundred other artist who recorded this great song over the years. It was composed by Mitch Leigh for the movie Man of La Mancha, and the lyric were written by Joe Darion.

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go


To right the un-rightable wrong
To be better far than you are
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star


This is my quest, to follow that star
No matter how hopeless,
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into hell
For a heavenly cause


And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will be peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest


And the world would be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

Abraham became such a man when God told him to dream by looking to the night sky and counting the stars. (Genesis 15:5) He was also a man in search of a city whose founder and builder was God. (Hebrews 11:10) 

The apostle Paul was also such a man who ran the race in order to receive the prize, Jesus Christ the Morning Star. (2 Peter 1:19) He said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award unto me on that day." (2 Timothy 4:7 to 8) God has given everyone of us a dream to pursue. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

 

An awesome song, so listen to the the whole song.

Cowboys and Aliens

Over the years, I have seen God's grace and efforts come in many forms to reach the lost, and lately I have seen it again through the means of Hollywood. God will use whatever he can to reveal His heart for His children. Last night I saw it in the unique movie called Cowboys and Aliens. The heavenly Father's heart came through a simple message from an old country preacher who gave his life to help others while fighting the forces of evil. In this wild movie the evil forces are aliens and they are referred to as "demons." These demons have flying machines and weapons never seen before by these folks from the little town of Redemption. They are afraid and yet they also know they must face and fight this enemy or the world will be lost. And so the old west is confronted by a new enemy in which they have never seen the likes before. All the people, both young and old and from various beliefs and backgrounds are forced to come together to fight an uncommon enemy instead of each other. Working together they manage to overcome great obstacles including their differences, fears and flaws; and ultimately see the good in each other. In the end evil is defeated by their determination and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others and those they love. Although this movie wasn't a great blockbuster, I see the message from the old preacher as the real "gold nugget" not the gold for which some men or even these aliens deemed worthy of killing for.

The country preacher gave one scared man some very sound advice. This man had questions his faith in a God, and if God really cared or want to help him. So the old preacher kindly told the fearful man, "You can't expect God to do everything for you...You got to earn* His presence. Then you got to recognize it and then you have to act on it." Wow, ain't that the truth! And then later the preacher, in his dying breath, tells the main character who is wanted by the law, "God don't care who you were, son...Only who you are." Again this is the message God has for all His children in this broken world we live in. Right! Plus, when we know who the real enemy is, it's a lot easier to love and help each other.

Note: In this movie, as in many others, God's name is blasphemed by some characters, yet God's grace is still there. However, someday they will all come to know Him and honor His holy name also.

* "To earn" God's presence—one should yield and wait on the Lord. The gift of salvation is free, but our participation and obedience is still required.

Moving In

There are many people who have been moving because of the poor economy these past few years. Many have lost their jobs, houses, cars and had to move to a smaller house or apartment, as well as ride the bus, bike or walk. Some people even became homeless with no place to go. Others have  moved back into their parent's home for shelter and to save money. Still others moved in together, because they just want to be close to those they love.

One night Lord said, He's moving in and taking the second floor of the house, because we now share one house, one dream and one vision. He also says, He has fired all the old helpers and brought His own. We are also welcome to use the stairs and visit Him any time. To explain and understand it all will take time, but He's not in a hurry. He just wants to be close by and watch us be who we really are—His sons and friends. We don't have to be anyone special, just be who we are.

This concept that has been lost for nearly seventeen hundred years. But its making a comeback. Many people have gotten so used to doing and believing what others have to the point that they don't really know what it's like to be loved and free. But it is the desire of the Heavenly Father's heart to be that way. Yet, it will take time to share it with others. However, what I can say is a change is coming and things are not going to be the same as usual. When the Divine comes to earth things change. It did when Jesus came, and it will when the Abba Father comes.

 (Here is a past prophecy that is worth repeating.)

"The love of Christ is your savior. It is He who laid down His life for you, so you can be restored to the cool of the day with Him. And if for nothing else, tonight is the cool of the day for us. As you're leaning on the presence of Yahweh, you're leaning on the heart of Jesus, the heart of Christ. And you're hearing My heart. I love you—with all your failures—oh prodigal son. With all your failures, griefs and BS, I have loved you with an everlasting love."

"And I have watched over you even in your darkest days, I was watching. I kept the arrows from entering you, because I have always been your shield. And I have always been your very exceedingly great reward. I love you in the heaven and I have loved you on earth, and I will love you forever."

"I will squeeze the puss out of you. And I will heal the wounds behind it all. And I will set my children free. Everyone being drawn to me in love. There is none that I will not accept, not one. I came to set every victim free. I came to deliver and heal people who are not Christian, because Jesus never ministered to one Christian person in His three and a half years. And He set a lot of people free. And He is setting you free. I'm reorganizing your thoughts. I'm breaking old patterns. I'm letting you know that love is going to be the answer for it all. I know it sound like a Celine Dion song, that the love of Christ is the power and the love of Christ is authority."

"The love of Christ will break every chain of the devil, it really will. The blood has already been shed. The three words—it didn't take Jesus a catalog of theological books to say it. He said it all in three words, "It is finished." And if you were less intelligent that you are David, and you had a small vocabulary and you didn't have much knowledge of the Bible. If all you had was the understanding that Jesus loves you, 'this I know' and that Jesus said, 'It is finished.' You would have enough to set nations of people free for me."

( a portion of a prophecy spoken by David in our meeting on Jan. 28, 2011)

Note: Jesus said, "It is not those who are healthy that need a physician, but the sick...For I did not come to call the righteous [Christians], but sinners." (Matthew 9:12-13 bracket mine)

Dreams

Last week I watched an old favorite movie of mine, Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner. You've probably seen it also. I've watch it many times. It's a great movie and has three great spiritual truths in it, at least to me. These truths come from a voice to an Iowa farmer named Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), and he is inspired to act on this voice he cannot ignore.

Everyone should have a dream they loved to see fulfilled. But there is usually a catch to seeing that happen as you saw in the movie. One is that many people will think you're crazy, especially if you told them you heard a voice, or God gave you a dream and/or spoke to you. The other thing is it will cost you greatly, sometimes everything. But the reward is worth it, even though you may not know what it is at the time.

The main character, Ray, hears three messages from this voice. First one is, "If you build it, he will come." This statement puzzles the farmer, because Ray doesn't know what to build or who "he" is that will come. The same applies for us. God does require us to do something. Sometimes we think we know what God intend for us, only to be surprised in the end by something totally different. Then Ray finally sees a vision of a baseball field in the middle of his corn field, and now believes he knows what he must do, yet it seems totally illogical to him and his friends will think he's crazy. But he builds it anyway despite the mocking and the possibility of even losing his farm. However, the one thing Ray has going for him is that his wife and daughter love and supports him, even though they have not heard "the voice." Along the way Ray meet another man, Terence Mann. He represents to me, an "old prophet," that no one want to hear from anymore or take his advice. Together they pursue the impossible and see their dreams fulfilled. We too must get a vision and believe in the impossible if we want to see incredible dreams come true.

As always, God requires his sons to do something, just as it was for Noah, Abraham and all the other men and women of faith. We can't just stand around and do nothing. God has a plan or dream for each of His sons and daughters to start, build and fulfill that will also help the generations to come.  It's not about us or "what's in it for me" as Ray had to learn at the end of the movie. We too must learn that God is not looking for us to do something physical only, but as for the spiritual. Things that are physical are only temporary, but the spiritual ones are for eternity. It starts by taking simple steps of faith. This is important to keep in mind when you pursue a dream. The Kingdom of God is not built by foolish step or from hay, wood or even metals, but from the lives and souls of God's children. Yet, often these steps will appear foolish to the world and the religious people.

The next time the voice speaks it says, "Ease his pain." Again the farmer was confused as to whose pain and how he is to do it. As we look around this world today and in our own community or family we see a lot of people who are in pain and suffering, both physically, emotionally and spiritually. And we would like to help, but often feel overwhelmed or powerless to do anything. Yet, there is someone else who is also hurting even more and that is the Heavenly Father. Yes, that's right; God is hurting like any good parent would. He sees all his creation suffering from sin,  especially His children, and He is waiting for them to come home and be restored. And to make matters worse many tend to blame Him for their troubles or they just chose to ignore Him or pursuing someone or something else. God does have feeling even if He is a spirit. How can we ease His pain? Simple, just ask Abba Father what we can do and then do what He says. That is the best way to please Him and help ease His pain. It will also bring us a peace and joy that the world can't give.

The third and the final statement is, "Go the distance." This is the real test for most people. A lot of them can start a race, but few will finish it. You've heard all the excuses, but the prize still goes only to those who finish the race. The more successful runners (dreamers) in the Kingdom of God are those who usually have developed a more disciplines life, pay a price and have kept their eyes on Jesus Christ, the prize. 

At the end of the movie Ray finally sees and understands who was the real recipient of all his efforts, it was his father. The dream Ray thought was lost due to his guilt and shame for things he had said an done, because he misunderstood the his father. So it is with us when we come to the end of ourselves and finally see Him face to face. There will be no guilt or shame. There is nothing, but the Fathers embrace and His delight as we walk, talk and play "catch" with Him in the cool of the day. God wants to build within each of us this place (a relationship) and a dream that we can share together.

A final note: Several times throughout the movie people ask Ray, "Is this heaven?", because they are so happy. Ray just  laughs and then replies, "No, this is Iowa." The truth— heaven is found in the glory of the Heavenly Father and walking in His perfect will. This is where you will find and experience your dream—knowing what it's like to be a true son. And lastly, there is also a statement made at the end of the movie about baseball, and my response to that is, there is really only one constant over the years and throughout the ages, and it's not baseball, it's the love of the Heavenly Father (Jesus Christ) and the Kingdom of God.