Saying Goodbye to Ishmael

Can you imagine what it must have been like for Abraham to say goodbye to his first son, Ishmael? Ishmael was still a young lad. And for thirteen years he was Abraham's only child. A son Abraham thought God had intended for him. He watched his child grow, learn to walk and talk; he believed that one day Ishmael would become a mighty nation. Abraham also taught him how to worship and about his experiences with God, also about the promises God had made to him. Abraham loved Ishmael very much and was looking forward to building a future with him at his side. And for thirteen years Abraham thought he had fulfilled God's will.

Then one day God told Abraham that Ishmael was not the son he had planned for him. The promised son would come through his wife Sarah, and not through the bondslave leased to him by his wife. Ouch, that must have really hurt, but God didn't condemn him. The pain he felt was nothing in comparison to what he would go through a few years later.

One day Sarah saw something about Ishmael that upset her. And so she complained to Abraham about "your son" Ishmael and his mother, and told him to get rid of them. She didn't want Ishmael to have any part in her son's inheritance. (Genesis 21:9-14.) This distressed Abraham greatly, but that night God indicated to him that it was time for Abraham to say goodbye to Ishmael. I'm sure the Patriarch thought somehow his two sons would grow up together, then sometime in the future they would go their separate ways; but not now. However, God told him to do whatever his wife told him.

Abraham's next step could have been as hard as leaving his household in Haran. He was cutting off his own flesh and blood, his first born son. He was also cutting off any dreams they might have shared together. In fact those events seemed huge, almost drastic if not for the promises of God. The actions the next morning were unthinkable, and the emotions between father and son were unimaginable. But, Abraham obeyed God.

Ishmael was rejected by God because he was the work of Abraham's flesh, and not of the will of God. There have always been people who have built their dreams on sheer human effort. Some use their gifts, talents, money, muscles or brainpower to build their dreams and castles. And for the most part much of what they have built appears to be successful. This lifestyle is normal for people who don't know Christ.

It's unfortunate that this also applies to many Christians and ministers, past and present, who have mostly, through ignorance, given birth to "Ishmaels." Many careers, possessions, ministries and even some marriages have been "birthed" by human effort, and not faith. Many Christians mistakenly eat from the good side of the Tree of Knowledge, because they're not listening or obeying God. They want something or they do something for God, all with good intentions and sincere hearts, believing God approves of their actions. (I've done the same thing.) They often proceed prematurely into a profession, a calling or even a relationship, without waiting on God. And they usually end up with everything from "burn-outs," false kingdoms, and sometimes even broken marriages. It comes down to a matter of human desire verses the will of God.

Just because a Christian has a successful job or business, an expensive house and car, or a big church or ministry, doesn't mean that it was the will of God. Most of what we have seen in Christianity today has come from human striving and efforts to achieve them, and not from works of faith and feasting from the Tree of Life. The works of the flesh will always benefit someone, sometimes even the public.

We are to trust and obey God by faith, waiting on his timing. Then we will see the fruit of His promises. He will also tell us when it's time to move or let go, at least if our hearts are toward Him. The outcome will be beyond anything we could imagine. Our visions and goals should come from what God can do. What people think is important is often vain or minuscule compared to God's plans, because He thinks in terms of eternity and so should we.

Every one of us has made choices we thought were right, just like Abraham did with the birth of Ishmael; choices that seemed logical at the time, even thinking it was the will of God because of circumstances, but it wasn't at all the will of God. It is true that only time will tell whether our works will pass the test of God's fire. (I Cor.3:10-14). And other times we will see it come to ruin by people's own devices. My desire is to follow God's heart and do what He wants by waiting on his timing and not mine.

A year and nine months ago I left Eastern Washington to follow God. I went another direction than I had ever thought possible. Last month I told my wife that it was not God's plan for me to move back to our house. It was now part of the past and not the future. A few days ago I took another step and called my son-in-law. I told him that we would not be moving back to our house, which they are now living in since we are in an apartment in Vancouver, Washington. Then I added that they could live in the house as long as they wanted. I also stated that following Jesus Christ can sometimes be inconvenient and other times it can be very costly. But, I'm going to follow him, no matter what the cost, and he understood. I don't know where we will live or go after this, but I believe we'll be ready.

As I write this article I hope you understand that I wasn't only leaving material things, but was leaving close family ties, also my hopes and dreams that I once thought were God's. For many years I thought we would minister to the people in our city and county from our home and a large art studio both built by faith. Our house and studio could be seen from the freeway. We named of our place Shiloh. I painted a large Shiloh sign on the front of the studio that was visible to those who drove by. The name Shiloh means, "to whom it belongs." And so it does, our family and everything we have belongs to Him. It's time for us to move on, and maybe our family will be the ones to minister from there. Whatever happens, our sacrifice will be worth it.

I'm not doing this to impress people or for the rewards promised in Mark 10:29-30, but for Jesus and for seeing others set free. There are costs and crosses in serving our Lord that have been demonstrated by all disciples of Jesus. My desire is to encourage all my brothers and sisters not to hold on to things, hopes or dreams that God might want to change, but instead to follow Jesus. Ask Him to reveal to you any possible Ishmael you may have, then be willing to say goodbye to them. Sometimes even what may have been the will of God in the beginning can change or be for just for a season. However, such a thing can become an Ishmael if we don't let go of it when God prompts us to do so. Such I believe was our situation; it was time to let go and reach for a bigger vision and dream. God wants to take us all to higher levels of faith, possibly different directions from what we once thought. You won't regret it. However, if it's not painful when you leave or let go of it, it was probably not an Ishmael.

Money Changers

Why did Jesus overturn the tables of money changers? The reason is as Jesus said, they had made the House of God a marketplace, a den of thieves. There have been many sermons preached regarding this passage. The outcome from their interpretations has lead to more severe holiness mindsets in some churches, with no business transactions at all. Others churches have turned to book sales, rummage sales, espresso bars (and the crazy report of the church that offered free beer on Super Bowl Sunday).

Today organized churches run like corporations with their CEO's back at their Bible-Belt headquarters, and their satellite-store managers standing behind the pulpits of their organization's small, medium, and large sized church facilities. Even the independent churches run pretty much the same. However, I believe there is a bigger issue at stake than organized religion, an issue that is the heart of the problem.

The "money changers" in the Bible were businessmen who operated small booths (trading posts) around and even in the Temple Court. They did business with the Israelite travelers coming from long distances to offer sacrifices at The Temple. And like any business today, location is paramount, the closer to the action the better. Most of the people probably didn't mind, because it made everything convenient. However, there was a service fee for this, of which the purchaser had little control. And like most people they grumbled; yet they would go along with the demands. They could not come before the Lord empty handed. But one day, Jesus rudely disrupted their business practices and abruptly stated that His Father's House was to be a place of prayer.

Remember, a House of Prayer. Jesus wasn't interested in animal sacrifices but something more. Any substitution for God's ways and intended purposes, is the robbing of God; even if the outward appearance seems right, but the heart is not right. This incident that displayed Jesus' anger is recorded two separate times in His ministry (this only goes to show they didn't learn from or understand his first reprimand). These money changers were stubborn and more interested in their money and their beliefs than in honoring God with a sacrifice from the heart. In Psalm 51, King David stated that God did not delight in animal sacrifices but with the sacrifices of "a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart."

Most organized churches today have become trading posts; you give them money and they provide you a service with entertainment, a since of security, and some fellowship. They enjoy seeing you and keeping you as a satisfied customers. They will give you every opportunity to serve and trade (do business) with them, every time the offering plate is passed for your participation. But, the Bible's examples and teachings emphasize that we are to tithe to godly people (Abraham gave this example) and give to the poor and needy with our tithes and offerings.

Many church buildings have become a "place of worship" in title alone. They are places that try to do business with God, some seem do better than others. But Jesus taught that we are His temple.

It is not the organized churches or the TV evangelists or the pastors that are the problem. The real problem is people and their hearts. We are the "money changers" if we support the system. We're the ones who try to negotiate a deal with God on what we are willing to do or give. We're the ones who resist the Holy Spirit's leading by not being led by him or obeying Him. We're the ones who compromise and shirk our responsibilities. We're the ones who refuse to humble ourselves and pray. We're the ones who usually follow people instead of Jesus. But, we're also the ones who can change all that. Unfortunately, most people don't want to change, just like the money changers in the Bible. It's our tables (our mindsets) that Jesus wants to overturn, so that we can see and hear Him correctly. Some of us have been like the servant in the Parable who went and buried his money out of fear. And others take the easy way out and let someone else make the decisions or do the work for them by simply putting money in an offering plate.

Most organized churches are just giving people what they think people want to hear. Something quick, but not very nutritional, something that doesn't cost much. Organized churches are a type of fast food restaurant or TV vending machine—something that is not very personal or sacrificial. For the most part, people are encouraged to put some money in and select what they want. And if enough people like what they get, they will stay in business. But, we don't have to be that way. We can change the way things are done by setting our eyes on Jesus. God has given each one of His children a choice, also something to invest their money, time and talents into, for the sake of the Kingdom of God. We can be responsible money changers and be pleasing to the Lord. We can change things—by repentance, humility and obedience. We can also invest our money, our love and our time the way God chooses. By listening to His voice and following Him we can be good and faithful money changers.

Note—In the next move of God we will see vast growth, "hot spots," where God's Spirit is moving; some of this will even spill into organized churches because there are many people there who love Jesus and are hungry for Him. However, there will always be limitations and controls that will hinder. These churches are often a great place for fellowship and worship, but they're not the pattern as seen in the New Testament.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad (wrong focus), your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 16: 19-23)

Happy Valentine?

Will you be my Valentine? This cute little phrase is being introduced to school children and is written in some form on a variety of greeting cards and gift items this time of year, to celebrate Valentine's Day. Where did this event originate and why is it so popular?

Roman Roots: The history of Valentine's Day is obscure, and further clouded by various fanciful legends. The holiday's roots are in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration founded by witchcraft, commemorated annually on February 15th, with human, goat and dog sacrifices. Eventually the Romans couldn't remember the Greek god's name so they changed it to one of theirs, Lupercalia, a she-wolf who was said to have suckled the twins Romulus and Remus. Then Pope Gelasius I, recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast-day circa 496, declaring February 14th to be Saint Valentine's Day, after several possible saint candidates by the name of Valentine. The pagan festival celebrated EROS love and the Christian feast celebrated AGAPE love.

Eros n. Greek Mythology —1: the Greek god of erotic love, son of Aphrodite— CUPID 2: the aggregate of life-preserving instincts that are manifested as to gratify basic needs (as sex) yearning, love, or desire

Unlike our English word "love," agape is not used in the Bible to refer to romantic or sexual love. Agape love is unique and is distinguished by its nature and character.

Now that we have answered my first question and a little more, let's deal with the second question: Why is Valentine's Day so poplar? Many people see it as something fun, emotional and sentimental, the giving of a card or small gifts expressing love to another person; but what kind of love?

Let's remember the origin of the festival. Nothing has changed its origins, just because people want to cover it up with sentimental ideas, change the name of it, or change the meaning to something else. There are hidden dangers that are spiritual, even when done in ignorance; things and habits that are contrary to the ways of God. The appeal also has to do more with the desires of the carnal nature; this is seen on two levels. The first is sex; the second is money. I realize that sex might seem to be a bit too harsh when some one's talking to children about Valentine's day. But, innocent children have always been the prey of perverse people and perverse minds. Something as simple as a card or candy has lured many children into harmful ways. And it all begins somewhere; and their little minds don't comprehend the complete implications of the practice or holiday. Their minds are fertile ground for seeds of perversion and lust that over the years will eventually blossom at the wrong times, bearing fruit in the wrong ways—as can be seen in our society. Unfortunately, sex and romance are also strong selling points through advertising and entertainment companies. Which lead us to the second level: money.

Most man-made holidays pander to the pocket books of the public, some more than others. The more "hip," the more money they will make off people, and it seems more people are willing and even glad to oblige. More engagement rings are sold in February, as to be given on Valentine's Day, than any other holiday—not to mention red roses, chocolates, and candlelight dinners. People often feel obligated to the other person because of some expectation of the other person or because of society. All this has little to do with true love.

If your boyfriend or husband doesn't do something for you on February 14th, this doesn't necessarily mean he loves you less or not at all. At least it shouldn't. Love should be demonstrated every day, sometimes in ways that are not even seen; the giving and the sacrifice that some make to maintain a relationships is often difficult.

One should live out of relational commitment, and not from the emotions or the pressures of traditions from man-made events as to create a false sense of security. Many of those feelings are here today and gone tomorrow. And often the only thing left are vain and sad memories, faded photographs and some wilted roses (perhaps some weight gain too, because you might not feel loved the way you want to be loved, or you're unable to forgive when you feel used, cheated or robbed). Love needs to be stronger than any of that, or it isn't really love at all. And if your partner's only recourse is, "If you love me, you will do this or that," well, I guess it isn't love they're really looking for, but a false sense of security or power that will never be satisfied.

A husband should not feel obligated to meet every expectation or say yes to everything a wife wants or feels she needs. The husband should be in an vibrant and real relationship with Jesus, and should be sensitive to the wife's true needs and desires. The wife should look to Jesus, yet be humble enough and honorable enough to see Jesus in her husband. Both should have their eyes on Jesus. There should never be fears or jealousy between each other because their trust is to be in God to meet their needs, even the emotional ones that seem forgotten at times. Jesus is all we really need at any time, not just on special days.

There are those who see nothing wrong with celebrating Valentine's Day, just as they seen nothing wrong with Christmas or Easter. One should feel giddy and privileged to show and demonstrate how much they enjoy one another. I don't disagree with those actions, but not because of a pagan festival! Again, the Bible forbids mixture and the worship of foreign gods and man-made traditions. Our focus as Christian should be on Jesus Christ and His Holy Days, and not on one another. Many people don't realize that much of their emotions are carnal, founded on the world system's dictation and exploitation of them. A spouse should never feel obligated to demonstrate their love on special days established by man or the world-system.

In the Kingdom of God, love flows naturally from pure hearts. Jesus never went around and told people that he loved them; He showed love by the faithfulness and commitment to God first and then to others; He also taught his disciples to do the same. In the New Testament, many women loved Jesus and he loved them too; but not the same as carnal men would. He never told any of them to come back and see him privately. Yes, he was a bachelor, but he never let his human desires and emotions rule His life. Even though he laughed and wept at times, his heart was always tied to the heart of the Father (including the Father's emotions). Our heart should also embrace His heart. Again, Jesus is all we really need at any time, not just on special days.

Many women and men have been deceived by carnal holidays, just as Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden, with Adam following. They both believed the lies, and as a result they both lost sight of their one true love; and that relationship was broken—it was never the same after that. Oh, how that must of hurt both them and God. I look foreword to the day when all hearts will be restored, all being taught by the Lord again. He alone is God, and all mankind will have to forsake all their shameful gods along with their holidays.

God has put within the heart of mankind the desire for worship, adventure, romance and partying—and especially partying. That is why He established many celebratory Feast and Holy Days. People were meant to get together out of love for God and love for one another, having fun playing, camping, eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, singing, praying, and worshiping. Even as couples, friends, and family, we are meant to demonstrate our love in many ways, including the giving of gifts. These gifts can be simple, lavish or sacrificial, but they should never be conditional or given expecting something in return. It is also best if not done out of some obligation or because of some man-made reason. However, we should never feel limited to just Bible Holy Days, but allow the Holy Spirit to guide your heart to do special things for those you love. You can even make plans together or make it a surprise, just as God does with us.

The Bible, God's Memoirs

Do you have a passion for the Word of God? Is the Bible something you want to read, or do you find yourself making excuses or ignoring it? Do you read it only when you feel guilty or have some church obligation? It is amazing how the enemy satan and our flesh has seduced many of us into neglecting the most important book in our lives. The Bible contains and is the Words of Life. When we neglect it we are in essence choosing death. That places things in a whole different light, doesn't it? The Bible tells us the reason why we are here, how to live, and the answers to solve all the problems we will face. Yet, many people seem to be looking to other sources for help and information.

A number of years ago I knew a man who attended the same church we did; he once boasted that he had finally read the whole Bible—as if that were some great accomplishment or he now knew all he needed to know about it. Another time there was a neighbor who asked me to read to him. I told him I would only read the Bible to him. He had studied the Bible some and could quote numerous passages, but chose to ignore the Truths within it, and considered it of lesser value compared to other books from other religions. It was no surprise to me why he was going blind. No other book offers such an intimate relationship with the author.

Yet, I know many Christians who will sit and read fiction novels one after another, or whenever they have a spare moment, but they don't give the Bible the same consideration. Not to mention the amount of time many waste watching TV or playing video games or doing other things. Where has our value and hunger for the Word of God gone? What other book gives such insights to the power of prayer, faith or a relationship with the Heavenly Father? Or the principles of life and community?

Most people don't really understand the importance of the Word of God, including many ministers. The apostle Paul cautioned Timothy, a young minister, "...that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than of God, holding to the form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who... (are) always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (II Tim. 3:2-7). "But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." (II Tim. 3:13). Wow, that was a mouthful; but it does explain a lot of the problems or reasons for many people's lack of interest in the Bible. Then Paul instructs young Timothy to, "...continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Tim. 3:14-15). Note: Paul here emphasizes discerning the source of your information.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for ever good work." (II Tim. 3:16)

Back to my original question. Do you have a passion for God's Word? If we really love God and have a desire to know him, we should spend a lot more time with Him in prayer, fasting, and in His Word. You can often recognize godly people by their actions—what they do and the way they talk or speak. I know of another man who can best illustrate this. He has spent hours in prayer, read the Bible seven times through in one year, many times in other years; one time he read it through in one week; he also typed the whole New Jerusalem Bible into his computer (before software); he has read over twenty translations, other times he covered his walls with key scripture verses, sleeps with his Bible next to him, and seeks to see and understand the scriptures from God's perspective and not just man's. He also fasted regularly. Now that is what I call a passion for God's Word. The late John Lake walked 20 miles into the jungles of Africa to preach The Word, and back out every Sunday for over a year. I'm sure you have heard of other godly men with such passion. But, these men were no different than you or me. Yet, they just chose to make Jesus Christ and His Word the center and focus of their lives. As a result, the Heavenly Father desires to communicate with such people and display His miraculous power through them.

Now I don't expect everyone to be that passionate. (Passion usually has a lot to do with the call on one's life.) However, it should not be an excuse or a reason to neglect the Bible the way many have. However, if you want to really know God and the power of His Word, there is only one way: spend more time in it and with its author. Smiths Wigglesworth was a powerful man of God who claimed the Bible was the only book he ever read. If we want and expect to see the power of God working in and through us, we need to sit down and get plugged into The Bible, God's memoirs.

Moving On

Yesterday, I took another step by leaving the little church I've been attending for the last year and a half. God has wanted me to continue to take steps toward my future, steps away from organized church was one of the steps. For the past couple of months I have been taking more steps of faith. I knew this day was coming, and was actually looking forward to it, even though I will miss the people at the church. I did say goodbye to some of them and told the Pastor I was moving on with God, saying I might be back for visits. I gave no further explanation and added that I appreciated his love for the people; I also said that I would pray for all of them. He looked a little surprised, but didn't ask any questions. I did tell him that my wife would probably continue attending. I already knew the Pastor's views on organized church, so instead of confronting him I kept it simple. I believed God wanted me to be gracious in my departure, and I will let God do the correcting in His time and His ways.

I talked to my wife a couple months ago about God's desire for me to leave the little church, and his reasons. Since then I attended fewer meetings while she still went to church. She has decided to continue going for the time. That's her choice and that is fine with me. The people of the church love her and me, and told me they would miss me. When I told them goodbye, I simply added that it was God's will for me to move on. I gave no further reasons—but a couple of people knew my heart and understood a little more.

Sometimes as Christians we need to close the doors to the past before the doors to the future open up. Just like the children of Israel leaving the wilderness—crossing the Jordan River at flood stage and heading for the promised land—the river didn't part until the priests took their "steps" and touched the river's edge. I think I feel a little bit like what some those priest must have felt.

However, this was not the first time I stopped "going to church." In 1994, I departed the church for eight years to get to know God better—I did so through lots of prayer, reading the Bible many times through, a little home-church experience, and a lot of anointed spiritual books. Then, in 2005, I left church for three years because I was tired of hearing pop-psychology, old manna, and faithless sermons. (During all those years—and even beyond those years—I stayed connected with Sheldon David, through phone calls and visits. We both live in the same city now, as God continues to prepare all His sons around the world for the next move of God.) However, leaving church this time is because God has been saying that it is the right time for me to leave organized church, a concept of church that's going nowhere because of the deception and mixture, the way ministers rule over the people, and the way they continue to hold to laws, doctrines and traditions of men.

God doesn't want his church limited by man's programs, agendas, or the clock. Jesus wants us to be free, and to hear and see and experience the participation of all his children in prayer, worship and ministry. Setting in pews and looking up to a pulpit is very restrictive for many reasons. Other people need to be able to share what God is saying, instead of hearing just one man's opinions or insights. There also needs to be freedom of movement in worship, singing and dancing. People should meet in large groups only for special occasions, festival and holy days, That is why the early church met in homes and that is where God wants our "gatherings" to return. There are many anointed men who still set bad examples, yet the majority of Christians don't realize it. That's why Jesus said to the people, "Do as they [the religious leaders] say , but don't do as they do." Jesus taught his disciples by example, and explained to them that they were to serve, and not control or lord it over the people. Unfortunately, most ministers have misunderstood that passage of scripture, or don't know how to administrate it, or have chosen to ignore it; perhaps because ministers for generations have or that's the way they were taught by their religious institutions.

I love all the people at this little church and I believe God can and will use them. Hopefully someday they will see The Truth more clearly and will follow Jesus only. But, for now I must obey God and move toward fulfilling the call of ministry on my life. God has given me a heart for a lost and hurting world, a world that needs to know the truth and see the power of Christ's love. They also need to see that we are His Church, and not a building.

I have waited over 40 years for this ministry to begin. I have learned a lot in that time and I still don't feel smart or very spiritual. I have learned through my mistakes the wonderful grace of God. These things I know for sure—He loves me and I'm still made of dirt, but the spirit of the living God lives inside me. I was hoping to be younger when this began, but I wasn't ready. Now I know I'm totally dependent on His Spirit and on His strength to do anything. And it's not because of what I've done, but because I said, " Here am I, send me." It's all about God's love, his choices, and his timing (which is always perfect). I will trust in his reasoning. I'm still a little nervous, but also excited. I love living by faith even though it can be a little scary at times. There have been many benefits and blessings I have been given as to share with others in the years to come.

The cross is another story—the emotional pain was often more than I thought I could bear. At times I felt like I left Him or that He had left me, but He hadn't. However, God revealed something interesting one evening. Last December 31st, he said, "Your cross is what will lead many others to salvation, even after you're dead." It seemed to make sense now. (Just like Jesus experienced 2000 year ago.) I know there will still be a cross to carry, but it will be much easier to bear now, knowing the rewards.

My desire is to spend the rest of my life loving and serving God, also reaching out to the world with the Gospel. Whether through my blog sites or one-on-one, lives will be touched and my prayers will be answered. People will hear the truth and know the power of God's love. The Kingdom of God is being established one step at a time, one soul at a time. I'm not alone and there are thousands of others like me who are sold out for Jesus and have not bowed the knee to Baal (the cosmos and religion). I hope you are one of those too. I have no desire now to live in a beautiful home or accumulate things, while people are hurting, hungry, homeless and have little or no knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eternal things matter more to me now. The harvest fields are white and I've got work to do before it's night. I hope you will member me in your prayers; I can use all the prayers I can get.—Thanks, and God Bless you.

Strongholds

Sunday afternoon I had a talk with my wife, a talk that I had been dreading for a long time. I needed to share with her that I would never be moving back to our home in Cle Elum, Washington. We moved there in 1991, and God made it possible for us to build a house and an art gallery debt free, after we had lost my dream house a few years earlier. Our daughter's family have been living in our house this past year, while we have been living in an apartment in Vancouver, Washington. God had led me to Vancouver over a year ago for some intensive training to prepare me for a faith mission that I am about to embark on. I've been taking more small steps of faith recently, but this was a big one for me because of the fears of how my wife might feel or react over me not ever planning to move back to Cle Elum. To my surprise, she took it very well.

Satan tries to plant false impressions or fears so that we won't move in the direction God wants us to go. And the longer we wait in dealing with those fears the bigger they get, until it all becomes a stronghold. (Spiritual strongholds are walls that protect a thought or an idea that can be either good or bad.) When those walls protect our fears, it's not good. We become petrified in dealing with those issues or problems that we sometimes try to ignore; or we forget, or put them off into the future. However, we should not allow the enemy or our flesh to control or cripple our minds like that. Those strongholds of fear must be dealt with if we are going to move forward; and the sooner the better.

By renewing our minds in the Word of God, listening to God's voice and believing in his will for us, we begin taking steps by faith. We must cast out satan's lies and not allow ourselves to give in to such fears, regardless of what others might say or do. Circumstances will bow when we take steps of obedience, because God is in control of everything and everyone. The Bible gives numerous examples of this truth (from Abraham's sacrifice, to the crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, walking around the walls of Jericho, to the poor widows giving their all, or Jesus Christ dying on the cross for us, also the apostles spreading the Gospel). We can place our trust in Him, knowing how much he loves us, regardless of the outcome.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

It is not my desire to hurt or offend anyone, especially my wife. However, in my walk with God I have done some strange things—living by faith is one of them, changing my name was another, but leaving our house and dreams seemed nuts—that is, unless you know God. I will obey God regardless of the sacrifices I need to make. This world has nothing of value to me compared to The Pearl of Great Price, or of doing what He asks for the Kingdom of God. How does a few more years—even ten or twenty more years—of comfort or a nice home compare with reaching the lost, restoring lives, seeing people set free, walking with Jesus or seeing God face to face—for eternity?

To me it's no contest; but many others have different opinions, ambitions and/or goals as they get older, such as retirement, or sitting back and enjoying all they have accomplished or acquired, watching more TV, going to church, traveling some and maybe experiencing what the rest of the world is enjoying, that is, before going to heaven. As a Christian and a son of God, I don't find those scenarios anywhere in the Bible, do you? Yet, for many people those kinds of mindsets have become a stronghold, strongholds that need to be repented from. Wouldn't you agree?

Who's Responsible?

"It's my fault. I was wrong!" Would God really say or think such a thing? Yet many people seem to believe and act that way. When Jesus was hanging on the cross 2000 years ago, the chief priests, the Pharisees, and many of the Jews blamed Jesus for the situation he was in. They were trying to justify their own actions by thinking that if Jesus had not called God his Father, or healed people on the sabbath, or called them hypocrites He wouldn't be in the situation he was. It was all His fault because he was just too stubborn and self-righteous, telling people they needed to change their ways. Because of Jesus pushing people, He made people crucify him. These people actually believed they had no choice but to save others from this radical menace.

Have you heard that kind of illogical thinking before? It's not really anything new. It started back in the Garden of Eden where Adam blamed Eve, then Eve blamed the serpent for their own actions. Unfortunately, it seems like many people today are not that much different. I've heard adults blaming the government, the boss, the minister, the economy, their spouse, children, and even the devil or Almighty God for their situations or problems. And many of our children are just as bad—blaming school teachers, siblings or the dog. (Unfortunately, I've been guilty of poor responses and excuses too.) The flesh hates to own-up or admit, "It's my fault, I was wrong."

The police and the court systems have heard thousands of unbelievable excuses that people and criminals give for their wrong actions and bad behavior. You probably know or have seen many examples yourself, especially if you have children. We've all been guilty of making excuses for our actions or our lack of them. And yet we really have no one to blame but ourselves.

For example, I have heard parents saying, "I hate it when my kids get sick." Yet, many do little to change what they or their children are eating. They continue to buy and eat prepared foods, junk foods and sugar-laced products for their families. (Chemicals, white sugar and other additives are poisons to the human body and a major reason for sickness; spiritual problems are usually the other reasons.) As a result there is an escalating weight and health problem in the world today. And just because you and your children may eat a little better than others doesn't make it OK or a good standard. When you have to bribe your children with dessert in order to get them to eat their meals, something's wrong. But, then the parents try to blame the food industry. However, no one makes anyone buy those products, they just allowed themselves to be seduced and deceived by the advertising and food preparation industry whose primary interest is making money, and not your health. They know you and your kids' weaknesses, and they seek to take advantage of them.

Over the years adults, young people and children have not only had their taste buds perverted, but other areas as well. These perversions not only harm the body, but the mind and spirit as well. Yet nobody (usually) forces people to eat or to do certain things that are harmful; they are choices we ourselves make, even if out of ignorance (even spiritual ignorance).

The Bible gives us all the information we need to know—the life God intended for us—yet the majority of people choose to ignore its truths. God established everything and said, It was good. Man came along and said, I can make it better. And the majority of people chose to believe man rather than God. These false concepts have infiltrated into so many areas of our lives, yet we don't even realize it. In fact, the whole world-system is a perversion from God's original design—including government, military, monetary system, education, medical system, food and religion. All these systems affect the way most people think and act. God's ways are different from man's.

But the issue I'm dealing with today is our responsibility. I've just showed an example to help you get the picture, whether you agree with me or not. You may be open to the idea that something is definitely wrong with this world and that there's a need for change. We could start with a change in our responsibilities, in what we say and do. One area in particular would be in the relationships we have with others, mainly with our parents and God.

Often young people have a way of blaming their parents for their own mistakes, not realizing the love or the sacrifice that many parents make for them. They somehow feel their parents still owe them for past mistakes. Yes, parents do make mistakes. Sometimes the mistakes can be very painful and result in dysfunctional or broken homes. But, there still needs to be true forgiveness from the HEART if we are going to be able to move on in life or with God. How will we be able to deal with our own mistakes if we can't forgive others of theirs? Or maybe we just don't see them because of our pride and self-righteousness? No person or parent is perfect. We need to accept the responsibilities for our thoughts, actions and mistakes, and stop blaming others.

Yes, those experiences are painful to us. The suffering may be a cross God asks us to bear, whether it's for our children, our parents, for others or for the Gospel. Ultimately we bear the cross for Him. We have a choice to love people and forgive them or we can become angry, bitter and miserable for the rest of our lives. The choice is ours. As Christians we should continue to pray, bless people and follow the example of Jesus from his most painful experience, the Cross of Crucifixion, when he said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." As Christians, the only debt we are to have is the debt of LOVE.

Each of us has dishonored the Heavenly Father more than we can realize. Yet, He has forgiven us all. And He has never made any mistakes other than maybe loving us too much. And He always will! As his children we have failed to love and obey so many times; yet he never holds those mistakes against us. It's time we realize our errors and ask Him to forgive us for our selfish behavior. We then let God nail that junk to the Cross, along with the guilt and shame, to be cast into the Sea of Forgetfulness, never to be remembered. (This is the same way we should forgive others who have hurt and offended us.)

Our Heavenly Father wants to hug and love all his children (both big children and little children). By loving and obeying Jesus Christ, we show honor and respect. He is the best Parent and Friend anyone could ever desire or ask for. We need to tell God how much we love Him and how sorry we are for blaming others; we should also be more responsible for our actions. Then we should thank God every day for his incredible love.

My Pledge

"To Jesus Christ who Loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a Kingdom and Priest to serve his God and Father— to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen."

Revelation 1:5,6

A Christian's loyalty should be to Jesus Christ alone.

Year In Reflection

The past is the past! Nothing can change it or what happened, no matter how much we would like to. But would we really want to? Most of those situations, made us who we are today. Whether we like our self or not— how we think, feel and act all derived from our past choices. Only, what we do and/or say today, can change or effect what we will be tomorrow.

This past year of 2009, began as a year of great expectations for me. I believed, I had made some good choices then, but before the year was half over, things began to changed. Thoughts of prosperity, giving, blessing and ministry all took a different turn than what I had expected. The last half of the year, seemed like survival. I began to realize and feel like I had step out into free-fall. Jesus had said, "Come" and so I did. But I didn't expect what happened. I was trusting Him, Now I was hoping, that He was going to catch me before I hit the ground. It's been a long ways, but He has assured me that He is with me all the way, reassuring that every promise He made would be fulfilled, even if I didn't see or feel it at the time.

When God speaks I listen and try to obey, my spirit man says, "Amen, so be it!" But later, my flesh sometimes wanted to scream, "Help me" or "God, where are you?" And then He reminds me again, "I'm still with you. Do you trust me?" My answer is still, "Yes!" So now, I'm thanking Him for things unseen as though they were.

Jesus changed my expectations into clarification of relationship and destiny this past six months. So now, I'm making choices to leave the old and familiar for a better future—to go where no man has gone before. But more significant, knowing what will happen is not as important as knowing Jesus and who I am. The Bible says, "the steps of a righteous man are order by the Lord." So by faith I'm taking those steps each day, for tomorrow and next year and the years after that. And I'm taking bigger ones each time; knowing everything I do with Him in 2010, has already been accomplished—because with God there is no time restraints. And 2010 was an awesome year. Hope it was for you too.

Thank you, Jesus, for a wonderful and happy new year.

Breaking Traditions

My wife and I have been attending a small pentecostal church for about a year. I prefer home churches more than organized churches for reasons I have already stated on my blog. But the small church is where God has me for now.

A couple months ago, I didn't partake in their communion service. It was not because I quit believing, but because it was a matter of conscience. Each person should examine his or her own heart as to what they are doing and why they are doing it. But, what I have seen over the years has bothered me greatly—even in the larger churches that we had attended in the past. I have been grieved by how this sacred covenant rite has been abused, both by ministers and by members (including myself in the past).

Here are some serious questions you may want to consider. Do you know the true meaning of the covenant involved with communion? Have you taken communion so often that the true meaning has been lost or has been made common? Have you ever taken communion when you didn't want to or didn't feel right about it, but you did anyway because of others around you? Or did you take it when you were not even thinking about Jesus at the time? Has taking communion felt more like a habit or a tradition to you? What do you do when you are visiting another church? Do you still take it when you have some issue with God or with someone else? Is the fear of what people may think more important than what God thinks? Has your partaking of communion become hypocritical?

The Communion covenant is a prophetic reminder of what Jesus did in his sacrifice and the cost involved in our serving of God. Our partaking of the covenant should mean that His blood is on our hands if we prove to be unfaithful to Him. It is a blood covenant. We have chosen to come into an agreement with those same terms as his disciples did — to deny self and take up our cross and follow Him... to our death. Jesus had asked his disciples if they were able to drink of the same cup as He would. And they agreed, out of a curtain amount of ignorance—just as we have. The "cup" represented the cost; the shedding of Jesus' blood for them. Even hours later, Jesus himself in the Garden of Gethsemane, was still struggling with "the cup" and the terms, even to the very point of sweating blood. (Luke 22: 42-44)

Jesus told his disciples to "do this in remembrance of me." The word "remember" is also a covenantal word; it means to think back—in this case to the cost or the requirements. Covenant agreements were usually sealed with a meal (bread and wine). In communion it is the "eating of His flesh" and the "the drinking of His blood," represented by the bread and the wine. By doing so, we become one with Him and with the Body of Christ to the extent of our willingness to lay down our lives for His sake, the Gospel, and our brothers.

Yet today, some casually offer and take communion as if it were some kind of tradition or ritual that has to be preformed before they can move on to the next program, the next song, the offering, the sermon and onto the "finish line" (exit sign to the real world). I know that seems crude, but let's be honest here. Seriously think about it. Communion should not be taken lightly, because it is a matter of life and death. There are serious consequences (involving health) for everyone involved. (I Cor. 11:27-32). Apostle Paul warns us to "examine ourselves" and, "to judge the body rightly" (the church), that we are connected to. When we don't do this we can open the door for judgment. (This is a major problem in big churches — very little intimate fellowship and often lots of hidden secrets.) Is there a lot of sickness in your church? Maybe this is one of the reasons.

I have seen a number of problems in churches over the years regarding the communion service. Mainly, it doesn't look anything like the example Jesus gave. He said, "remember," but we seem to have forgotten. I have divided the problems into four areas: When, How, Who, and Attitude, the most important being attitude surrounding covenant. Many ministers and organizations have struggled with these same issues. To solve the problems they simply establish certain rules and guidelines, and the ministers seem to be content with that. When in truth each minister and member should be asking God what He would have them do, instead of following other men's guidelines.

First, is when do we have communion? The scripture says, "as often as you think of me," Yet, Jesus only had it one time with his disciples after being with them for over three years. That in itself should be a note of caution, considering there was a traitor in the group. However to solve the problem of when, religious organizations have come up with guidelines, suggesting once a month; and most ministers have followed suit. Usually the first Sunday of the month is the religious guideline, and it has become a tradition, with a few exceptions.

The second problem is twofold—the unleavened bread and how to serve it? It seems that the bigger the church is, the bigger the problem is—but religious people are very resourceful. "Then the Lord took bread and blessed it," He then broke it and gave it to them to divide between the disciples and said, "this is My body." We've come a long way from one loaf of baked unleavened bread to tiny individual crackers or bread bits. What happened to the loving act of women baking break, or the human touch of the elders in breaking the bread? Today, churches have become very "hands off" and germ conscience. Everything has to be just right, decent, neat and safe.

Yet Jesus' body hung naked on a rugged cross, broken, plucked, beaten, torn, shredded and pierced for us. (Nothing was neat about His death.) When Jesus fed the five thousand plus people, he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples to divide. Afterward they picked up the leftover pieces. (I don't think it was for the birds.)

Now the question about the wine and how to serve it? "Then, the Lord took the cup and He gave thanks..." Again organizations of big churches lead the way and the smaller churches follow. Since wine was forbidden in their doctrines, grape juice became the standard. (This would be a shocker to the early church). Then came the matter of how to dispense it, since there was no alcohol to kill any possible germs. The small whiskey shot glass with modifications, became "the cup" of preference , considering people's fears and lack of faith. (There are lessons to be learned in the "crushing" of the grape and the waiting until the time is right for the purpose for which it is meant to be used. This concept is how God tries to work, and how he instills truths into our lives.)

The third problem is who should partake of communion? The answer is really quite simple. All who have the desire to love and obey Jesus with all their hearts. However, many churches have tried to teach their members that whenever a person becomes a Christian, that person may participate in communion; they also tell people that parents should determine whether their children are old enough and whether their children understand the meaning of communion. But there seems to be very little discernment or accountability from ministers regarding the behavior of their flock or the behavior of new people coming in to meetings. Often people are living in sin and still participating in communion, also influencing others around them. This is a serious problem, especially in larger churches—and such a church body will be judged by God. There is often little available time for ministers to get to know their flock when they are in their offices or in meetings. Discernment comes by being on one's face before God and being out among the flock like a Shepard, examining each sheep as often as possible, and not just greeting people or shaking a few hands. The minister also needs to be interceding for his flock, and needs to be on guard for danger. He should not take things for granted until it's too late and the damage is done. Ministers should not feel obligated to serve everyone in order to maintain respectability, nor leave the members or adults to judge for themselves. It would help if we all confessed our sins one to another (and this includes ministers), ...so that you may be healed. (James 5:16). This would give the body an opportunity to be complete or be made whole.

Fourth, and most important I believe is our Attitude. Look at the attitude and what Jesus did, before and after communion that night. First, "He loved them to the end. I earnestly desired to have this meal with you." Then He got up, "and began to wash the disciples' feet..." Then he gave instructions. "For I gave you an example that you should do as I did to you."(John 13:15). Then He predicted the future by saying, "Truly, truly, I say one of you will betray me..." (John Ch.13:21). Jesus was discerning the body of believers. We need to take the proper time to prepare our hearts before God. The wrong attitude only adds to the other three problems. If our attitude is right, then by faith it doesn't really matter what is eaten (regular bread, crackers, or pretzels) or the drink (any fruit juice, fruit blends, or Kool-Aid if necessary). What matters is the heart, who you're with and why. Don't you agree? And it should be done by faith, when we are led by the Holy Spirit.

Note—a week from today will be one of the most holy days for the majority of Christians around the world—Christmas. This is another tradition fueled by emotions and deception, just as Easter. I have chosen to follow Jesus and not Christianity (a religion which seems to be based mostly on doctrines and traditions of men, rather than on the TRUTH, Jesus Christ). I will continue to love people and pray that their eyes be opened to the lies and deceptions, even as God opened many other people's eyes, including mine. So for now, I will obey God who has asked me to turn my focus on reaching the lost and not the saved. Next year, 2010, will be a year of big changes (for me, others and the world), but it will all begin with small steps of obedience, steps that I'm taking now. You can also begin today by taking small steps of obedience and trust in the loving Heavenly Father. God Bless You, and have a great new year.