Love and Marriage

There has been a big turn of events for me this past month, at least in my thought regarding marriage, mainly mine. I am not an authority on marriage by a long shot, and I'm not going to try and fool you. However, I do know someone who is, and that is our Heavenly Father.

We have all observed marriages, in many ways have used them to form our thoughts and opinions regarding marriage. Plus we have also heard many teachers, ministers preach on love and marriage. But for some reason we see very few happy and successful ones today, even in the church. Where the divorce rate is as high as non-believers. The reason for that is because of the Fall, where the first mistakes was made by the first couple, Adam and Eve. They chose to disregard God’s words, and Adam listened or yielded to his wife’s desires instead. This is not about blame, they both made mistakes and acted as one in flesh not in spirit with their Father.

Since that time those sinful actions have filtered down through time to where life and marriage is far from what it was meant to be, and mine was no exception. Adam was meant to love His wife the way their Father loved him and his wife. However, those instincts gave way to foolish desires, and we have been fumbling the ball ever since.

God gave us many example of how He brought two people together. When Adam saw his wife he loved her, so did Jacob and Isaac when they first met, even Ruth and Boaz. Some married others without a choice or say in the matter. (300 Benjamin's men stole their bride to be, to restore their tribe ) Every situation was different. There was no courtship, no falling in love, but a knowing that this was the one meant for them or part of God's plan. I believe that should still be our main objective or criteria when considering marriage. We should know God's heart on the matter of who and when and where and how it is to take place, and then decide. Yet as we study those marriages and many others in the Bible we see very few marriages that were always happy. Because, happiness is not the foundation of marriage, it is love. But what kind of love would it take to please God in this holy union He desire for us to have for our spouse. Solomon wrote a book on love, “Song of Songs” means the greatest of songs; portraying two lovers. It is also a prophetic picture of the marriage of Christ with His bride. Yet very few seem to capture the true message. So God sent His son, Jesus Christ to set the example. Then the apostles write briefly on the subject of marriage and how it was to be lived out within the Body of Christ. Here's one of them:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Wives, be submissive to you husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of his wife, as Christ is the heard of the church...But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.” (Eph. 5:22-32)

Wow, how many husbands and marriages do you see like that? Not very many I bet. The husband is suppose to be the head and set the example. Unfortunately, many have fallen into the same bad habit as Adam and I did. He blamed his wife, and it has continued ever since. Adam could have warned her, or refused to give-in to her weakness, setting an example for all mankind. But he failed to heed God's words, and ignored his first love, Abba Father.

We are to love our wives as Christ loves us, and with that same spirit of LOVE. To love and obey God first, and then love others as ourselves. If the husband has chosen to follow Christ, he should be lead by His Spirit and Word, spelled out in First Corinthians chapter 13. This is the Father's love. It is also the nature of Christ, and to be our nature as well as our creed:

“Love is patient, love is kind and love is not jealous; love is not arrogant, does not act unbecoming; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoices in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, bears all things , believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...

I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE.”

Human love seems to fall short in all these areas and have made a lot of excuses, especially in letting go of wrongs suffered—endures all things--and love never fails. God's love and forgiveness is the foundation in any relationship that's meant to last.

As I said before, I plan to go back to my wife, in order to allow God to restore our marriage. I have hurt her many times throughout our marriage, and been a real jerk at times, and she deserved better than what she got. Yet I believe I can to a better job this time, because of a number of things I have just shared, plus from being here in Mexico.

My wife, Roberta, is a godly women and I'm a different man still maturing. However, it may take some time to restore her trust in me. But that's okay I deserved a kick in the pants. Restoration would be totally impossible without Christ’ love and rebukes. After all God disciplines every son, including me. But, I'm also encouraged by His promise too; “I will fix what is broken and restore and make all things new,” and God does not lie and I'm betting everything on that. Restoration from God is always better than what it was before.

I believe our new marriage can be an inspiration and a prophetic picture of His desire for all marriages, His church and for the Nation of Israel; to become One with Him. God is also using other sons to do the same thing. Then heaven can truly come to earth again through that Oneness we share in Him, and “restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers,” and His children toward the Heavenly Father. And we can all walk with Abba in the new Garden of Eden.

I would like to close with a portions of some things Sheldon sent me on God’s love:

“Beloved” in the New Testament is connected to the Greek word agape. This makes it a very special word, one that reveals the Heavenly Father’s special kind of love, a love that flows to people from Christ and flows through people when they are broken vessels who reveal his nature.

The most perfect meaning I can find for the word is: TO LOVE. Beloved means TO LOVE. It denotes both the object of love and the action of love. The Heavenly Father spoke from heaven, saying to Jesus, “You are my TO LOVE Son, the object of my active love.” Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians, “God has made you acceptable within my TO LOVE Son, and this means my focus and love actions are toward you.” And the Bride in Song of Songs said, “You are my TO LOVE man, and I am your TO LOVE woman.”

Again, beloved denotes both the object and the action of love.

It is evident you love God, and that is good...On a divine level, you love Christ and are dedicated to him. You have made God your object of love. And that is good. But... from the time you put a ring on your wife’s finger, you were meant to look only at her, pouring your human passions, dreams, hopes, secrets, gifts, joys, hurts, and overflow of your relationship with Christ into her.”

(I pray that all husband can take these words to the MAX, including me.)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Year of Jubilee.

Could 2015 be the year of Jubilee for the United States, or even other countries? The Lord has said through His Prophets, that the “Visitation of the Father” coming soon. John Crowder has also made this statement in one of his book, The Modern Mystic:

“I find it interesting that the Lord is already laying a corporate foundation of prophetic teachings in the body today that will thrust the next healing revival to new proportions. Sound teaching will be a must accompany the prophetic. The church was not prepared for [William] Branham's anointing, and so that level of power had to be reserved for another generation. Often when spiritual blessings are corporately withdrawn, because of sin, there is a literally a fifty-year jubilee cycle before debts are canceled and they are released into the earth again. That time is now for the power mantles of the Latter Rain evangelists.”

William Branham died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver on December 18,1965. He knew the Lord would be calling him home soon. His wife was in the car with him and had died from her injuries. His son who was in a different car came to his father aid. Branham, in his dying breath, asked if his wife was okay, but she had just died. He told his son, “just lay my hand on her.” When his son did that her pulse returned and she recovered.

I know the Lord has also said their would be a mighty spiritual move in the Nation of Israel in the year 2017 and 2018. This would be 50 years after the Six Day War, when Israel regained control of all Jerusalem and other parts of their land. Could that be their time for Jubilee?

The ground-works are being laid for a mighty move of God. Last month on one of my walks the Lord told me that we would see many people filled with the Holy Spirit. Not because they were seeking God, but because of prayers from friends, family, intercessors, and even those who were sent by God to those countries. Many of these converts will come out of prostitution, drug addiction, and a lives of abuse and crime. These new believers will grow and bear fruit. Plus there would even be many filled from the birth, just like John the Baptist. The fire of God will burn in their hearts and nothing will be able to quench it. The Heavenly Father is calling all of His lost children who have been feeding in the pig pins of life, to return home where He is waiting with open arms of love, joy, forgiveness and blessings. He will clothes them with new shoes, the best robe and ring. This will definitely be a time for celebration, the likes the world has never seen or known. God has and is sharing similar insight like this to others around the world to encourage us not to give up the fight.

It's time to get ready to party and do business for the Kingdom of God. This will be a Happy New Year for all God's children.

Christmas In Mexico

A nativity scene with Christmas tree next to the new fountain.


The best gift anyone can give to one another is their love and forgiveness.

The best Gift ever given to us was Jesus Christ. He is and will always be the Ultimate Gift to mankind. Receive that gift and let Him change your life forever, by filling your life with His love, His peace and His joy that the world can't give.

For Such a Time as This

At the appointed time Jesus Christ was sent to earth. We are all familiar with the Bible account of Jesus' birth. But did you know you too were also also sent to earth, for such a time as this. It wasn't not an accident nor the plan of your parents, it was designed by God.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who where born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Our spirit were in Him from the beginning, and just like Adam we walked and talked in the cool of the day with Him. Now it is our turn to live out Christ's nature on earth, just as Jesus did 2000 years ago. Our purpose is similar even though we didn't have a virgin birth. God has a divine plan for each and everyone of His sons and daughters to fulfill, even a “defining moment” as God calls it; where history is enhanced or even altered. Whether our mission is big or small or some where in between, our lives are important to God, and a joy to our Heavenly Father. So maybe it a time for a reality check, and ask yourself and then God, Why am I here? And see if you both have the same answer.

We still must be willing to denying our selves, take up our cross and follow His Spirit to the death of our self-life and even to our natural life, just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary. Then we too will walk as Jesus walked and talk as He did with resurrection power and life flowing through us, allowing us to rule and reign with Christ Jesus, now and for all eternity.

In the book of Esther we see how she, the bride, was prepared to meet the king and become his wife, so we too are being prepared “for such a time as this.” Once we have accepted the edict of Yahweh's love we have been commissioned to fulfill a role in the Kingdom of God, where one or maybe thousands, even millions of lives are effected; that will bring salvation and restoration to them and for many generations to come. When we realize and understand that we have been birth just as Jesus was, and given His authority, it certainly put things into a whole different perspective on things. Also, a better understanding of what true Sonship is all about.

”O God, may You be exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earth's treasures shall seem dear to me if You are glorified in my life. Be exalted over all my friendships, for I am determined that You shall be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth. Be exalted above my comforts. Though it means the loss of bodily comforts and the carrying of heavy crosses...Be exalted over my reputation...above my ambitions, above my likes and dislikes, above my family, my health and even my life itself. Amen” --A.W Tozer

A change is coming and as we step forward into a year by faith. The Heavenly Father is and will be exalted. We will see many signs, wonders and miracles we never expected. Plus, I'm going back to Washington to restore my marriage and family with God's help, after being gone for two and a half years. My desire is to see God's love work through me, even to those I left back home. I believe, my work in Mexico is almost done and it is time to leave. It has been a wonderful experience I will never forget or regret. Making many new friends, including some that I could hardly talk to, and still seeing God's love, grace and faithfulness work through it all. I will miss them dearly and hopefully see many of them in heaven, if not sooner. Next year will be even a greater adventure as we anticipate the “Visitation of the Father.”

Fruitfulness

Last year I saw two large fruit trees in the neighbor back yard, behind my house. One was a tangelo and the other was a grapefruit tree. The neighbors no longer lived there and were trying to sell the empty house. There was a lot of fruit on each tree, and the fruit on the tangelo was ripening and would soon fall to the ground and rot, if no one was going to pick them. The grapefruit would be ripe another month later. After checking with other neighbors to see if it was okay, I regularly, climbed over the fence and picked the fruit, and enjoyed eating a lot for the next few months, plus gave some to other people too.

I never thought I would be still here in this same house a year later, and the trees were full of fruit again, but not as much as the year before, because the water system had been turn off for two weeks last summer, and at other time too and the automatic water system was not able to provide the water needed during those hot days and so some of the branches had died. But there was still a lot of fruit to eat. However, I noticed some tangelos had already fallen off, so I figured some were ready to pick. But when I went over to pick, I noticed a lot of small frying insects around the tree, and a small little hole in some of the ripe tangelos that the bugs were entering the fruit and causing them to rot and fall off to the ground. A week later I went over and there were more insects and damaged fruit. I did not have this problem last year, and was disturbed by this turn of events. I was sure that this was not the only fruit tree in the area with this problem. It was one of the curses, because of mankind’s sin. But what could I do.

I realized I needed to do something, not just complain. If my prayers could turn a hurricane and heal the sick, why not remove this curse. Jesus spoke to a fig tree and cursed it, why shouldn’t we be able to speak to a tree and remove this curse of pestilent, after all they were nail to the cross along with all the other curses and sins. I know there is no diseases and pestilent in the Kingdom of God, so it time to start turning the table around and say NO MORE. So I when out to the tree a couple days later and did just that, but as I was praying I realized that this was just a small thing to God; the most important thing was people, and their lives. All creation came under a curse from Adam's sin. And we are from the earth, and God is the potter of these earthen vessels that now walk it in His amazing grace. Our roots need to tap into that Eternal River that will never run dry so that our leaves can heal the nations. But unfortunately, we have also become very ignorant of the disease and pestilents in our hearts that destroy the fruit He desire to see come from us too. Many people, including Christians still have various amounts of pride, greed, lust, unforgivness, self-worth and are unable to see how they have damaged or destroyed lives. Plus, it also separates or hinders their relationship with God and others. I have asked my Heavenly Father to remove our “hearts of stone” and give us a “heart of flesh”. Then asked Him to remove all the disease and pests in my own heart, and give me a heart like His, so that our life will be BUG FREE in His Kingdom.

By Faith, I do have God’s heart, and that is why I am here and speaking His words across Mexico and the Internet.

Thanks/Giving

Most American celebrated Thanksgiving Day last week, but over the years it has lost much of its meaning and become a just another holiday that jump-start people into a month of self-indulges capped off with two bigger holidays. But this article is not about those holidays. In Mexico they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, and I've learned that finding a turkey in the grocery store is almost impossible until the week before Christmas, for only a week.

Being in Mexico, the Lord has helped me put a whole new perspective on things, and Thanks/giving has become a way of life to me. When I left the United States I left a lot of material things behind that I learned I didn’t need or at least I could live without them. They were not necessary to find true peace and happiness that we all need, nor are they required to fulfill God's will for our life and touch those around us. I have learned to give thanks everyday and be content, but there are still time the enemy tries to disrupt my life and journey with my Heavenly Father. But the enemy can’t succeed, for my life is sealed the blood-covenant of Jesus Christ. And for that I'm very thankful. In fact I’m here to disrupt the enemy’s plans. The best way for me is to declare God's word and heart and stand fast on it. Another way is by giving thanks and loving people and giving food and/or money to those around me. God has a powerful way of multiplying all that into ways beyond human understanding.

One day couple months ago, I had asked God what next six months for me would be like. He indicated that more people would come into my life, that more people would feed me and there would be some other surprises; that all sounded great to me.

It was just about that same time I met Violet, she was coming toward me on one of my morning walks, and she had a big smile on her face and greeted me. She had seen me before and wanted to get to know me, and she could speak English. She was about my age, her parents were from Spain, but she was born in Guaymas, Mexico and was one of triplet girls, the first triplets to be borne by natural birth in that city. Violet lives in San Carlos now, been divorced two years, very friendly and out-going, and has four married sons, and now works at the art gallery for Palir, even though she doesn’t need money. Over the past two months, I have shared Christ’s love for her and Mexico, plus on Tuesdays we watch one of my DVD movies, including faith-based and the Passion. She has invited me to eat dinner every Sunday at her house. She likes to cook and eat healthy food, because she is diabetic. I told her God would heal that problem. I have enjoyed her cooking and having a friend I can talk with. She really likes me, but I let her know, up front, that we can only be friends, nothing more. During this time I have also met one of the sisters, friends and a few family members. They all liked me, know that I'm married and on a mission for God. Some of them have given me food too. Ten days ago her sister, Martha, left for Mexico City for a few months, but before she left, wanted to have me come to her house with Violet for a meal. After the meal, she gave me all the left-overs from the chicken dinner, plus food that was still in her cabinets and refrigerator.

 



A birthday party with Violet's beautiful family (Violet in the center)

Then last Thursday was not only thanksgiving in the U.S., but it was also Violet’s birthday. She invited me to celebrate it with her, friends and all her family at one of her son’s house in a small city, about twenty miles away. I went with Palir and her husband, who were also invited. I had no gift to give and Violet is well-off as far as personal wealth. I asked God what to bring, He said, "just being there will be the best gift you can give." Okay.

We arrived at the house about 7pm and got to meet her son and his family. They continued preparing food in a large kitchen, while we sat in the living room with some other friends who could speak English. There was American music playing; oldies from the 70’s. Other family members arrive a little later with more food and we were introduced to them. All Violet’s sons can speak English, but only three were there that night, and their wives could not speak English, and their children only a little.

Some crab pastries and pecan nuts were past-out along with coke or water to drink, while the table was set and final preparations for dinner were made.


A bad hurricane hit this area of Mexico, a five years ago, and their house was flooded with 3' of water.

When the food came out I could hardly believe what I saw. Each of our big plates was already served with two kinds of shrimps dishes, a large slice of ham with pineapple in a spicy red sauce, along with mash potatoes, a fresh green salad with sprouts, plus a Waldorf salad. One of the daughter-n-laws used to cater to wedding and it showed that night.

 

This was one of the best looking and tasting meals I have ever eaten, and I was served seconds. Plus, there was sushi with different dips and fresh french rolls. And for desert, a three layer cream cheese carrot/fruit cake. I was asked to give the blessing on our meal, and I gratefully did. What a blessing this night was.



Palir's husband, Burt. is sitting to the left of the picture. He did bronze sculptures and is an American.

During the meal, I was asked if I wanted to watch the Seattle Seahawk game, on the big screen TV, while we ate, I said, “No thank you, being with you was better than any football game.” I was stuff and blessed by these beautiful people that God allowed me to be with, and to touch their lives in this special way, God was there too. After our fabulous dinner, Violet was about to open her presents that others had brought. I leaned over and told her I didn’t have a present for her. She said, that my being there the best gift I could give, and all the other stuff wouldn’t mean as much as that. Wow, I would like to believe it's because she know who lives inside me; if not she will be very disappointed, because nothing, including Violet will keep me from fulfilling my mission, which I have already told her.

I will never forget that night. Before we left, I made a point to thank and bless each of them and their children, and to tell them that God has a wonderful future in store for them and all of Mexico.

I am truly thankful for the privilege of serving and giving my life for the children of God, but most of all I’m thankful for the Father's love and most precious Gift, Jesus Christ.



Before the night was over I sat down and played catch with this cute little girl.
She really enjoyed that and so did my Heavenly Father.

In His Shoes

Last Sunday morning I had just finished breakfast and had opened the front door about a foot, to let in some fresh air. Shortly after, I heard someone at the door. I looked and it was the young woman, who I had seen about a week ago on night when she stopped me on my walk and asked if I wanted to take her to my house. But she spoke no English. I told here, no thank you, and then said that God loved her. I had want to help her somehow, even though she was a prostitute, but I didn't have my wallet on me. So I prayed for her that night and now here she was standing at my door. She was short, but on the plump side. I could manage to understand a little; that she had heard I was a Christian, and that was about all I could understand at first. So I brought her into the house, and we sat on two chairs in an empty dining room. I learned her name is Claudia, single and in her late 20's, she has a child and they live with her mother in Guaymas, who is a widow.

 

As we sat there, she talked and cried, but I couldn't understand anything other than I could tell she had a very broken in spirit, and had tried to kill herself at one time by cutting her wrist, and she pointed to the scares. I told her God still loved her very much, gave her a hug and then got some fruit and gave her a choice; she chose the banana. I told her I was about to go to church in 30 minutes, so in the meantime I took her to the beach and we listened to some christian Spanish music for about twenty minutes. She sang along with some of the songs while I waited for people to get to the church who might be able to help her and ask how she found my house. She also had a swollen ankle, and limped when she walked. So I put my hand on the swollen area and prayed that God would restore it and her life. However, she didn't want to go in the church when we got there. So I went in and brought out a young Mexican lady who taught the children church and they talked for a bit and she got her name and phone number. She told me that Claudia found out where I lived by asking people, and they told her I was a Christian. She also said that Claudia had been very depressed and they would talk again on the phone. When they were finish talking, I took her back to town to catch a bus, but she said she was hungry and wanted to go back to my house. So we did, and I gave her an apple, water, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, plus a piece of chocolate candy. But then she indicated she was full and didn't finish her apple or sandwich. What she really wanted was to have sex with me, hoping that I would then give her some money. I said, “no sex”. She said, “not even a little sex” and put her hand on my pants, and I said, “no, not even a little sex. And walked her out of the house.

I had already taken out some money out of my wallet earlier and put it in my front pocket that I had plan to give her. So when we got to the gate, I gave it to her. She was surprised, because she thought she had got nothing, but some food for her efforts. However, I asked her not to come back to my house. I hated doing that, but this reminded me of another bad experience I had, and I didn't want to see something like that happen again. But if I see her on the street again, I will gladly help her, because she is a friend to me, and a lost child of God. However, I didn't want to live in fear, so I prayed again after she left. God said, He was watching over me and not to worry. However, she walked just around the block from my house and waited there for a while. Then a little later she started to leave the area, but saw a Mexican man, that I knew, walking down the street. They talked briefly and then walked back to his house.

I believe God lead this young girl to me so that I could touch her life. We can't change them, only God. However, we can love and pray for them that they will eventually know His love and freedom and have their lives fully restored.

Anyway, when I went to save this story, and it ended up going to the documents that disappeared into the computer, when I tried to drag it to another location. I still don't know computers very well and I kind-of lost my cool for a moment, but decided just to trust God. So I ate my lunch and then went to a young man's house who spoke English, his name is Gerando, and knew computers. He is very nice and helped me to retrieve them. He also removed and helped with some other issues on the computer. Then he asked if I had a blog, because he saw it on my toolbar, so I showed him it and then he also became my 100^th friend on Facebook. My mistake turned into a blessing. So I gave him some money, even though he didn't want to take it, because we were friends. But I wanted to bless him and sow in some tangible way.

Another interesting thing has happened. For the past couple weeks the buses coming after 9pm have not been regular in San Carlos. And people, near my house, have waited for over two hours after getting off work. So I have used my van on several occasions to drive them to Guaymas. One night I had seven Mexican in my van, the three men could speak English. They laughed and talked with each. One small young man was sitting on the lap of another women which was okay with her. As I drove, I had a big smile on my face; it seem that I also have a bus ministry. Two time they have given me some money, one time after we left. But that's not the reason I do it. I love these people very much. Earlier, while we waited for the bus, one man who was drinking, asked me if I drank beer and I said no. Another man asked if I smoked pot. I said no. The bus had not come again so I drove them all home. The next day one of the men bought me a coke, because he said, “I was a good man”.

Jesus was a friend of sinners, drunkards, prostitutes and tax collector. I guess I'm wearing His shoes too.

God is working in mysterious ways to establish His Kingdom in the lives of Mexico. Sometimes it can be a little nerve racking, at first, but then His peace is always just a breath away.

Fools for Christ

Jephthah,was the ninth judge of Israel. He was a valiant warrior and was also the son of a prostitute. He also made a vow to God, that if the Lord were to give him the victory over their enemies, that he would offer anything that came out of his house, as a sacrifice unto the Lord. This appears to be a very foolish vow. Yet God takes what some men call foolish or a slip of the lip, and honors the man, by placing him in the Hebrew's Hall of Faith. The Lord knew Jephthah long before he was even born, and that one day he would be a great man despite a difficult life and childhood. What was Jephthah thinking when he made such a vow? We will never know, but he never dreamed it would be his daughter, but God knew. Yet he loved God so much and was grateful for all He had done for him, that he was willing to give anything to show his love and appreciation. And he showed it by still keeping his word, and offer his only child ,a daughter to the Lord. She was probable the joy of his life, because she also loved the Lord like her father. Jephthah's greatness and humility can also seen in his daughter's final request as she to was willing to give herself completely to the Lord, and forgo any hopes or dreams that she might have. Just as Abraham and Issac also had to do something similar. (Gen22:2-18)

The apostle Paul referred to himself as “a fool for Christ”. (1 Corth. 4: 10) Nothing matter more to him than to know Christ, and to preach the cross on which He die. He counted everything, including his "light" affliction as nothing compared to the glory set before him. That Glory is Jesus Christ, the Pearl of Great Price, the Prize at the end of the race; and Beloved of the Heavenly Father.

“Along the journey, the fire of God's love that begins to burn within, causes us to surrender the things that we lean on for fulfillment. We willingly submit them to His inner cleansing flame.” --John Crowder

As sons and daughters of the God, we have chosen to give up the things that were once precious to us in order to serve Christ, because He has become the most important thing and person in our life. He has become our All in all, everything is found in Him. Nothing can compare with His wonderful and endless love. The Lord always honors those who have made great sacrifices done in faith, even thought the world often considers them naive and foolish.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”--jim elliot

To Be or Not to Be

To Be or Not to Be; that is the question Shakespeare once asked. It is also the privilege and authority God is placing in the mouth's of His sons and daughters. We are His voice on earth to establish "Thy Kingdom come". If we want more of Christ's faith, power and authority seen on earth in the areas God has intrusted to us, then we must speak it into existence. If we don't want to see sickness, disease, poverty etc etc, then we kick that out. Over the past number of years The Heavenly Father has revealed more of His heart and what His desires are for His Bride, the Church. He also desires His sons and daughters to participate in establishing and creating what fits within the Kingdom and it's unlimited perimeters that extend into eternity.

”There’s a definition – this belongs in the Kingdom and that does not belong in the Kingdom. Does heart disease (apply other things here) belong in the Kingdom? If not, then kick its sorry ass out of the Kingdom! YOU set up a standard. YOU set up this and say, NO, NO FURTHER! You THROW OUT of the Kingdom and you PUT THIS IN the Kingdom. You want joy and faith and the power of YHWH and the Spirit of healing and prosperity in the Kingdom, but you DON’T want the Spirit of poverty, heart disease, diabetes and excuses in the Kingdom, then YOU define those things, says the Lord.”

(portion of a prophecy from Sheldon David)

As I thought more about this I realized that the Kingdom is in us as well as outside and around us. Therefore by faith, we should make sure that our words and proclamations apply to us as well. This should be obvious, but sometimes we have a tendency to separate ourselves from the reality of the Kingdom, and that we will always be a part Thy Kingdom Life.

Jesus said to his disciples, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Mat. 18:18-20)

 

It is Finished.



This last week I went to the United States for about five day. I needed to get my tourist visa renewed at the border town of Nogales, to stay in Mexico for another six months Then there is another Nogales just across the borderline where I did some banking, and also got a care package from my wife. There was two beautiful shirt, almonds, two pounds of her delicious fudge, and some other things. I spent the night in my van next to a Mac Donald’s, where I could get WiFi, and I cheese burger still for a buck. It was also October 31 and all the children coming in were in costume. I really wonder how long it will take to see this holiday meet its end. After a walk, I went to bed, and got to see the sunrise from my van. I thought of all the mornings I used to see them when I lived in my van. I had mixed feelings about that, but it's still nicer to have a house. Then I went to Tucson to go to Costco and a Dollar Store to stock-up on some things that are not found in Mexico or a lot cheaper, including gasoline. I also bought some things for friends who had given me money for Costco items. Gasoline has gotten more expensive in Mexico, ever since I got there, it has never come down, just keeps getting higher and higher.

While I was in Tucson I stayed at Jerry's house, my landlord, for two nights. He fixed most of my meals except the first night, when his wife fixed a lovely dinner. It was a large beautiful house and there was a guest house add to the side with a large flower and desert garden that was walled-in, and his mother-n-law lives there. Jerry and I went to church the next morning. I had never been to a church quit like it. During the song service there was a worship team singing with colored lighting and strobes swaying. And the lead singer and guitarist was the minister, who was about fifty and Mexican. The church held about a thousand and they had two services. And all the electricity for the buildings were supplied by solar panels roofing that also provided shade to cars in the parking lot. The message was on faith from the book of Hebrews, and I had just been talking to Jerry about faith earlier that morning. This was definitely a grace church, and there were many young people and adults of all ages. Some even brought in their coffee espressos. I believe that wherever I go I'm to pray and so I did; that God would bless this pastor and church. The next morning before leaving Jerry shared some personal things and I prayed with him, that God would help him through some difficult circumstances, and that He was in control and will lead and guide him. Whatever the cost may be, His love will sustain him and after all, Christ is the most important thing.

I stayed back in Nogales again Monday night, did laundry and spent most of my American money I had withdrawn and bought a few more things and topped off my gas tank again. It was getting cold that night and by the next morning it was 36 degrees and ice was on my windshield. Burrrrr.

I had a nice quite drive, and a van with a lot of food. I cleared the border early that morning, without being stopped. But eventually, I felt I was to help some one with a ride. So I cleared the passenger seat and put it back on my bed with the other stuff. Then when I came to the next town I saw a old woman and a young girl needing a ride. So I stopped and help then in and had the girl sit on the ice chest that was between the two front seats. They spoke no English, and the girls name was Martha; she was ten and had two brothers. I gave them some snacks and we listen to my worship music for over an hour. Then I let them out in the next big town and told them God loved them very much. Then on the other side of town I saw another couple at the side of the road. This time it was a mother and her son, but spoke no English. We drove for over an hour and listened to music on a Mexican radio stations this time. I was just about five miles from San Carlos, and they were going another direction. The women had no husband and I told her is Spanish, God loved her and He was her husband, and God would be a father to her son. And He loved them both very much.

It was 85 degrees at 1:30pm, and I was back in San Carlos. I unloaded my van and mover my bed mat back into the house, hung my clothes and fixed lunch. That night I when to see my friends at the taco stand and give them bags of chocolate treats, I had bought at Costco. They thanks me and gave me big hugs and then they fixed me a hotdog, and gave me a Sprite to drink. Then Ana told me through her friend Allissia, that she had another friend whose son had tried to cross the border illegally this last weekend, and was injured in the confrontation and was now in the hospital. She wanted me to pray for him; so I took her and Allissia's hand and prayed. I prayed for forgiveness; regardless of his intention, for healing and complete restoration to the Father who loves him and his mother so much. Then they thanked me again and gave me big hugs and said, I love you. Wow, this is what life is all about. Loving God, and serving others, with His love, whenever He gives us the opportunity. Sometimes we even need to be looking along the roadway.

As I walked back to my house, I was so happy about the day, but then I began to wonder what else I could or should have done or prayed. Then God told me, it doesn't really matter what you say or do sometimes, because I know your heart and you mine and My will. Be assured Israel, it is done like you wanted and more, because it is finished.”

I don't know about others, but I want to keep walking and talking in the “it is finish.” What an awesome privilege God has given all His sons and daughters. Amen!