Remember

There are many times throughout the Bible where God has told His children to "remember" what he said or had done. The children of Israel were often told to do things to remind them to remember what He had done. There were feasts and Holy Festivals to remind them. and were also commanded to tell their children the reasons behind them. Plus, there were altars, one in the middle of the Red Sea and also on the shore to remind them to remember what he had done there. The same was said by Jesus on the passover meal on His last night with His disciples. He said, "Do this in remembrance of me." And so we do this to remember His sacrifice and what He also told them, that whatsoever we asked He and the Father would do it. Jesus said we are one with Him and the Father. Plus, the scripture also says, "By His stripes we are heals." All those words are promises we are to remember. This past week Jason felt God was telling him that He wanted us, His children, to remember all His promises. That God intends to fulfill everyone, even the ones we have forgotten, because He has never forgotten His promises. But what about those who can't remember things. This is so wonderful for all of us, including some who have friends, family or loved ones who have lost their memory due to sickness and disease or injuries. Just because they can't remember, does not mean that God doesn't. And I believe because of that we are going to see the power of God and His faithfulness to all those who are a part of His family and.for generations to come. Miracles are coming, many millions of miracles around the world. And not just for those who have lost their memory. If God has said something to us it's as good as a promise, because God always keeps His word and it will not return void. His word is His bond and is living and active creating what is not seen into that which is seen for the fulfilment of His Kingdom here on earth, when He said, "It is finished," and it was. There is hardly a week that goes by that I remind myself of those things He has personally said to me or from the Bible. From the time I get up to start my day or when I go to sleep at night He is always on my mind. I am in His care and He loves me more than I can understand or imagine. And because because He promises, I will declar restore to all who are in need, because I too remember That it is His hearts desire. Therefore, I will see what He has promised, because He always remember. and He also wants us to do the same. REMEMBER.!!!

Christmas Time

I wrote this many years ago when I was in Mexico, but it is still worth repeting. -->Well it’s Christmas time again, and most of the world is very busy doing their last minute shopping preparing for the biggest Holiday of the year, even in Peru, except for the poor people. So why do people celebrate Christmas? Well, many people would probably say, because it’s the day they celebrate Jesus birthday. Others would say it a great day to celebrate whatever you believe, as many others religions now do during this particular holiday season, but call it a different name. Most see Christmas as a time to be with friends and family along with a lot of good traditions, including Santa Claus and candy canes and lots of delicious home cooking, plus giving presents or helping others, including oneself. After all they feel they deserve something too. Do you?
 

If you ask Christians why they celebrate the 25^th of December, Christmas Day, they would say, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” It all seems to be tied somehow to the nativity story in the Bible. But if you ask them, if they really believed it was Jesus’ birthday they would probably say, “No, but it could have been.” Plus, it a great excuse for having fun and singing songs for nearly a month along with all the Christmas music playing in stores starting the day after Thanksgiving, along with colored light and all kinds of decorations on display or to purchase for around houses, buildings or on street post and even the town squares city park. It’s a time they get together with friends and family they haven’t see in a week or two or longer. 

I used to celebrate Christmas too, big time. But as I got to know Jesus better I found it harder to really see Christ all the religious activity. Then there was the deception, greed and self indulgence that I saw taking place even in church with very little thought about God or the poor on this man-made holiday with all its tradition. It grieved me until I finally repented of the whole mess many years ago.

As sons of Light to the world, where in the Bible does it tell us to honored or celebrated Jesus birthday? Obviously someone came up with the idea a long time ago and this religious idea has spread though out world with the help of sermons, songs, novels and movies until it has become the largest man-made religious holiday that most of world celebrates, being reinforced with billions of greeting cards. But it’s still not one of God’s Holy Days. 

 

Many non-Christians have also added their own twist to the whole mess, including songs of white Christmas, flying reindeers and live snowmen and much more. Billions of dollars are spent each year on advertizing to keep this Holiday alive and well, so they can still make more money. So when did this all begin and why? 

Christmas means, Christ mass, it was started around eleventh century and is roots are found in pagan worship and the festival of winter solstice and their gods. The Christian became jealous of their celebration so the decided to have their own, by making the 25th the birthday of Jesus and add some of their traditions. Pagans at that time were the only ones to celebrate birthdays, and that was the beginning of Christmas. 

Today, many ministers realize this is true, but still chose to ignore or really don’t care about how it was started. They choose to compromise the truth in favor of doing what everyone has come to love and enjoy, because it makes everyone feel good and brings people into church this time of year. Many think there is really nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas. But then Eve didn't think it was wrong until she ate the fruit from the forbidden tree, just because it looked good. She also believed the serpent’s lies rather than obeying God. There are many others lies that Christians still believe. However, most Christians today wouldn't even consider not celebrating Christmas; it's just unthinkable, even ungodly. Plus, a minister could lose their license, or be removed from his church for even suggesting such a thing as no Christmas. Your friends and family would probably start ignoring you, thinking you've lost your mind. And so this religious holiday lives on. All because religious leader refuse to admit they are wrong or the courage to tell the truth. 

The simple love of the Heavenly Father and His Holy Days found in Christ just doesn’t seem to be enough for many people, but that will change. In the Kingdom of God there is no such day as Christmas or Easter, just passionate lovers of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Yet for those whose hearts are still tied to the Kosmos and its pleasures still enjoy talking and looking at a baby in a manger. Yet, when our focus is turned toward the exalted Lord Jesus Christ, all those others things lose their power and allure; and then Abba Father gets all the praise and glory.

Light of the World

Last week I woke up one morning and went to turn on the light, because there were no windows in my room, but nothing happened, I flipped the switch again but there was still no light. So I checked the bulb to see if it was loose or burned out, but nothing happened so I opened the door and went to the kitchen where there are windows and tried the light switch there but still no light. I realized then that the power to the area was down. This was no big deal, but the first time it had happened here in Lima, Peru. In other countries where I have been it would often happen, but usually only for a short time before it came back on or in a few hours. So I decided to go to my dark room and leave the door open to let the morning light from the kitchen window to give me some light in my room. I also wanted something to eat that would limit my use of the refrigerator. Then I sat down to my laptop only to find out that the internet was down also. Bummers, okay this wasn't a disaster or the end of the world, I would just wait it out and read my Bible in the kitchen. Besides this was nothing compared to what so many others around the world have suffered with not only the loss of power, but also their homes, cars and and sometimes where they worked, because of some disaster that struck their neighborhood or city. So I decided to take a long walk to declare more area for the Kingdom of God. When I got back to my apartment the electricity was back on and I had lights. But this article is not about the problems caused by weather conditions, fires, or earthquakes.or other such things that so many people have suffered through. However,I know the answer to all those problems. In the beginning God said, "Let the be Light" and in that moment He created His son Jesus. And then with Jesus they created the rest of the world and all that is in it, plus the whole universe. And His words are still creating, even through His words from His sons and daughters to bring forth the finished work of the cross, when Jesus cried out "It Is Finished" and it was. In God's realm there is no time only for us earthling. However, God has given His sons and daughters the authority over everything by making us One with Him in Christ. And therein lies the problem that most Christian don't understand. Many ministers today are talking about bad days ahead, or the rapture, or trying to be a better and loving person, and to forgive, but totally forget who God made you to be in Him. They often focus on the problem of this world when God intended for Him and us to be the answer.Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." (John 1:9) and there is no darkness in Him, only light. Then He told the people, "You are the light of the world," ( Mt.5:14). We are the light of the world also, just as Jesus Christ is, and that is hard for many to understand. He said, "I Am the Light of the world". But what does that mean and how do we do that? The scripture says,"Now you are Light in the Lord," (Eph.5:8) "Walk as children of Light for the fruit of the Light consist in all righteousness and truth trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in unfruitful deed of darkness, but instead even expose them...But we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another," (1 John 7) Those scripture give us a starting point, of how we should live. The authority we have and the inheritance waiting for us, is at our fingertips, not someday in the future when we get to Heaven. We are on this earth for just a short time, so in the meantime make the most of it by walking in the Light and be the Light, so let and your LIGHT shine. That Light force dwelling in us should compel us by His love to bring forth more light is the lives of others that are still lost and in darkness Spend intimate time waiting in the presence of Chrrist and leet His light fill every corn of your heart and then let it spill out to other."Let your light shine so the others will see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.(Mt.5:16) Here are some more scriptures that show us how we are to live. Letting Your Light Shine Ephesians 5:8 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 1 Peter 2:9-12 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Luke 8:16 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. John 1:9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ... Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Psalm 127:1-5 A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Matthew 5:1-48 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ... 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 1 Peter 4:1-19 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ...

Friendship

"In the beginning God said...then a little later the Lord said, " It was not good for man to be alone." I'm going to approach this passage of scripture a little differently from what we are used to hearing about "a mate". After God created man they walked togethed in the cool of the day in the Garden of Eden for who knows how long. What Adan did during that time when God wasn't there the Bible does not say. I'm sure there was a lot of things to see and do and eat as he roamed the garden and named everything God created, including speech. Adam was also alone with no one else like him, but at the end of the day he got to spend time with God, his Father and creator. This was the way it was always meant to be, but in the meantime God had other plans that would help man not be so alone on his journey through life. God always intended for there to be others, not just Adam to enjoy His creation. So it began with a wife for him and then some children to make a family and to populate the earth with many more children. After our birth most of us were nurtured by our parents, to receive love, comfort and support through some form of touch and communication. As we got older and more independent we developed relationships with others outside our physical family that added to our knowledge and experiences in life. This would often happen through social community and then some form of education and schooling, if not from our parents. As we got older most of us moved away from home by whatever means we could afford, to see what life was more about apart from the sources we first learned at home. In that process we developed acquaintances and friendship with other people of similar interest, in most cases, but not always. Those friendships could last for a long time, but in many cases they didn't last all that long or forever. In my own life I was raised by Christian parents along with church life, but I still didn't really know God very well, even though I gave my life to Him. I read my Bible, even went to Bible College for four years. In the process I made a number of friends but they had very little influence on my life until I got married, but even then something was still missing--a longing in my soul. Until I turned almost 40 and then Father God stepped into my life, when He said, "It now or never," I told Him how much I need Him, but also that I needed someone to help me along the way, because I didn't want to mess up my life any more than I already had and failed so many times. As I waited on God, prayed and read my Bible alot more. Then a year later, I met Sheldon at an art show in Portland, Oregan. He became the help God knew I needed. And in the years that followed we developed a special friendship that would last forever. We did many things together and I learned so much from his words of wisdom, prophecies and the examples of living out a life that put Christ first.  Even now since I have left America on a mission with God, Sheldon and I stay in touch with each other.  And he will always be my special friend, because he showed me what it was to be a true friend was and to others and most of all to God. Since coming to South America God has blessed me with a number of friends who have really helped me and that He also wanted to bless too, and for many generations to come. But those friendships were very short lived, because I moved on, but I till stay in touch with them through emails. But those friendships never really got to develop into a meaningful relationship, but that's okay because God is always with me. In the Bible the word "friend" implies a covenantal relationship with others and God who spend a lot of time with each other. It is a bond that is meant to be for life and even eternal. The first time we saw this type of friendship was with Abraham, and his three Amorite friends who were called allies that fought with him against the five kings in order to save his nephew Lot and his family. Then he met Melchizedek, and that became an instant bonding for the two men. Later on in the Bible we saw Moses with Joshua by his side, who was like a son to him, that would be the next leader of the Israelites to lead them into the Promised Land forty years later. However, after many more years the children of Israel chose to do what was right in their own eyes, so God raised up judges and prophets who were to rule and show the ways of God. But these prophets were often despised, rejected and loner. Yet God often provided a special friends, male and females, to help them in their time of need and/or support. Then came the true Promise Land, Jesus Christ in the form of a baby boy, who was nurtured by his parents and raised in the Hebrew traditions that were meant as God's example for all the world. But things were changing right before their eyes. As Jesus grew older he stepped away from all those traditions and became the Way to Father God. And in the process he chose twelve men to be His disciples, then trained them by His teaching and examples and they called Jesus their Lord and Master. However, they were eventually called Apostles. But before Jesus left them He told them that "No greater love as a man than to lay down his life for a friend," then gave them a last command, that they love one another as He loved them and that He no longer called them slaves for a slave does not know the master's wishes, but "I call you friends, if you do what I command you." (John 15:13-17). Abraham, Moses and Job were also called friends of God. And I can't think of a more wonderful or beautiful expression than to be referred to as a "friend of God." except for maybe, "son". I will never forget the night that I heard God call me "friend" which happen over ten years ago. He even spelled it out to me and said, "You are my friend, F.R.I.E.N.D."  Wow, it left me speechless and honored. Today as always and forever, Jesus Christ is my best friend, who has always been there for my strength and love and everything else that I need. Plus, He is my faithful Friend to all His words and promises, and it's what keeps me going from day to day, and every morning I wake up. It is also my heart's desire for everyone to know Jesus Christ intimately above all others, seeking Him first and to be known as "Friend of God".

Communion Pt. Two

Last week when Jason mentioned they would be having communion that Friday night during the Zoom meeting I was not totally surprised, because God has been speaking to my heart that things were changing. One thing that was different for me was that my landlord was gone most of the time leaving me alone in his house to hear God's heart better. Another thing had to do with Donald Trump winning the election a few weeks ago, though that also was a big part of it. Everytime I come to a new country things are different from what I hoped or expected. But, there was a song that kept going through my mind was "We shall behold Him," which I then played every night on my laptop along with several other worship songs, before going to bed for the past two weeks, because I believed He wanted me to sow that into my mind and spirit. God is full of surprises and I believe this next one is going to be a doozy not just for me, but also for the world.  God desires to have communion with all his children in one form or another. Communion is eating and drinking Christ on a daily basis for Him alone. In the days and years to come He is going to take us to another level.where some people will have a face to face meeting with Jesus Christ, I hope to be one of them, even though I have seen Him in dreams many times. We are entering the Kingdom Age, the Age of the Father, a new paragium that will be like nothing we have ever seen before.  The last night that Jesus walked the roads of Jerusalem and shared the Passover Feast with His disciples in a room that was prepared for them. Jesus stated that it was something He had longed for. It all started off with a meal and communion. Jesus reached over and took some unleave bread and broke it, gave thanks and then passed it to His disciples. Then told them "Take, eat this is My body" and then He took a cup of wine and gave it to them, saying "Drink from it all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins...do this in remembrance of me." The disciple all drank from it not understanding what all meant, because He told them to and they obeyed. Then Jesus got up from the table and retrieved a basin of water and a towel and began to wash and dry His disciples feet, Again they didn't understand and Peter even began to argue with Him, but eventually he let Jesus proceed as He started to explain, but they still had a difficult time understanding even though He told them that when the Holy Spirit comes they would understand better. But they didn't even know who or what that was. Then Jesus gave a discourse before leaving the room that ended with a high priestly prayer that would become the bedrock of the Christian Faith. After His prayer, He led them to the Garden of Gethsemane where He then prayed again for three hour, on His face before God. There, Jesus surrendered to the cup His Father placed before Him. But still the disciples didn't understand what was happening or why because they all fell asleep even after being warned by Jesus to watch and pray.Then Judas came with guards and soldiers and kissed Jesus before He was bound and led away to the high priest's house, and then to the governor, Pilate, who surrendered Him to the will of the people and eventually to the cross which He had to carry up a distant hill called Golgotha. So many people followed Him including some of His disciples, but they still didn't understand why this was all happening even though Jesus tried to explain several times, but it didn't make any sense to them. There on that rugged cross Jesus forgave mankind all their sins, healed everyone, and then He died and was buried. But His disciples still didn't understand until three days later when the most incredible resurrection event took place and Jesus rose from that grave, and then met Him face to face again in a locked room. Unfortunately, today many Christian, just like the disciple back then, don't fully understand God's plan or intention for their lives, even though they have a Bible that lays it out for them. But it takes more than having one and reading it. It takes a seeking heart, passion and a spirit to receive revelation knowledge that God shares with those who love Him with all their heart and have developed an intimate relationship with Him. However, I believe there will be some situations, when God just steps in and knocks people off their donkey, just like Saul. and opens their eyes to see the Truth and God's real inheritance for them that is avaible to them now. Instead of relying religious beliefs, rapture mindset and stubborn hearts that still seek pleasure of this world. What Jesus Christ did that special weekend nearly 2000 years ago,  opened the door to a paradigm, and a foundation that would become the Church Age on the day of Pentecost and it all began with communion with His disciples. Today we are entering another season, one of resurrection that I believe started when Donald Trump was shot, went down, and then rose up again with a shout "Fight, Fight, Fight." It was a sign and message from a faithful loving God. In this season where we will take a stand against the the true enemy and also see more resurrections and many more miracles than ever before. There are so many sons and daughters today who are still bound and blind by satan's lies and deceptions, and  in sickness and infirmities, mental issues and financial problems and depts, and trapped in spiritual caves who need to be set free by the power of God. Today, we are now seeing a new paradigm that was prophesied through Sheldon,David called the Kingdom Age or the Age of the Father that will change the world forever.  This is happening even now, through Abba Father and His sons and daughters who are one in and with  Him, because they have laid down their self-life, live by His faith and are declaring the Kingdom of Heaven on earth as it is in Heaven, by the power of His Word through our lips. All this to the Glory of God because everything is by Him, for Him and through Christ. Then everyone will truly see and understand because their eyes and ears are open and they will know true freeedom, and have daily communion (eating and drinking Him) and be taught by the Lord God himself. Then the whole world and every nation will give Him praise and glory and honor for all eternity, because we are all one family. And it all began with a few disciples having Communion with God.

Communion, Part 1

Last Friday night I had communion with my friends on Zoom back in Vancouver, Washington. It was the first time I had done this since leaving America to serve the Body of Christ around the world. The last time I had communion was over a year ago the day I left America with a few other brothers in Christ, Sheldon, Jason and Ed. I had asked Sheldon if we could do this the day before leaving, and he said he would pray about it, and that was fine by me. The reason I asked was it would probably be my last time to have communion with them, or anyone else for a long time. The next morning when Ed arrived to get my van that I was giving him, since Jason would be driving me to the airport. While Ed was there at Sheldon's house, all four of us had communion together. It was a very special time to me, because communion should be something very special to all Christians. Since coming to South America, I have gone to a number of churches here, two Catholics and two Mormon ones. The first one was a Catholic one that I attended every week for six month, and they serve communion every Sunday. But I never participated even though it was offered to me. The reason for that is that communion is to be shared by those who have the same faith that I have, because it is a Holy covenant to be shared with those who have the same belief that was established by Jesus Christ. Millions of Christian around the world have communion in their churchs according to their teachings, some once a week and others on the third Sunday of the month, some have it with wine and others with grape juice and the Mormans use water, and there were many different forms of bread or crackers. However, most if not all of them don't follow the example Jesus and His apostles set and that is very important, because we are warned of certain dangers by the Apostle Paul, when we do not follow their example set by God. Though it seems that many ministers don't agree with them and have sadly established their own traditions that have become more or less a habit than having a real heart to follow Jesus Christ, or lead by His Holy Spirit, who set the example to love Father God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Who in the end was willing to lay down His life for all mankind on a Roman cross to save us from our sins and open the door to the Father's heart, love and embrace for all eternity. When Christian share communion in their church, they are bringing themselves into a covenant with everyone else regardless of what they believe or do, including all their sins, even sexual ones, in that church denomination or organization. Which in truth, are all man-made and were never established by God, even though they believe they are. Why? Because they don't take the time to read that historical background, or have the heart to search out the truth for themselves in a prayer before God on their knees. It is just easier for them to follow other people's examples, because they believe they must be right in their faith and actions and all the degrees from biblical education and instations. Besides, not that many people (millions and billions) can't be wrong, can they? But then so were many democrats in this last election. But the times are changing and we are entering a new age, the golden age, and the Age of the Father.