THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD- ESTABLISHED IN JERUSALEM

The temple of the Lord established in Jerusalem

 

Isaiah 2

New International Version (NIV)

The Mountain of the Lord

2 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

² In the last days

the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
    as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
    and all nations will stream to it.

³ Many peoples will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
    so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
⁴ He will judge between the nations
    and will settle disputes for many peoples.

 

 

If we read the above passage honestly, we can see this scripture has never been fulfilled.  Some important point are:

 

1.             When written, it was not “the last days,” as verse 2 prophesies fulfillment will be.

2.             There has never been a time when all nations streamed to the temple of the God of Jacob.

3.             There has never been a time when law for nations went out from Jerusalem.

4.             There has never been a time “yet” when He, the Lord, judged between nations, although Matthew 25 clearly speaks of a time when the Lord does divide nations and Isaiah in the Old Testament speaks of a time “government” will be upon his shoulders. (Matt 25:31, Isaiah 9:6)

 

Isaiah 9:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

 

In addition, the scripture referring to the son of God, who is also one with God, that holy child Jesus whom we as Christians refer to as all of the wonderful names listed in Isaiah 9.

 

This passage (Isaiah 2,) is not about the body of Christ being the temple of the Lord  but about a physical place the Lord will reign from after his return. All nations will come to him for rule. Bible prophecy teaches the Lord will one day rule the earth from his temple in Jerusalem. That's why it will be a physical place.

 

Although the bible teaches that the Lord does not reside in an earthly temple, that is specifically a scripture about believers in Christ being the habitation of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 6:10 ) The Lord Jesus does not reside inside those who have not accepted him. For him to rule unbelievers from earth, it will be from a physical place that nations approach.

 

Many try to spiritualize every scripture even though scripture itself instructs us it is not for private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20.)  My acceptance of scripture is to take it literally unless analogies, parables and metaphors are obvious.  In my theology I accept a literal interpretation that compares scripture with scripture in context and uses symbolism when obvious.  I believe it to be dangerous to spiritualize everything. Much of this spiritualizing resulted from the many prophecies speaking of Israel as a nation but if you lived before 1948, it was obvious there was no nation.  It came as a surprise to the Christian world when God fulfilled prophecy exactly as spoken when he gathered Israel from the four corners of the earth and Israel became a nation in 1948.  Suddenly everyone realized the prophecies written were literal and not spiritual.

 

If scripture is taken literally, Jesus will rule for 1,000 years from this place (Revelation 20:4-6.)  While many in the body of Christ are divided on this issue, I accept the physical prophecy. Because we have never seen this take place, it is still yet to be fulfilled. It is widely accepted this is a prophecy to be fulfilled after the return of Christ to earth.  The bible says we do not fully understand bible prophecy which explains the many differing opinions. None of us know exactly what the reign of Christ on the earth will look like but we do know the bible states there will be one and it will take place in Jerusalem! Amen!

 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%202&version=NIV

GOD MAGNIFIED, HIS LIFE INTERTWINED

GOD MAGNIFIED, HIS LIFE INTERTWINED WITH OURS

Thursday night I taught a bible study. I was all prepared to teach on stepping into your flow as pictured by the Priests under Joshua stepping into Jordan. When they took the step the waters stood up and an entire nation was able to pass through.

God completely changed my message even though he used part of it. During worship, he showed up with such a sweet Presence. Then offering touched on presence and so did some other comments and songs. It was clear the Lord wanted to change focus.

In my studies, I saw how God told Joshua, “I will begin to magnify you.”

Joshua 3:7 And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

  It helps to look into the Hebrew because normally you would think that means God is going to raise you up and it does mean that but the Hebrew also interprets that word as an intertwining.  It means that God intertwines himself with you and it’s as if when people see you, they are  looking through a magnifying glass, and not only do you look enlarged but upon observation, they see God!

That’s what the presence of God does in our lives. He becomes our habitation and we become his. We are intertwined with each other as strands of a rope are.  You don’t stand in your own strength or personality but God joins you. He uses your personality and character combined with his own and it becomes a life uniquely yours with his accompaniment and together you influence the world, hence the call on your life!  Isn’t God amazing and isn’t his language beautiful?  Our lives, intertwined with his and what a life it is! Amen! Be blessed in Jesus name!

A Quick Post on Ephesians 4

Tonight as I was confronted concerning political posting on Twitter as a Christian, I felt something rise up within me and began to post tweets about speaking truth. In the course of engaging several friends this passage came up.  It's about living as Christians in unity one with another while speaking the truth. It's also about using our influence to speak the truth and not allowing our minds to be influenced by ungodly ways.  I have felt what I have called a mandate to speak up during this election as I know our country is at a crossroads. There has been a move over the years to take God out of every fabric of society and we have seen as a result a decline in moral values.  Because this passage seemed to come up a lot, I decided to write a real quick blog on some things I took note of when I read this passage.  I will post the bullet points first and then the entire passage for anyone wanting to take the time to read:

In this beautiful passage Paul addresses the body of Christ encouraging them:

• Use the gifts God has given them to edify the body, realizing we are not all in full unity now but God is leading us into a fullness and on that day, we will all be in unity. Until then we strive for it.
• Speak the truth in love, contributing your part!
• Don’t allow your mind to be tossed about by trickery and plotting both of the devil and deceitful men.  There are both. Christians are to be knowledgeable of the truth so as not to be influenced.
• Don’t follow after old ways and deceitful lust but live for Christ as a new man that has been changed by him to live & walk in his ways. All born again Christians come to the place where they have committed to live their life for Christ and have put away the old man and his ways.
• Be continually renewed by God’s Spirit.
• Speak truth.
• Be angry about things without sinning. Many think anger and expression of it is wrong. That’s not what’s said. It says to be angry without sinning.
• Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. That just means don’t let your anger affect your inner man. Don’t harbor anger against others. Walk in love without compromising truth but don’t be so angry that it festers and turns to bitterness. That does give place to the devil.
• Live an honest life- working to have, that you may be generous and giving!
• Always remember to be kindhearted toward one another. Back to what I first noted, we aren't  always going to agree as Christians.  This is specifically speaking to Christians among each other. Put away evil speaking and malice.  Malice is ill will. We can disagree w/o ill will.  This is where many Christians mistakenly think we cannot be firm and bold. There’s a difference between being kindhearted and being a  pushover.  On the other hand we should always be respectful in our speech.

Remember, speak the truth in love and strive for unity but don’t ever sacrifice truth for unity!  Amen!

EPHESIANS 4: 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJ)

Scripture taken from:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%204&version=NKJV

Well I hope this was as enjoyable for you to read as it was me. Sometimes in the heat of disagreements it’s hard to keep focused on what our role is. We are to speak truth, but always in love and seasoned with grace.  This doesn't mean we are to keep silent.  It just means to handle our disagreements with good Christian conduct!

Amen and be blessed!
 

DAVID AND GOLIATH- DAVID'S 5 SMOOTH STONES

Inspired by a sermon preached by my pastor, Howard Bass:  http://pastorhowardbass.podomatic.com/

Goliath was a giant of the Philistine army. He is the same giant that defied and mocked God and the armies of God’s people. Although this happened centuries ago, we are instructed in the New Testament to apply certain principles learned in the Old Testament as examples for our own lives.  

The Philistine armies came with their camp and threatened the armies of Israel. All of Israel was paralyzed and in fear of what this Philistine army would do to them.  David came to the camp site where the Philistines were on one side and the Israeli army on the other, from his home, simply to bring food to his brothers for their refreshment and having heard the threats of the enemy, 

David of all the strong men of Israel was the only one with boldness to confront the giant.  He didn’t care about the size of the camp or the size of the giant.  The ones in the Philistine camp would always be a part of that camp and the camps would not change size. He wasn’t concerned with the threats of the giant because until the actual confrontation, the giants threats were mere words. 

What he did do was say, “Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. (1Sam 17:32)” 

Then he said,

“³⁴ “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, ³⁵ I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” ³⁷ Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (1Sam 17:34-37.)”

He proceeded to choose 5 small stones. Based on his prior experience in using his slingshot and stones, he knew just which ones he needed to create the trajectory that would be required to take down this giant.  

When he slung his carefully chosen stones, the giant came tumbling down and Israel was once again delivered from an enemy- not by the current king but by the future king.  He then proclaimed,

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. ⁴⁷ Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Sam 17:45-57)

When you’re faced with a giant, you too can take what you’ve learned in the prayer closet and your experiences in life & apply it in the valley where you face giants that threaten you. You too will see your giants fall and they’ll fall by your hand with God’s help, all in the name of the Lord! Amen!

(Things I’ve learned in my time with the Lord and from inspiration from a sermon preached by my pastor, Howard Bass.)

SERMON: THE SPIRIT OF A BREAKER

http://pastorhowardbass.podomatic.com/

JOSHUA – CALLED TO LEAD

Joshua- the man called of God to replace Moses and the leader of the nation of Israel.  He was to be the leader that would actually take the children of Israel across the Jordan River and into the promised land, the land that was promised to their ancestors over 400 years prior!  It was a position he didn’t strive for or even hunger after.  He loved God. He loved God’s presence. He believed God and he obeyed.  He lived only to serve and never resisted, even when his own life was at stake.  That, while being a description of  the person of Joshua who was called upon to lead the nation of Israel fits perfectly the description of Jesus who would give his life so that men everywhere in every age could be led into the true promised land!  The true promised land is life in Christ that is eternal – never ending.  It begins with acceptance and following and never ends throughout all time.  We will never cease to live life fully in the blessing of God, yet on earth there are many promises God gives that many Christians never fully realize.  Those too can be realized and fulfilled as we follow our Joshua, Jesus, fully into the plan he has for us!  Joshua- the 2^nd leader of the nation of Israel and a type of Christ.  Joshua- called upon to lead a people into the promised land!

Moses Forbidden to Enter the Land

Many may wonder why Moses was called upon to lead the nation of Israel through the wilderness for forty years yet forbidden to enter the promised land.  Although Moses was meek and strong at the same time, and the greatest leader there ever was, even he had become angry at God, striking a rock that he was told to speak to.  This would be the rock that would bring forth water, allowing the thirst of the nation to be quenched.  Moses was called upon to speak that rock, not strike it. The bible calls Jesus our rock and because of the sin of man, he was stricken when all that was needed was to speak.  The obedience of leaders is a requirement if they are ever to see God’s promised land and anger at God in front of the flock you’re leading is serious in God’s eyes.  Disobedience can keep you from coming fully into God’s promises yet Moses disobeyed at such a simple command.  Yet, there is still grace in God’s eyes and although he could not lead them in, God showed him the promised land and glory to God, after his death he was able to see the true promised land.  Moses’ disobedience did not stop the plan of God and a person that had obediently followed Moses without complaint for forty years was able to lead the nation into the promised land Moses was forbidden to see.  Let leaders everywhere learn that disobedience will lead to lost opportunities even though grace is given to continue on.  Let leaders everywhere take seriously the need to talk to God rather than strike God and to obey God rather than doubt!

Deuteronomy 4:21  Furthermore the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and swore that I would not cross over the Jordan, and that I would not enter the good land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance. 22 But I must die in this land, I must not cross over the Jordan; but you shall cross over and possess that good land. 23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Why Not Caleb?

Only Joshua and Caleb and children under 20 at the time God made this decision were allowed to enter the land.  This was because of the unbelief of the adults, even when evidence was shown that what God said was true.  Twelve spies had entered the promised land to find a thriving fertile land- a land that had been promised to them by its’ rightful owner, God!  This land was promised to Abraham over 400 years earlier and this was the generation God had chosen to fulfill his promise through and this is the generation that doubted God! Only Joshua and Caleb believed God. Moses also believed God but was kept back for disobedience as a leader.  Even though Caleb was full of faith and was allowed to enter, he was not chosen as the leader to replace Moses.  The bible doesn’t tell us why Caleb wasn’t chosen to lead.  Caleb is mentioned throughout the journeys but when mentioned, he is mentioned because of his faith to see God fulfill his promise. He is mentioned as claiming “his mountain,” and actually receiving the mountain he claimed.  There is greatness in Caleb to receive God’s promises but there was never mentioned of him the qualities needed to lead the nation.  On the contrary much was said about Joshua obediently following Moses and God, craving God’s presence and being quick to fight on behalf of Moses and the nation!  God is outspoken in his Word about Joshua’s qualities well before the call to lead comes.  Caleb was never mentioned as being inferior. Caleb did what he was called upon to do. He was called upon to believe, to fight and to take his mountain. He was called to follow Joshua, to lead his family and to fight for his promise. Caleb was rewarded with the plan God had for him.  Joshua was called to lead the nation!

What we can learn from the call upon these three individuals is that God has a place for each one of us.  We should never strive to be something we are not. We should always strive to trust, obey and delight in God.  We will then see our desires fulfilled.

THE 11/11 FACTOR (From Mark 11 & Hebrews 11) A LESSON ON RECEIVING

Before you can conceive, you first have to believe.

You receive whatever you conceive.

Conceiving comes through conversation and intimacy.

In conversation you ask and receive.

To receive your promise you must embrace your seed.

To receive your promise you must say you have it.

To receive in the end you must believe to the end.

Mark 11:22-24  22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

HEBBREWS 11: 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 

BELIEVE, CONCEIVE RECEIVE

Mark 11 (THE FIRST 11) teaches to believe God, and then have a conversation with God and others (including what stands in the way,) about what you are believing.  Believe that you receive them right there.  The bible says if you do this you will have what you say!  That's what the bible teaches.

This is not some formulaic robotic speech that I'm talking about.  When you truly believe you will say what's in your heart!

"Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks! (Luke 6:45b)

Hebrews 11 (THE 2ND 11)  shows two things:

1.  A promise must be conceived and a promise must be carried. At the end of the gestation period you receive the promise.

2.  Sarah believed God that she was able and faithful and brought to birth a promise that came years later at a time when it was literally impossible to receive and yet it came.

HOW LONG?  (AS LONG AS IT TAKES!)

Hebrews 11 also teaches how long to believe God for something. Abraham and Sarah believed for close to 100 years!  They were a young couple when they left their home land and Sarah became pregnant at 99 years old!  Abraham never saw his promise fulfilled on earth with his natural eyes and yet it was fulfilled.  There are some things you may not see this side of heaven but that doesn't mean they won't be done!  If you can't believe until death, you aren't really believing!

If you haven't believed for 100 years, you aren't qualified for Hebrews 11 faith!  That's not something people like to hear yet it's where God wants us to walk!

HEBREWS 11:  13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

DON'T HAVE LAZY FAITH

Some may use the above passage as an excuse to get lazy in faith but Abraham never got lazy in faith. He believed the promise of God during his walk and did not become lazy in faith saying, "Oh everything will come to pass in heaven!"  Remember this did not come to pass in heaven. It came to pass on earth. It was Abraham that was in heaven yet his people were on earth walking in the promises he believed God for!  Don't ever give up.... no not ever!  Abraham believed God and walked it out! Along the way he glorified God with his mouth!  We have to do the same!

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (Romans 4:20)

If God has given you specific timing then it will surely come to pass by that time.  Here are some examples:

• Sarah was told about when she would deliver Isaac.
• Mary was told approximately when she would deliver Jesus!
• Daniel was told Babylonian captivity would last 70 years and was also given end time secrets on timing!

Those are only a few!

MORE ON 11- THE SUMMARY IN A NUTSHELL

Hebrews also gives us the summary of it all in verse 1.  Faith is now.  Now we believe and now we receive.

There are things God has promised that we can have now!  We should walk about in health, love, love, joy, peace, and prosperity now!  We should walk around with the fruits of the Spirit now! We should see the evidence of God's work in our lives now! The Holy Spirit lives inside of us now and his power is available now!  Faith is now and the promises of God are now!  We have to believe that we receive NOW!

HEBREWS 11:1 NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

But, there were many others that were not given timing and the requirement to receive was to believe until the end.  There are some things that God has timing for and you will have to wait on God's timing!  If you walk away from the promise even before death you will never receive it but if you believe to the end, you will surely receive!

And that my friend is my 11/11 FACTOR in a nutshell!

THE TOUCH OF GOD (PART 1):  Those that walked with Jesus were able to touch and handle him and experience the reality of his personhood on the earth both before and after his resurrection.  They were there with him. Just as God had walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they were able to walk and talk and touch Jesus on the earth. They saw him perform miracles and they saw him touch people with his life and power. They saw, touched and handled him both before and after the resurrection.  In the same way they were able to touch him and experience him, so we can today!

Today, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the throne of God and is alive and well. He is every bit as much a real person today as he was then.  In the same way they saw him, felt him and were able to actually touch him, so we can see him move, feel his touch and handle him through the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us.

Here's what the apostle John said: 

1 John 1:1-3  That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of Life- 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us- 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The bible says that Jesus was the Word of God.  Jesus was the full embodiment of everything the Word of God is.  John 1:1 says that Jesus is the Word and the Word became flesh.

John 1

The Eternal Word

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

When we handle the Word of God, we are handling a living Word, the life of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit illuminates that Word and it comes to life.  One of the first things we can do to ensure the continual touch of God in our lives, is to accept him as Lord of our life, which allows the Holy Spirit to come inside of us. 

He then leads and guides us into all truth bringing the Word to life. As we read the Word and embrace it, we are embracing all Jesus is and we are embracing all of God's truth.

This happens accepting the eternal life offered through him.  We then turn to his Word as light, truth and life.  As we accept that Word as truth we begin to touch, feel, experience him and we live freely through the manifested life of Jesus Christ.  He becomes as much a reality to us as he was to them.  Amen! 

That living Word which they touched, handled, experienced, and lived among is still touching and living among us today!

In the same way they walked with him and talked with him, so we can through him and his living Word!  Praise God!

FATHERHOOD- TURNING THE HEARTS

TURNING THE HEARTS OF FATHERS AND CHILDREN

WHAT IS A FATHER

What is a father?  According to the Hebrew, one word interpreted "father" in the Old Testament is 'ab.  It's the root of where we get the New Testament word, Abba.  Ab can mean a biological father of an individual, God as father of his people, the head of a family or household, a patron of a family such as a grandfather or great grandfather, or a founder of a family or group.  In all such cases, it represents a head of sorts.

We're living in a society where there is a lack of fatherhood.  Let's just look at the biological sense of the word.  If you trace the historical data of Americans over the last 100 years, there are far more babies being born that either don't know who their father is or have been abandoned by their father.  In other cases, there are children who know their father but their father is still lacking in the quality of fatherhood.  This is a deep and long subject so I can't get into all of it here at one time, so I just want to address a few things about godly fatherhood.  It's never too late to allow God to change us!

TURNING THE HEARTS OF FATHERS AND CHILDREN

God said in the book of Malachi, in the last days he would begin to turn the hearts of fathers and children toward each other.  As fathers, whether biological, spiritual or relational in some way, we need to first look to God as our perfect example.   If you've failed as a father, it's not too late to look at the perfect father and allow him to change us into his image.  It's never too late to receive forgiveness and start fresh and new.  This applies to biological, spiritual and relational.  First look at God and his example and then look toward those you have fathered or are fathering and begin to allow the Holy Spirit to help you in fatherhood.  If you should be fathering and aren't, begin to look toward your children as the father God has created you to be (not the father you currently are.)  Remember, first look to God and then to your children, whether biological, spiritual or relational in some way. 

GOD OUR PERFECT FATHER

God is the perfect father and has perfect ways. We may need correction but if we want to be successful as fathers he is our best example. Therefore, let us look to him. Look at what the book of Hebrews has to say about his fatherhood.  It says earthly fathers (some not all) have done their best but God for our profit:

Hebrews 12:Hebrews 12: ⁹ Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? ¹⁰ For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best  to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.

I challenge fathers everywhere to first look to the perfect father as your example and then look to your children, taking into account what is best for them! 

My prayer:  Father, I come to you in Jesus name.  I ask you to make me the best parent or grandparent I can be. Show me your wa you in Jesus name.  I ask you to make me the best parent or grandparent I can be. Show me your ways and your truth and mold me into your image.  Father help me to know wisdom and revelation concerning the welfare of my children, whether biological, spiritual or relational, in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen!

FIRE OF GOD- A SMOKING FURNACE AND A BURNING TORCH

THE FIRE OF GOD IS REAL

The fire of God is a term loosely thrown around!  Everyone talks about the fire of God but do we know what we're speaking of?  The fire of God is very real! There's no question that there is a fire that is very real and very tangible.  The children of Israel saw the fire of God in a pillar that gave them light in the night and separated them from enemies.  Ezekiel saw an enfolding fire.  John the Revelator saw fire and so did many Old and New Testament patriarchs. 

THE FIRE OF GOD COMES WITH A PLAN

Everyone wants to be touched by fire. They want to feel the very tangible, very real manifestation of the love and zeal of God.  But did you know that the fire of God always comes with a plan?  Did you know that to be touched by fire is to be made ready for assignment?  Virtually every person that encountered the fire of God was then put on assignment.  Look at Abram (Abraham), Moses, Gideon, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Paul, the Apostles. 

Take the example of Abram found in Genesis 15 when God cut covenant with Abram (prior to having his name changed to Abraham,)  promising to give his descendents the land of Canaan (the promised land.)  God came to Abram with a smoking furnace and a burning lamp and God came to Abram with a plan.  He came to Abram with the plan of salvation that would start with a nation that would start with a man named Abram.  There was another man that would be an important part of that plan that would come on the earthly scene years later.  That man's name is Jesus and he was the central figure in this encounter between Abraham and God!  In this encounter, God shows up with this smoking furnace and burning lamp.

Genesis 15:12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amoritesis not yet complete.”17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 18 On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— 19 the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

THE FIRE OF GOD- THE PLAN OF GOD

What is a furnace?  It's a fire pot! It's a pot for cooking and it's also a furnace for burning away impurities. The fire of God is a consuming and refining fire. It will burn up every plan and every part of you that is not like God. It will consume you but not destroy you.  God has a recipe for your life and to walk fully in the plan of God, you will have to be subjected to the fire where he refines and purifies you and brings your forth a  completed work, tried in the fire, like pure God. This involves his plan for your life and how you fit in the ultimate plan of salvation.  God's plan for you involves people.  Your life is important but God has created you with purpose.  It's a plan for your life but it's a plan involving a bigger picture that affects the lives of others.  To see that purpose fulfilled you must be willing to be refined in the fire.

He also came with a burning lamp.  A look in the Hebrew reveals the plan.  This word lamp in Hebrew draws a picture of a lamp despised.  The Hebrew Lexicon explains it further as drawing a picture of a man once held in high esteem but now despised!  Is that not amazing?  At the beginning of the plan when God calls a man, to make a nation that would bring forth another man that would be the savior of the world, God shows up with a burning lamp.  In this picture he draws for Abraham God hints of the man of the future that would be despised. 

Here Abraham had to realize more than ever that God was at work with a long term plan that would shape not only Abraham's life but the life of many generations to come.  God drew a picture of a shining light, that would be snuffed out; a man despised!  In fact, this plan is affecting Christians today as the nation Abraham birthed became the family of God we today call Christians.

The fire of God in this example truly came with assignment, came with a plan, and came with people in mind.  If you want fire, get ready to have your life change radically.  Get ready for God to shape you , make you, mold you, complete you!  Get ready to be put on assignment that involves God's plan for mankind.  Get ready to burn for him! Amen!

THE INHERITANCE Of JOSHUA

Wow, Joshua is a leader that amazes me. As I've journeyed through the book of Joshua I've seen a fearless relentless leader that believed the Lord, trusted him, obeyed him and above all else valued his presence. When Moses and Joshua went into the tabernacle, Moses left but Joshua lingered behind in the glory. When Moses went up the mountain, Joshua followed just to be near the presence. When Moses sent 12 spies into the promised land only 2 of them believed God- Joshua was one along with Caleb! When Moses died, Joshua was appointed leader by God. Joshua was a faithful leader that walked in faith and obedience and was able to bring the children of Israel all the way into their promises.

After Joshua led the children of Israel into the promised land and after all the land was divided, Joshua was able to choose the land he asked for. It says he was able to choose his land according to the Word of the Lord.  That's what the reward of faith is! You get to choose what you want and receive it of the Lord.  In the same way he had told others to survey land and divide it among them, so they gave him his portion and he was able to survey his land and make his choice just as God had promised.  Not everything is appointed. Some things you just ask for and because of your reward God gives it to you.  There are things about which he says, "You have not because you ask not!"  God says "Ask and you will receive whatever you ask for (paraphrased.)  This is the reward for those who desire God's will, make the choice to walk in obedience, have faith through trials and tribulations and become an example others can follow!  Joshua's reward was his choice of land!

The bible says the land was divided at the door of the tabernacle. Joshua as leader gave the tabernacle place in the new land. Joshua is an Old Testament character and therefore did not have the Holy Spirit inside. He could not yet BE the tabernacle because the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. I'm sure that if Joshua could have taken up residence inside the tabernacle he would have.  He couldn't live inside the tabernacle because he was not a priest but as an older man, Joshua chose to give place to the presence of the Lord and the Word of the Lord! I have grown to love this man named Joshua and I think I want to follow his example!

Lord may we all be like Joshua who believed you, followed you, trusted you, obeyed you, believed you in the midst of battles and adversity and all of his days followed your word and gave place to your presence! May we all so fully obey you that we too can choose our inheritance! Amen!