• HOME
    • Devotions and Lessons
  • BIble Studies
  • Music
  • Refuge and Retreat Center
  • About
  • Staff
  • Contact
  • HOME
    • Devotions and Lessons
  • BIble Studies
  • Music
  • Refuge and Retreat Center
  • About
  • Staff
  • Contact
Lessons From The father
  • HOME
    • Devotions and Lessons
  • BIble Studies
  • Music
  • Refuge and Retreat Center
  • About
  • Staff
  • Contact

 Devotions and Lessons
Building Relationships Through God's Love

We welcome July with a repentant heart. There are things happening in this world that are changing the way we see normal. Places are opening with restrictions. Some people are realizing what foolishness is happening.  God is winning battles. Even though it looks like we have certain major losses, God is winning. We are in an amazing time and the world will never be the same again.  
Picture
​Scripture of the Week: Matthew 5:14-16    
“You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”












​

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Link to Retreat Center
    Blog Disclaimer:
    The messages on the blogs written on this page are within biblical adherence. Though the Scriptures listed in the blogs are directly from the Bible and other related religious writings the explanations and interpretations are in line with Biblical thinking as it relates to today’s world. The use of historical facts are to assist in the validity of the writings. The main writer of this blog site is an Ordained minister in one denomination though the views are related to all denominations so if something is said that does not fall in line with your denominational background, pray for personal discernment and understanding.

Back to Blog

RISE UP, Kneel to No One Except GOD

6/14/2020

 


To whom do you submit yourself? These last few weeks we have seen many kneel in submission to people who gain authority over another through acts of violence. Is it out of fear or just a show. When a person kneels before another that person is trading allegiance from one thing to another. I submit to you that all who have kneeled have submitted themselves to the Adversary and are giving up on their beliefs to save their own skins. What they have done is given themselves over to a fate worse than physical death and have turned their backs on God. 

Stand For What is Right
There are two ways this movement is going. One ends in disaster and the other could end in harmony if people would pay attention. When we look at the world today we see people trying to do right by others and accept that an ethnic group has truly been wrongly treated for many years. People have tried to correct this but there have been societal problems that leaked into the church and caused many to cause disharmony. This is not what God wants.

 If we want to be good Christians then we stand up for the truth of the Scriptures hand in hand with our brothers and sisters of all nationalities and ethnicities. If we don’t then we are as guilty as our predecessors who had a church for every ethnic group and no “contamination”. That was not what Jesus called for but to stand firm in the true faith which is for all God;s Children. 

Stand For Where We Believe We Belong
Mankind cannot stand for a belief alone. Anyone can believe anything for a time and belief systems can change. If we stand firm in the foundation of belonging to God then when we are told to kneel we can be like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who did not give in but stood firm. They only kneeled to God in prayer. 

If we kneel then we submit our beliefs were wrong and accept a false authority over us. If you watch anyone in the military there is no kneeling in acceptance of any leader, the body remains upright and standing with differing hand and feet positions. This is a recognition of an authority figure of whom the soldier follows. 

We belong to God and if we truly believe that, we will humble ourselves and kneel when entering His presence through prayer. There is a difference between believing in and being in.   
We can believe what we stand for to be right and just but we are not fully in it unless we are willing to die for it. Being in Christ we have given up our lives and put our full self into His will. We have died to the materials of the world so we can focus on being one in the Spirit with God.

Kneel to No One But God 
This is our battle cry and if you cannot see past the color of skin before looking into the heart then what are you doing? If you find only sinfulness and hatred from your heart you cannot see the true heart of your brothers and sisters. If you see jealousy, repair it through grace and mercy. If you see hatred, counter it with God’s Love. If you see loss, help them discover to be found. 

There is a thing going around social media where some are bringing up the lost sheep and calling the black American that lost one. I submit that the lost sheep are the ones with hate in the heart who cause others to believe they are lost and will never be found to be equal. Found people feel lost every day and lost people do not realize that they are lost because of the blind deceit the Adversary has wooled over their eyes.

We Are Family
Brothers and sisters, in my temporary secular job I work with many different nationalities and ethnicities. We do not have tension because of our skin or the way we talk but we do squabble as brothers and sisters normally would. We are a family and when one of us is down we all lift the person up. If there is trouble then we stand in the way of said trouble ‘cause that is what family does. Be a family first and always. Show Our Adversary who is the real boss of our lives.  

Kneel to no one but God 

In God’s Loving Arms, through His Grace and Mercy I pray that we can find common ground and defeat this evil that has plagued our land, those in authority over us, and those who believe they rule over us. Send your Holy Spirit and the Angels to conquer them using us as needed to be lights and bring them back to you Father God. In Jesus Name, Amen

Rob, Servant of God

​
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Trapped

6/7/2020

 
Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)
 
Our Adversary, the devil, works to get our hearts and minds away from God. He sets up snares to catch us in any way possible using whatever and whomever to distract us and turn away from our Time with God, our Walk with Jesus, and the Guidance of the Spirit. But God did not leave us defenseless, His Word is always with us.
 
Don’t Stray 
Before I was humbled, I used to go astray; but now I observe your word. (Psalm 119:67)
 
When we neglect our time with God we lose the desire to pray and read His Word. Keeping His Word on our hearts and minds as He commands us and then talking with Him through prayer keeps our life, both spiritual and physical, healthy. Too many Christians still do not know what it is like to feel alive and released when they do not spend time with God daily.
 
Sometimes it is hard to say no to our non-Christian or straight up non-believer friends. The temptation to return to our former life (B.C.) is sometimes so overwhelming that we yield to the past and fall into the trap the Adversary set before us. If we stray once, the devil has control and we must vigilantly return to the Word and prayer while surrounding ourselves with the Body of Believers to get back on track and defeat our personal demons.
 
So how do we keep ourselves from straying? Devote everything to God. He desires time with you and the same should be true from us. Spending time in devotionals and drawing nearer to Him through prayer, reading the Word, and practicing His Ways keeps us from falling into the temptation of straying. Having an active faith life keeps the devil coming but also keeps him at bay.
 
Don’t Strut
Pride goes before destruction, and arrogance before failure. (Proverbs 16:18) 
I could sum this up in two words and many will get this right away, be humble. But I am going to go a little deeper because everyone needs to be reminded on how to act in humility before God.
 
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. (John 12:42,43)
No one can tell me they do not know someone like this. Everyone from Cardinals and Bishops down to the small Church Pastor, Bible Study Leader, and Parishioner, know someone who does “God’s Work” but for his/her own personal gain and glory. Why do some seek approval from people rather than just pleasing the Father God? Why do some seek to get rich off of their “work” for God when all it leads to is sorrow and pain with the desire for more earthly riches? This is the devil’s snare of strutting one’s own stuff.
 
So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” (John 8:28,29)
Jesus was a humble man who declared He could nothing by Himself but was dependent on the Father. In saying and doing this, He pleased God. When we have an active faith and do not physically try to gain self-accolades we are doing our best to be humble and live a Christ-like life.
 
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)    
Doing things that are pleasing to God and placing Him as first in our lives creates a humble heart within us. When we think of others before ourselves we are showing humility, not weakness but a strength that is beyond a non-believers comprehension. People may see us one way but God knows who we are trying to please. When people see a person rise up in being known not for what he/she has done but what God has done in the person’s life, the devil cannot touch him.
 
Don’t Stoop  
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
We are living in a time where evil is seen as good and good is seen as evil, this must be changed and we must change it. We are condoning everything that is against God’s Word in the name of being socially acceptable. We have let the immoral become the normal, and we accept violence as a natural way to get things done. Moral standards have dropped so low that we allow immoral behaviors and confusions to be taught to our children as young as Kindergarten age.
We cannot accept all sinfulness as normal or we will have lost. We must, however, remember that God Loves all people so then we must as well but that does not mean we must accept their sinfulness. Jesus ate with sinners, yes but He did not let their ways influence His behavior nor His relationship with the Father. He showed them the truth and many repented, never looking back.
 
Don’t Stop 
Everyone will hate you because of me, but whoever holds out till the end will be preserved from harm.(Matthew 10:22)
Keep the faith and continue to walk in the path with God. Do not stop, keep walking, pass go, and collect eternal life. Do not let the devil’s snare of distraction or his attacks get in the way of the prize. Sometimes what the devil offers looks attractive but it leads to nowhere but down. No problem is too difficult, no trial is too severe, and no burden is so heavy that Jesus cannot bear it and us to get us through. God’s Grace and His Mercy are sufficient.
 
I leave you today with this thought:
No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Jesus, our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)
 
In God’s Arms,
Rob, Servant of God
 

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

The Truth Will Be Revealed

5/31/2020

 
This is the first Sunday of Pentecost. Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit came down and indwelled in the Apostles. But there is much more to this day than many understand. When we look a little deeper, we can see the truth behind that day. From the interpretations of this day, many different denominations find different ways of celebrating. In fact, certain beliefs came from this very day.
 To get a little background we need to go back to the time when Moses was speaking to the Israelites and presenting what pleased God. Some of those things were the Festivals that coincided with the time of the year and phases of the moon.  
“Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field….
Exodus 23:16
 
“‘On the day of firstfruits, when you present to the Lord an offering of new grain during the Festival of Weeks, hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Numbers 28:26
The festivals became a time where everyone gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate and sacrifice. The firstfruits of the harvest were brought to the Priests as an offering to God in thanksgiving and praise for the food God has provided. So, the Jews and Proselytes from many nations were in Jerusalem. But this day, just over 2000 years ago, was different.
 While Jesus was still in the flesh He told the Disciples, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 At the time of the Festival of Harvest, on the day of firstfruits, approximately 50 days after Jesus had died on the Cross, the Advocate arrived.  
The Festival of Pentecost as it is known by Christians is a wonderful day. Since there were many people who spoke different languages in the area an amazing event took place. The Holy Spirit indwelled the Apostles and they were able to be understood by all people who were in the crowd that day. Some folks believe this to be the point where speaking in tongues came from but if you can see clearly in the eyes of your heart you will see that this was the day that began the reversal of the dispersion of the nations and the confusion of languages that occurred in Babel. The Holy Spirit opened the ears and hearts of all present to hear and understand the Gospel of the Truth.
 
It was this time when 5000 Jews, Proselytes, and even some Roman soldiers came to know Christ and were baptized in the truth of the Word. What a wonderful moment that must have been. These were the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit. The beginning of the message of God through Christ to the world. Because of this, humanity with all its ethnicities and nations were gathered. The Holy Spirit moved to bring God’s Children together and for a moment there was peace.   
God revealed Himself to the Hebrews then the Israelites in many forms. Then when the time was right, He came to us as the Word made Flesh we know as Jesus the Messiah. Once that mission was complete and we were reconciled through the sacrifice of His Son, the world still needed someone to guide us. Jesus had commanded that we be baptized in the name of the Triune God and when that occurs, we will have the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey through life. We reveal the Love of God through our actions and words that are designed by our faith. Our faith, our trust in God is what guides the things we do and the words we speak. This is what will heal the world.
Right now, the world needs more than just prayer, it needs to see our faith in action. We need to reveal God to the world by working with the world to show the truth. When we do, we will be able to:
“Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year when you gather in your crops from the field. Exodus 23:16 (continued)
The Ingathering of the world in Christ is the goal. Are you willing to be the living sacrifice and show the world who God is? It is time for the reveal, let God’s Love shower the world.
 
In God’s Arms
Rob, His Servant 

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Strength in Weakness

5/24/2020

 
This morning I opened one of my books that had sermons from W. Herschel Ford and he reminded me of a quote, "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Saint upon his knees". How often are we that weak saint who in desperation recognizes that they have been trampled on by the Adversary, gets on bended knee and confesses the whole heart to God. These days that happens far too often because the world is in the way. 

Return to the Heart of Worship
How do we start, we start in the heart and mind when we see our faith flutter and repent. As easy as it sounds it isn't. When the devil has a firm grip on your spirit and the foot is heavily weighing on your back, he has you right where he wants you. You find that all these distractions are too much and the business of life in the world takes over the business of the Father. 

The simplest way to return to the Heart of Worship is not through song as many seem to believe these days but the confession of the disobedient heart through prayer. The simplest definition of prayer is talking to God but it is more than that. Prayer is clearing the mind of the daily rush of life and listening to what the heart cries out to God. 

Once the heart is prepared then return to the Word by reading the Scripture (that is, the Old Testament) and focus on where God leads you to help you understand Him more. After this you are ready to sing His praises and worship Him through song. But not so fast, you are not ready for the worship songs of today. 

Church goers of today's more modern gatherings have no clue what a Hymnal is. The Hymnal is a book of songs, Scripture, and prayers that are truly songs of worship and praise. The songs within are developmental songs which guide the heart and mind to full devotion of the Father. read and listen to the songs found in the Hymnal and compare them to today's songs. You will notice a difference. 

Get on Those Knees?
Getting on the knee is a sign of submission to the Father. The Bible tells us of many ways to pray from standing with hands in the air and looking up, to a fully prostrate position where the body lies face down. In weakness of body and spirit many need to remember this. Different types of prayer call for different ways of the body. In humility no matter the rest of the body, our heads are bowed and our hands clasped with tips of fingers touching the first knuckle of the opposite hand. In praise our hands are raised to heaven and we look up to see God. But what about that knee?

We get down on our knees and humble ourselves when we know that God has our hearts and gives us the strength to partially stand in our moment of weakness. This tells Satan that he does not have control and God is living within us. In doing this we submit our weakness to God but show strength to our Adversary.  He knows he cannot have us. 

Show Satan Who is the Boss
Brothers and Sisters, we can show Satan that God is our Strength when he tries to hold us down. Our lives are not our own which is what Satan wants us to think. He wants us to feel like total failures or he wants us to succeed and give God none of the glory. We can defeat him but only on bended knee can we show who is truly our Lord and Savior.
Pray, that today Satan recognizes that we will stand firm on the Word of God and cannot be shaken. Pray, that the world recognizes God as true ruler of this world. Hope, that the world will come to know God and see the error of its ways. May God Bless you today and every day.

In His Love,
 Rob, Servant of God     

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Lessons Learned

5/17/2020

 
Remember back when we were young our parents gave us some advice. Once we hit young adulthood some of those lessons stayed and some went out the window. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us that we should teach the youth the way they should go so when they are older they will remember. Here are a few that some forgot:

If you are thankful, show it
If you love someone, tell them
If you're wrong, fess up
If you're confused, ask questions
If you learn something, teach others
If you're stuck, ask for help
If you made a mistake, apologize
If you trip and fall, get back up
If someone needs help, help them
If you see wrong, take a stance

Now I could go on and on about many of these but there is something very familiar about each one. Is there not a Scripture that goes along with each one? Simple things that we tell our children are good things to know as we get older. The other part of these lessons are they are all good common sense things to know.
Here are some lessons that we need to remember as adults:

Do not take out your anger on a person that is not the cause of your aggravation
Always practice good hygiene, you never know who you are going to meet 
Treat all people the way you want to be treated 
If you make a statement be ready to back it up
If you lie to get your way, the truth will eventually come out 
If you want to lead, be a follower
If you share guidance, be the example and follow it yourself

If we follow these we are also following the rules, statutes and guidance that God has given us through the Law, the prophets, and Jesus. There are many other lessons but right now we need to concentrate on these to make it through this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19. 
Let's all get along, this is almost done. the time will come when decisions will have to made that will upset many people. Keep cool heads and do as God the Father commands us to do. Watch out for people or a person that has great ideas that will solve the crisis, there will be a price (some of the ideas we are all already paying for). Keep God's Word on your heart and look at things with discerning eyes. 

In the Father's Loving Arms
Rob, Servant of God

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Are We In The End Times

5/15/2020

 
There are so many prophesies around the world in different religious and civilization belief systems that no one can be sure what is true. The truth is, we are not supposed to know the time or date but we are given signs in the heavens that prepare us for it. We also receive signs on the earth. One of the signs talks about pestilence and disease. This is our current state.

The world has gone through many plagues in its history and humans have fought each one in one way shape or form by either letting it run its course or finding ways to stem the effects which cause the sickness and deaths. Our current coronavirus (a common cold) started in the respiratory system and is now mutated enough that there is no way to keep up with the damage it can do to our bodies. It is even finding ways to take our children. I really hate to say this but did we have it coming?

God Punishes to Show His Power
Many times in Scripture, God uses the earth’s defenses to remind us who is boss. He took the Egyptians down so that the Pharaoh would release the Hebrews. He caused pestilence on His chosen Israel when they sinned (numerous times). He has wiped out entire people groups for their disobedience.
 
Revelation May Not Be a Single Short Period
When we look into Revelation how certain can we be that everything is going to happen in quick succession. Every plague up to now has hit certain bodily functions and stayed local to those systems. Every time there was a chance, people were told to isolate just like we are now. Back then, people listened but now, the Adversary has so many people in his grasp that we are helping this one spread and find new ways of killing us.

Since the time of the writing there was the Plague of Justinian, The Black Death, Bubonic Plague, Cholera, Ebola Virus, and Spanish Flu. There have been diseases like small pox, measles, anthrax, and rubella, to name a few. Ladies and gentlemen, Corona Virus:
 Human Coronavirus Types
Scientists have divided coronaviruses into four sub-groupings, called alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Seven of these viruses can infect people. The four common ones are:
  • 229E (alpha)
  • NL63 (alpha)
  • OC43 (beta)
  • HKU1 (beta)
The three less-common ones are:
  • MERS-CoV, a beta virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
  • SARS-CoV, a beta virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
  • SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19
Gamma and Delta are the sub-groups that affect animals. From these we can get numerous diseases. But what I want you to see is that there are seven currently that affect us. The number seven is an important one in gematria and other numerical studies. So important that it has been related to good fortune.

Seven
The number seven, in gematria, is related to the Creation of the world. It is the most powerful number and has been used in so many good ways. There are seven days in a week. There are seven attributes to physicality (height, width, depth, top and bottom, front and back, left and right, and the total connection of the six). There are seven notes to an octave (the eighth note is a repeat of the first at the next tone). The seven notes correspond to seven colors:
Royal blue
Do

Scarlet Red
Re

Yellow
Mi

Emerald green
Fa

Orange
So

Violet
La

Purple
Ti

So why is it the number associated with the sadness of “Tribulation”?
Seven years, seven trumpets, seven lamp posts, seven plagues. Those are found in the time before the return of Jesus. Seven years Satan will control then be locked away. Seven physical years? Maybe not.
  
What is the importance of all this. If seven in creation and connection in the physical reality, would not God use that to prepare us for the reality of the Spirit? 

Seven Types That Harm Us
If there are seven types that harm us would not the seventh be a completion of all the areas affected? What is happening now is that this virus has affected the body as a whole and there is no telling where this will end. Could it be that the trumpet has sounded?
 
Corona’s Numerical Value
The numerical value of the word Corona (קורונה) is 367. There are many word combinations with the same numerical value, yes, but the one that immediately out is the expression “Messiah, Come” (משיח בוא) which also equals 367. Why is this significant? Is this not the prayer of many people right now? So many people looking for answers and look in the wrong place. They seek physical healing when their spirit is what needs the doctor.

Theoretical Thinking
This virus, if my theory is correct, will affect all of humanity and be responsible for the death of one-third of mankind. Most of us have followed the authorities appointed over us as Jesus told us to do but there are many who deny authority. Brothers and Sisters it is a time for true discernment. There are questions that must be asked but we have to put our personal, human needs and desires aside if we are going to beat this.

Closing Thoughts
Can we live how we were living to a certain extent? Yes and No. Can we survive with the conveniences and things that take our attention away from God and our mission? Not really. Do we have to make amends and repent? Yes. Can we continue in our sinfulness? No.

The one thing that will save us is truth in repentance and doing as the Lord God commanded us to do. We need to remember the teachings of Jesus who was the truth of the Word and not confuse them with the man made perversions of the times. Keep His Word on our hearts and look at the world through the eyes of the Spirit.   

Remember this is a theory from research and does not constitute prophesy. I am no prophet but a learner and follower of God’s Word. If He gives me words to speak then I will speak them. I am unimportant but God and His Word are Eternal.
God Bless,
Rob, Servant of Our Father 

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Elizabeth, Mother of John

5/10/2020

 
​God provides joy in our lives but some people have to wait almost a lifetime to receive it. For Elizabeth, relative of Mary and wife to Zechariah a priest, it was a child. She was in her 80s when she gave birth to John and it was all about God’s timing.
 
The Visit and Announcement
Zechariah was in his term of entering the innermost part of the Temple when he was visited and told about his future son. Of course he did not believe this because he was way too old to be a father much less Elizabeth being well past her birthing years. So the messenger made him mute. In fact, he was not even able to tell Elizabeth that she would be with child. What a surprise that was going to be.
 
Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were Levites so to be barren and no heir meant that they were looked down upon by all. It was considered a disgrace not to have children especially being a daughter of a priest so to be told about having a child at that late age would have been seen as a joke. When she announced her pregnancy there must have been many controversies and naysayers especially since Zechariah was deaf and mute. But God has a plan.
 
Mary Seeks Refuge
Elizabeth was six months along when Mary came to visit. Mary was just barely into her first term and sought protection being an unwed pregnant youth. The story goes that at the first meeting, John lept with excitement in Elizabeth’s womb so she knew there was something special about both children. Mary is immediately taken in until the decree for a census had been given.  
 
Elizabeth, Mother of John
Mary was there for the birth of John and then was whisked away for the next miraculous birth to occur. During this time Zechariah was given his hearing and his speech back but had to remain silent about the coming birth of Jesus. What a blessing and a curse. It must have been hard for both of them. Zechariah did not live much longer and Elizabeth died while John was still young but understood his mission. I imagine that Elizabeth was able to see the truth of things before she died but imagine the joy that she must have known and the peace she received.
 
Mother of the Pronouncer of Truth
Elizabeth bore John who would become the one who introduced Jesus to Israel through baptism. She became the mother of the one who would cry in the desert wilderness for the Lamb of God, the Word in the Flesh. It would be John who was given the opportunity to pave the way for the repentance of man through cleansing and it was his mission to announce Jesus’ arrival.
 
Elizabeth was a barren woman used by God to bring forth the man would be called John the Baptist.
 
Heavenly Father, Gracious Lord, If it be Thy Will, bless those who are barren so they may conceive. Bless those who have had children so that they bring the child up in Your ways and not the ways of the world. Guide all parents to be after Your heart and fill the children with Your Word. In this time of pain, suffering, and many unknowns, be with us and fill us with the Hope that You are beside us and have not left us to the devil’s enjoyment. Thank You Father for Your Son. Thank You for John, Thank You for Mary and Elizabeth. In Jesus we ask these things. Amen.
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Lamentation In Today's World

5/3/2020

 
How lonely sits the city that was full of people!
How like a widow has she become, she who was great among the nations!
She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave.

2 She weeps bitterly in the night,with tears on her cheeks; among all her lovers
she has none to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her;
they have become her enemies.
Lamentations 1:1-2

How familiar this sounds in the world today. For a small fraction of time the roads and streets were empty and places were teeming with life not human. We had become slaves to those in authority over us. Neighbor was against neighbor and so many were hoarding things that many need down to the simplest hygiene items. Control measures were put in place yet there were many who disregarded the warnings only to find out they had become sick and infected their own families causing some of them to die. What we are living in sounds like one of the pandemic movies, but here, people do not come back to be seen again in some other feature, they are gone.

 How did this happen? Our world is full of those who want total control and to do so must control the population through fear. Once they smell fear, they are like ravenous wolves coming in for the slaughter of the meek, innocent, and broken. Satan is not using one person but many to incite this fear of the unknown to maintain control and remove the things we have taken for granted and those that are our God given rights. He has made us slaves and uses his minions to keep many at bay.  

What Satan does not want to believe is that there are those of us who will not give in to the false fear because we have reverent fear of God. We know that if we disobey then we will be separated. We know that there is only one who can save us from the eternal damnation and that is God. 

God sent His Word down in the flesh to us so that we would turn back to God and be saved from death. Many listened and the powers that be back then hid the true purpose only to instruments in God's Plan. Every Word in Scripture rings of truth and it is up to us to listen, hear it, believe and obey. Still many do not want to believe and will stop at nothing to make us suffer. They do not see that their purpose has already been written and confirmed by God. 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are God's Children for He created us. He chose a nation and they did their part and are still part of the plan. We need to do our part as the Great Commission tells us by spreading God's Word and the sacrifice He made through His Son so that we may live. With the Holy Spirit we can win battles on earth that are echoed for our spirits in Heaven. 

Do not give into this fear and Keep God's Word on your heart. Love all because God Loves all of us. Be safe and follow the Laws of God, Noah, and Moses which were reemphasized and taught by Jesus. Do not give in but give all Glory to God, the Father, Creator of Heaven and earth.

Using the Orthodox Jewish Bible we see the Lord's answer to how we should pray:


Avinu shbaShomayim (Our Father in heaven), yitkadash shmecha (hallowed be your Name).
10 Tavo malchutechah (Thy Kingdom come) Ye’aseh rtzonechah (Thy will be done) kmoh vaShomayim ken baaretz (on earth as it is in heaven).
11 Es lechem chukeinu ten lanu hayom (Give us today our daily bread),
12 u-slach lanu es chovoteinu kaasher salachnu (and forgive us our debts as we forgive) gam anachnu lachayaveinu (also our debtors).
13 V’al tvi’einu lidey nisayon (And lead us not into temptation) ki im chaltzeinu min harah (but deliver us from evil). [Ki l’chah hamamlachah (for thine is the Kingdom) vhagvurah (and the power) vhatiferet (and the glory) l’olmei olamim (forever). Omein]

  
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Enjoying God's Creation and the Crisis on Earth

5/2/2020

 
Our backyard has become a sanctuary for birds and squirrels as of late. We have begun placing bird seed with nuts and other things for them to eat in various places in our fenced in backyard. These creatures that God hath made are a site to see. Many types of birds have come to visit. From Blue Jays and Cardinals to Doves, Robins, and Finches, we have a sanctuary for them to feed and nest in. The squirrels have grown from three to eleven as of this morning and even though they sometimes fight, they sit and eat as a community. Our dog Lili, a pug terrier mix, does not bother them but occasionally patrols the area and the others somehow know not to fear her. This is how it is supposed to be.

How beautiful is God's World in which He placed us to watch over and cultivate. We are
to live with the land not against it yet too many abuse the material resources from the earth that makes it impossible for the earth to rejuvenate itself. How much easier it would be if we did not poison the earth with so many emissions and man made chemicals so we could live without fear. 

Occasionally, God steps in and halts man from doing things but some men see the opportunity for control. That is the current state all over the earth. Basic human rights are being stripped away. The family and friend gatherings are being broken down and minds are being programmed to believe certain people in the government have total power over our lives. 

Children of God, we need to take back His world. We cannot sit quietly and beg for mercy from persons who cannot give what they themselves have not received. There are certain men and women who are abusing their authority and they must be stopped.

The Children of God should prepare the Way of the Lord. How do we do this? There is a call for repentance all over the world. The Hebrew word is Teshuvah, the Arabic word is Tawba. The Chinese word is Huǐgǎi, in German it is Buße. I could go on and on but you see, all around the world there is a word for repentance so we need to tell them it is time to recognize our wrongdoing and repent for our sins. Seek the problem and fix it. 

We can defeat evil but only through the power of the Holy Spirit. I will no longer be quiet. We must return to God.  
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

What Have You Done For God Lately

4/24/2020

 
When some people talk about a relationship with God there is more of a one sided view that says God has done everything that He needs to do for our Salvation which is a correct statement but a lot of people leave it there. Yes God loves us, sacrificed His Son for us and covers our sins but....didn't God say He needs something from us? I am pretty sure if you look at the Old Testament you will find many instances where God Commands us to do certain things to give Him Glory.

Love
The first thing involves many but is encompassed in one simple word, "Love". With love comes an unquestionable understanding that He Loves us because He created us, yet people do not believe in a creator God. God's Love knows no bounds but if you do not love back there are issues.

How do we show our love for God. The first thing is trust. We must fully trust God with our lives and everything we do. With trust comes obedience. If we put our trust in God that means we listen and do what He asks of us. This is all part of faith. In Hebrew, faith and trust are the same so if we trust someone we have faith that the person will also trust us. If we break our trust through disobedience, we are in danger of losing faith.

With obedience comes action. There are two types of faith, active and inactive. The person who has an active faith reads, studies, follows, and puts the Word into Action. The inactive reads, maybe studies, tries to follow but lets the world distract so the Word is not active in the person's life.

Worship
When you sing in adoration, pray, study the Word, talk to others about God, this is worship. When feeding and clothing the hungry without self adoration, that is worship. When you sing praises, sit and enjoy the beauty of creation, stand hand in hand with others in His Name, that is worship. When you place the plan of God above all else, that is worship.

Render To God What is God's
When the Israelites rendered a sheep or other item used for food they left nothing of the animal but had a use for every part except the voice. Everything used was for the well being of the family and in one way or another used for God's Glory. The same goes for everything, it all belongs to God. So when Jesus said, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's", He was literally saying that we owe nothing to another who will not put it to use for God's Glory. The greed of man deserves nothing.

What Have You Rendered to God?
Everything we do, everything we have, is for God. If we continue down the path of self-indulgence and self-adoration then we are not giving everything to God but keeping it for ourselves. We cannot and should not do that. Remember, He is the one who saves us, money cannot cure a disease, it provides temporary relief but does not cut down to the true cause. So give everything, do everything for God. He Loves you, we need to show Him love in return.

In God's Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God


 
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

What Happens Now??

4/19/2020

 
Here we are in the week after Resurrection Day and we are still being forced to distance ourselves from people. We cannot even approach family in the same state without others looking at us funny. I miss being around people I care about as I'm sure you do too. Some states are slowly beginning to allow businesses to open but need to keep certain physical distancing in place. I have a feeling that many people will be too scared to venture out still but when the money runs dry they will be forced to. The government cannot keep giving out money that it does not have unless they take it from big business yet they will come up with reasons not to and control their connections to keep their lifestyle. Why am I going this direction? Because we cannot find God if we are too afraid to look.

God has brought families closer. Folks, let me be honest. This is a good thing unless the family was a complete mess in the first place. If the family did not know God before how are they going to trust Him now?? Sure they can see churches, worship music, and other religious places online but there is no true repentance in a song. There is no true repentance without prayer. There is no true repentance without knowing God. I have heard of families saying they watched one mega church online and are now zealous for God. Other families have given themselves over from watch people sing worship music one time. That is not being repentant because they do not understand how the whole thing with God works.

God is already present but it is up to us to find Him in our heart. there is a difference between having a religious experience and being in God. God doesn't want us just to believe, He wants us to commune with Him in all things we do. People who just believe do not have the right relationship without giving up the things that cause them to sin. Jesus tells us in His moment with the adulterous woman were He saves her from death then saying, "Go and sin no more". Are you saved if you give your life over and continue living in your sin? NO. Is it okay to boast of your sin especially in a building filled with believers? Absolutely NO. Why do people think it is okay? Because they do not know the difference between believing and being. Believing is having faith reading the Bible and maybe following God's Word while still living in the world and the sin you just cannot escape. Being in is having full trust in God, following and acting upon His Word while being in communication with Him daily while giving up your worldliness, repenting of your sins and not returning to them. Believing is knowing that Jesus died for our sins and that is good enough. Being is Understanding why the Word came to us in the flesh, studying the Word and Keeping it on and in the heart while sharing it with others through relationship building.

Believing is religion, being is relational. God wants a relationship with us. God does not want the blood sacrifices of old or lip service. He wants us to be genuine in faith, trust, and action through faith. He wants our repentance to be genuine, not constantly asking forgiveness for the same sin over and over. He wants us to live for Him not our own desires for all glory is God's and not our own.

So what happens now? Do you want to just believe or do you want to be in a relationship with God. Do you want the world and death, or in the Spirit and life. Are you willing to give up everything for God? These are the choices we must make: To be active in true faith or reactive in the world. To be known by God and get to know Him or to be known by God and ignore Him. To have a loving relationship with the Father or not reciprocate at all. The choice is yours. As for me and my house, we choose God.

In His Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God   

       

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

He Is Risen

4/12/2020

 
Picture
What a glorious day this is.  Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. God has saved us with the final sacrifice needed. He has made the last blood sacrifice that covers our sins and brings us back to God. The Word has defeated eternal death. Through Jesus' death and resurrection we are given that second chance to do what we were made for.

Because Jesus died, we can rest knowing that we will not suffer the torment of Hell. Because He rose, the gates of Hell were sealed with His Name. Because He lives we can face every day with Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy. Because He ascended to heaven we have a lawyer in God's court that takes our punishment.

Two Thousand and some years ago Jesus, in His transformed body, stayed and taught for a little longer. He gave the Apostles a clear mission and they feared not death. All who saw Him were filled with a Hope, Joy, and Peace that was truly beyond all comprehension. They felt the Love of the Father God deeper than ever before. Though we do not see him physically we know Jesus carries us. The Word is sealed in our hearts and those who fully put their Trust in God have comfort in the arms of His Grace.

Brothers and Sisters live in peace. These next few months will be hard on many. Share God's Love and the Grace and Mercy that knows no bounds. Happy Resurrection Day

Resting Peacefully in His Love,
Rob, Servant of God   

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Just When You Thought ...

4/11/2020

 
Do you have an unwavering enthusiasm filled with love and loyalty towards God? Are you devoted to Him?

The Last Supper is to be celebrated by all who believe in Him, Trust in Him and especially those who devote their life to Him. It is not to be separated.

A priest cannot save you only God can.

There is something amazing when people realize we are all one family, one race, one united people. Yes we look different physically but we have the same genetics, same blood, same reason from being on this earth. We are to be caretakers of God's Creation. 

Did you know that God wants to have a talk with all His creation and not just specific people who may steer the rest wrong out of jealousy for Him.

How beautiful life would be if we all got along and listened to God. How even more if we were all obedient and conducted ourselves in the way desires of us.

Are we sure we are all the same. Our DNA says so. I AM is written in our very beings.

Let us all be one with God and not do the same that our ancestors did at Babel. It could be messy.

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

God, Not Just For a Priest Anymore

4/11/2020

 
Picture
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

All Praises to The King

4/5/2020

 
Picture
Brothers and Sisters, today marks the remembrance of the Triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. He entered the Golden Gate riding on a peaceful creature, a donkey. He knew that there would be people there announcing His arrival who sang Hosanna, Savior, King. Jesus knew what was going to happen even though He entered on a humble creature and signified that He would carry our burdens, our sins, when He was killed on the execution stake we call, the Cross.

Why a Donkey
Donkeys are beasts of burden yet they are also known as peaceful creatures. Jesus rode in on a donkey to show that He did not want war, He wants peace. He rode in with humility even though He knew the crowd would greet Him with calls of triumph. Jesus already was feeling the weight of the burdens so this was a physical representation of the spiritual battle He was already fighting.  
Significance Of Palms
Palms were laid for kings upon entering a gate after a victory in battle. When they laid them down for Jesus they were proclaiming His coming victory over sin even though they thought He was entering to take back the city. We wave palm branches on this day to remember the entry and victory in Jesus.

The Priests Did Not Understand

When Jesus entered the Gate there was a jealousy that ran through the minds of the religious leaders. They wanted the people to stop but they did not. They continued to sing praises to the king. But the funny thing is they were falling right in line with the plan. They rejected Him just as Isaiah 53 had seen. They set in motion the stage for exactly what needed to happen to save mankind.

Sing Hallelujah, Hosanna Has Come  

It is by God’s Grace and Mercy that He gave us His Son to prepare us for what He was doing. God made it possible for us to regain full communion with Him with the only mediator being His Son. No earthly priest can save us. No Pope has right over us. Only Jesus by the right decisions of the Father can save us from eternal death.
Brothers and Sisters, Sing God’s Praises for He has saved us. Trust in Him and speak with Him. Remember His Word and keep in on your heart.

In God’s Embrace,
 Rob, Servant of God

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Obedient We Are Not

3/29/2020

 
We have come to a point in society where unrest and disobedience to those appointed above has become common place. This is a huge problem that will only cause those who are in authority to do things they really do not want to do. The college age folks of the United States are the equivalent age in maturity and understanding as the younger son in the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Looking at the story we find the son getting his share and leaving home way before he was ready. Thinking that he could do his own thing and live, the Prodigal took his share and rebelled by getting in with the wrong crowd. This did not serve him well because in his disobedience, he became a servant feeding pigs and eating what they ate.   

Respect is Key

Obedience includes respect for our elders and those in authority over us. This has gone to the wayside in just about all aspects of life especially in the Americas. Even in the governing bodies our elected officials cannot come to proper agreements due to lust for power and an extreme disloyalty to those who voted them in. Small disagreements are fine but when one side derails everything the other decides to do, there is a problem.

The military is comprised of many ages and ethnicities. Yes the military has always had disloyalties and problems but there is still a respect. Mostly the respect is for the rank and not the person holding it but when the person and the rank are respected that provides the atmosphere for a cohesive team. Unfortunately the respect for those who fought before has been put to the wayside as many young solders do not have any respect for the retirees.

 The Threat We Are Living
We are in the season of viruses that can kill yet many of the youth who think they are immune and invulnerable to any kind of danger are disregarding the words of the people who can help them save their lives. It is not just the youth but people of all ages who do not want to listen to reason and common sense are causing others to get sick. I saw some folks who were running around with masks a gloves in grocery stores when they could have had someone who is currently healthy do it for them. This is not smart because they could infect others even with the masks and gloves on.

The young college folks who decided to gather in large crowds on beaches even though they were told not to are reaping the punishments for their actions as some have come down with the virus and one youth aged 17 has actually died. Those that are carrying the virus have probably infected their elders without knowing. Why can’t people listen???

God warned us in Scripture and the Word had reiterated by telling of the pestilence that would come when the world disobeyed God. Did you know that currently 1/3rd of the world’s population has contracted COVID-19. Add that to those infected with the common flu and you have 2/3rds of the world sick. That is not even calculating the deaths in just this season alone. With the population being over 7 billion people that number is staggering.
 
 Disrespect For God
When I say “we” I am talking about our human race. The human race has not even been able to follow God’s Law before the Torah which mentions what we should and should not consume, our sexual practices, adjudication for immoral actions and much more. We are all disobedient in one way or another.

It is past the time to straighten up our ways. The battle for our souls has been going on for many years yet it seems like it is coming to head in our time. It is time to choose total obedience to the Father or continue in our sinfulness. I do not think the world can stand much longer.

We know what to do so why are so many afraid to do it. In my quiet time with God I was reading
Isaiah 58. There is a part on fasting that hit me. It says:
“Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God.
3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers.
4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
14 then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”


If we, when we fast, consider this then we would be right in doing what God desires of us. Fasting is not just about food, it is about not doing things that seem important to us but are displeasing to the Father. We give up our daily, worldly routine and spend time doing God’s Will, that is a true fast. This is what we should do.
If we obey God in this simple manner, we will be raising the Kingdom on earth.

In God’s Arms,
 Rob, Servant of God

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Why Are We Living in Fear

3/22/2020

 
Brothers and Sisters this current situation has the world on its knees. Many have a concrete jungle survivalist attitude through fear of the unknown. There are people who are completely dependent on worldly goods and services with little recognition that God is the great provider. This has me thinking, What can we learn from the current state of the world.

Fear Is In Control


The media and those in power have total control of the masses through fear of a pandemic which has killed and can kill more. There are natural ways to fight this but people want the government to protect them through means that could actually cause more problems down the road. Fear leads to anxiety which leads to greater fears, an unending cycle without God. Yes there is reason to fear this but there is a greater power who is completely in control.

Jesus is recorded as speaking about anxiety in the Gospel of Matthew, saying:
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:25-34

When we let fear control us we are in danger in losing faith in who matters most. This passage talks about basic needs for living but these basic needs also encompass healthy living because our provider, The Father God, gives us what we need to survive when we need it as long as we place our complete trust in Him.

Dependency in Materialism is Not The Way


 Because we are a capitalist and materialist society we have become dependent on things made for us so we can concentrate on the “good” things in life that honestly do not matter. People have hoarded products and food items in fear of not being able to survive without them. Many have forgotten how to make things for themselves and ingenuity for basic items like hygiene is lost.

Some people have remembered how to survive like our ancestors and have written numerous books on the subject. The problem is that we have become dependent on buying things already made instead of doing without or making them ourselves. God gave us dominion over the earth which means He created so that we can design and develop items that we can survive on without creating “greenhouse gasses” and other emissions which can destroy the very materials we need to survive.

We Have Families?


An amazing discovery for some people is that there are other people living in the same house and have been there for years. We are relational beings yet we have been so caught up in our daily lives that there are people we have forgotten about. Kids are staying home which means the people that were gifted the children have to actually pay attention and care for them. This is a great time to rediscover those who sleep in the same house and to make contact with others who share your last name.

Believe me, some people who thought that teachers and day care workers were supposed to teach their kids about basic life needs, manners, respect, and right from wrong are about to get woken up. Mom, Dad, it is time to potty-train (yes there are people who depend on others to train their toddlers), comfort, feed, teach basic letters, words, and numbers, associate, and love your children the way God loves us.

Time to get rid of the things that separate us and come together as a family.

God is Watching Us


How we react is one thing that we need to carefully consider in this time. Are we obedient to the requests of those appointed over us? Do we respect authority? Do we care for our neighbors? Do we help those in need when we are able? Do we continue to worship and praise God in this time of pain and suffering? Do we continue in fellowship? Do we trust that God has this under control and will wipe it away when the lesson is learned? Do we Love others just as God Loves us?
All of those come from what God has written in the way we should live our lives. I know these are hard times but without God we will not survive. It is time to check yourself and your relationship with God. How is your heart? Do you have a heart like the faithful kings, prophets, and God-fearing believers of old, or are you one that believes but does not act upon it? Are you a sheep or a goat?

When we consider our relationship with God I ask that you spend as much time in prayer and in the Word that you do with other activities. I challenge you to spend twice as much time with God as you would watching your favorite movie or your favorite sport. In doing this you will have that chance to be reconnect with what has been lost. I challenge you this week to make a difference in someone’s life. For some, you might make a difference in your own that carries through to others and the reaction to this has been known to be contagious. We can replace the virus of fear with the cleansing flood of God’s Love.

Be who God needs you to be.

In God’s Loving Embrace,

Rob, Servant of God     

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Obedience in Our Time

3/15/2020

 
Brothers and Sisters I really do not have to tell you about the disobedience that is running rampart in our time, we can see it just by walking or driving down the street. Sometimes we do not even have to go that far. This latest pandemic has caused such pandemonium and many places are unnecessarily closed. If people would pay attention and obey what they are told to do then this will go away just like the other  viruses have been all but forgotten.

I want you to think of how many diseases were started from disobedience to God’s Word in Scripture. How many Commandments,  Noahic, and Mosaic laws do we have to forget and disobey before we are completely eradicated from this earth?  Look at what is happening. This mass hysteria has accomplished some good but there are troubles within as well. People are being forced to stay home. Businesses, schools, and other establishments are closing. This is causing families to have to come up with things to do. On the flip and bad side, churches have shuttered their doors. It is too close to Passover and Easter for this. Many may not return once doors are reopened. On the other hand many may actually find God during this time. Only the days will tell.

Do not be discouraged and don’t let the Adversary control what you do. Stay in touch with God. If you have been slacking off, stop and renew your relationship with the Father, He has been waiting to hear from you. Today, rain or shine I will be at the ministry site, worshiping God and thanking Him for each day. No demon is getting in my way from sending praises to God. We are working on ways to assist where we can within the parameters set by the governing bodies.

Wash your hands, avoid close contact of others unless you know they are free from the virus. Keep relationships alive and do not let Satan take that away from you. Keep God’s Word on and in your heart and stay in contact with Him. We will beat this just like the others through faith and good hygiene practices.

Be safe, be aware, and share God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy with all people.

In His Loving Arms,
 Rob, Servant of God.  

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

AT WHAT COST

3/8/2020

 
When we are told to go in obedience to the Father no matter the cost, many nowadays think to look into their pocket book. This was not the case in the first few centuries after Jesus walked the earth. For many the cost was their lives as such was the case for Stephen.

Stephen the Faithful Servant
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. Acts 6:1-5

The Greek speaking Jews did not see their widowed women being taken care of so seven were appointed. Among them was young Stephen who had a servant’s heart and was willing to serve others so the Apostles could continue in their mission. You could say these were the first Deacons as their charge was to care for the flocks material needs. Specifically, they were to help those who could not help themselves. Stephen was chosen because of his devotion and faith. The Holy Spirit opened up his heart to the gift of servanthood. His obedience to the specified task was well known and he became the leader of the group of seven.

Stephen the Bold
What the community of believers was doing in acts of faith and kindness made many of the hierarchy in the Sanhedrin very upset. Stephen was following his heart and continued despite the warnings. It came to pass that Stephen found himself defending his actions. The Bold Evangelist spared no words and spoke from the heart with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Stephen was so full of grace that many were speaking of Stephen. This made some Jews dispute with Stephen probably due to jealousy. They were unsuccessful in their attempts so they conspired against him.

During his defense, Stephen left no stone unturned and spoke the Torah and the history as if he lived through it. This upset the leaders even more. Especially when he said:
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
Acts 7:51-53

Stephen the Obedient Martyr

The priests were so enraged they called for his stoning. He was dragged outside the city, surrounded, and put to death by stoning. Right before they began the throwing, Stephen saw Jesus. Right before he died, Stephen asked for forgiveness of their sins.

Stephen could have done many things differently to save his own skin but he had his eyes on the prize of eternal life. In obedience, Stephen spoke truth to a group of leaders who were teaching God with a man’s perspective instead of God’s. He talked to them about how all things from the past led to Jesus. He reminded them that God does not like the sacrifices and would rather they worship from the heart. He spoke of the body being the temple not needing the building which requires upkeep by material means which can cause greed and dependence on the world. The final straw was the accusation of murdering the prophets. Stephen died in obedience to the truth.

What Are You Willing To Pay

Are you willing to pay the ultimate price because of the truth of Scripture? The cost of eternal life with God does not mean gaining riches here on earth which are perishable and corruptible. The cost is giving up all things which bring temporary joy and suffering for the joy of the Lord which gives us strength to make it through the day. This does not mean we need to give up our full livelihood unless God requires as such, but it does mean we must no longer rely on the world. We rely on God to provide. If that means that God gives us certain talents to use to provide for the family then that is what we do but the underlying cause is and will always be for His Glory.
 
In the Father’s Loving Embrace,
Rob, Servant of God

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

The Righteous Farmer's Voyage

3/1/2020

 
Last month we discussed disobedience and the consequences that follow. After great consideration (three minutes of really loud singing while listening to the radio) we decided to concentrate this month on obedience. The question then turned to the starting point and Noah came up as a long faithful servant.

Pre-Flood Problems  

World, we have a problem!!! Ungodliness was all over the known world and life seemed good for those who did not care for following God’s ways because they lived lawless and without conscience knowledge of life with God. Now that did not mean that no one knew God but many had forgotten Him.  

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”
Genesis 6:5-7

Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
Genesis 6:11-12

God was not pleased with His most honored creation and saw the damage that they had done to the earth. Saddened by this, God decided to do something drastic which would wipe out everything so He could start all over again.

The people living on earth at the time were living long lives which allowed for many to discover the good and bad situations of life. These men and women were vile and lived in much wickedness with little regard for life. They cared more for their own selves and ignored their fellow man and God’s commission to be caretakers of the land, water, and animals. They wanted for nothing because they figured they had everything needed to live. They were missing one element, God.

One Man’s Righteousness

Noah, son of Lamech, was a righteous man. Scripture tells us that he was blameless in his generation and walked with God all his days. His lineage was the in the line of Seth, son of Adam and he was brought up knowing God. He was a good man who did what was right in the eyes of God and yet his obedience was about to be tested.

Those of us who are up in age can probably recall now disgraced comedian Bill Cosby’s skit on Noah and the conversation with God about the Ark. He took many liberties but I can see some of the skit being accurate. We are not told that Noah questioned God the way Mr. Cosby spoke of and I confess that I would have had a touch of doubt but God prevails no matter what. Noah trusted that God knew what He was doing.

Noah, without question did as God commanded because he feared and revered God as Holy. He did everything that God had told him to do even though it took many years to build it. He also took time to gather the animals but when the time came, he was ready.

The whole time Noah and the family were building the Ark they suffered ridicule from external family members, friends, and other scoffers who did not know they were going to die. As the rains started and Noah closed himself and the inhabitants of the new world within, many started to cry out in fear and regret but God closed the ears of all aboard. Noah remained obedient and let God guide the Ark to the place He pleased.

Noah had to be patient and wait on God. The water subsided after many days and foliage began to grow. It took some time but the earth dried enough to walk upon it and the first thing Noah did was set up an altar to God and gave thanks with a blood offering, sending the aroma of the sacrifice to God. Noah was obedient in all things.

Obedience Is The Key

Without obedience we are lost. That goes with life as a whole to include the life after we leave this world. Having the faith, trust, and obedience to God’s Word and Will in our lives does not always make things easy but it does grant us peace and joy when we need it the most. Listening, learning, and following are the first steps in obedience.

Brothers and Sisters we are in the time that Jesus warned us about when He said, “as in the days of Noah”. People are not concerning themselves with God and have lost focus on the truths of living for Him. It is only a matter of time so we must be ready for He will come just as a thief in the night. If we live expecting Him then we should be living for Him, not against Him.

Be Blessed in these times and be safe. Take every precaution against the viruses and pestilence that are prevalent in the world today. Boost your immune systems to fight against the physical and boost your faith and trust in God to fight against the spiritual that would keep us from Him.

God’s Love to All,

 In His Embrace,
Rob, Servant of God


0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

The Forgiveness of Jonah

2/23/2020

 
Picture
One of the hardest things for a person to do sometimes is to forgive another for a wrong done. Part of our heart as a Child of God is that we forgive because we are forgiven. If we cannot forgive another then God may not forgive us.

Jonah was a prophet from Gath Hepher who had restored the boundaries of Israel from Lebo Hamath to the Dead Sea. He listened to God and spoke His Word so that others would remember God but he was not always the good and faithful servant as required to be a prophet. There was a time where Jonah was disobedient because he did not want an enemy saved and turned to God. His desire to have God only in Israel and Judea outweighed his designated mission of returning Nineveh to God.

Jonah heard God’s command but blatantly ignored it by going the opposite way and catching a boat to hide from God. We all know that we cannot hide from the All Powerful Father but he thought he could. Jonah’s unwillingness to be obedient caused the ship to nearly sink. He was thrown overboard and the sea calmed down only for Jonah to be swallowed by a large fish. While inside the large sea creature, Jonah repented and agreed to do God’s bidding but there was still doubt in his mind.

After Jonah delivered the message as ordered, there was a jealousy that turned to anger. He had set up shelter for himself but it did not cover his head fully so God placed a leafy plant over him. But because God knew Jonah was not right in his heart with forgiveness for the people, God removed the shelter of the plant.

God was trying to teach Jonah a lesson in forgiveness. Because his heart was heavy with grief and jealousy, God took away the one thing Jonah needed at the time. Jonah’s heart was in the wrong place as he only had concern for his well-being and not the souls of the Ninevites. When God turned away from Jonah, He was teaching him that how he felt about the Ninevites was wrong and that we all deserve God’s Love and forgiveness.

God loves everyone. When we cannot forgive or show God’s compassion towards others we are not showing God’s Unconditional Love as we should. When we are unforgiving, God is unforgiving to us. Jonah had to realize this so that his heart could be set right and go on doing God’s will throughout all the land.

If we love our neighbor as ourselves, we are loving them as God loves us. This love makes it easier to forgive. Those who do not know God cannot forgive no matter the circumstance. They become embittered with unkind thoughts. Though justice still must be done, a forgiving heart may touch the person who wronged in ways that only God can change. We can be God’s instruments of change but without an unrepentant, forgiving heart, our work means nothing.

Brothers and Sisters this completes this month’s concentration on Disobedience. Jonah learned to listen before it was too late. His problem was he did not want to share God with an enemy but had a change of heart. Lot’s wife and Aaron’s sons were not as fortunate dying quickly before restitution could be made. There was no returning for Saul even when he tried repenting, the power hunger was much to great for him to conquer. Saul’s disobedience set the example for future generations and he had to live with the decision made. He could have tried to change and been a better leader for and with God’s people, instead he chose death which caused the death of his sons on the battlefield and the eventual destruction of his line altogether.

What must we do? Listen, trust and obey God’s Word in all things. If we fall short we can return but we must choose to do so. Forgive even in the worst of circumstances. Show and share God’s Love with others.

In God’s Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God  
    
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

How Do You Approach God?

2/16/2020

 
What happens to people who think they can do whatever they please and think that it pleases God. In the case of Aaron’s oldest sons, they thought they could please God but instead it caused their death. God had made everything perfectly clear on how and when the sacrifices were to be done. But the two sons were disobedient by trying to make an unauthorized sacrifice.

But Nadav and Avihu, sons of Aaron, each took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and offered unauthorized fire before Adonai, something he had not ordered them to do. At this, fire came forth from the presence of Adonai and consumed them, so that they died in the presence of Adonai. Moses said to Aaron, “This is what Adonai said:

‘Through those who are near me I will be consecrated,
and before all the people I will be glorified.’”
Leviticus 10:1-3

God’s Consuming Fire


God is a Jealous, Demanding, Disciplinarian who is filled with all-consuming Love and Compassion for His people. He is Protector, Healer, Father. We fear Him and Love Him with a fervent desire to be with Him and He with us. When we disobey or think we are doing right even though we are not, God is displeased and He does not hesitate to let us know. 

Theory: The Sons Could Have Been Drunk


By verse eight, The Lord was speaking to Aaron and it could have been to warn against being intoxicated in God’s presence.

 And the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying, 9 “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. 10 You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, 11 and you are to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the Lord has spoken to them by Moses.” Leviticus 10:8-12

It is possible the sons had over celebrated and thought they were supposed to do what they did. My guess is that they had clouded their thoughts with the strong drink that God warned Aaron about above. God also speaks of distinguishing between the things of God and the things of the world to give God the proper respect.

To be in God’s presence one must have a clear mind in order to hear and feel God’s Word.


Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them, and he came down from offering the sin offering and the burnt offering and the peace offerings. 23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 24 And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.
Leviticus 9:22-24

The statute of having a clear mind away from alcohol was probably in place prior to this but it was cemented in because the of the sons.

What can we learn from this little episode outside of what has been spoken? Since God desires a personal relationship with us we cannot have it clouded by things of this world that would distort His Word and presence in our lives. God tells us to keep His Word on (and in) our hearts and minds so that we will be level headed and prepared to listen when we pray to Him. All those little details of troubles and praises that we take to God in prayer should be spoken and set aside so we are not disrupted by them when God answers. If we continue to dwell on the negatives the only thing we get is the negative. If we focus on the positives we run the risk of the positive becoming a negative. If we focus on God then we will be able to discern His guidance for us.

The same goes for when we enter any house of worship or gathering of God fearing brothers and sisters. Leave the world outside so that our focus is on God. Are we all guilty of this? Yes. It is something we must work on by keeping the things of the world (i.e. football or any sport, news, gossip, etc.) outside the presence when worshiping so the focus is on God.

As we continue to strive for a Christ like life let us remember that we cannot let the world get in the way no matter what. The problem is that the world is mostly unavoidable with bills, man- made laws, and taxes, but there are things that are in our control. We put things and words into our bodies that affect our physical and mental health. When these are down so is our spirit. Do be watchful and take care to be the humble/faithful servant/caretaker we are designed to be.

In His Embrace,

Rob, Servant of The Father 

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Infected

2/15/2020

 
The new strain of flu that has surpassed the death toll of SARS is coming to a country near you. I was reading the news and decided to do a little research and what I found really startled me. There have been many diseases and epidemics that started in East Asia because of what they eat. This led to more research but for this I turned to Scripture.

 Did you know that there was a Torah before the Torah? Did you know that this Torah was meant for all mankind and can actually be found in many different cultures with certain omissions? There is a law that governs the plants and animals that we can use for food and the unfortunate thing is that the latest virus comes from two of the forbidden animals.   

What Happened


The people of the earth were doing their own thing and cared not for God. How many times in history have we heard that take place? The very first time it happened, God and the heavenly council took drastic action by covering the entire earth with water. This great flood was to remove the sinfulness of the world and start over. Noah, a faithful servant of God, and his family were the only humans kept alive. With one purpose, save two of every kind of animal. Unfortunately the every kind piece somehow also applied to Noah and family because sin was not completely washed away.

Noah and the First Food Law

With the flooding done, Noah was given specific instructions on the food he and his family could consume.  
Every creature that lives shall be yours to eat; as with the green grasses, I give you all these. You must not, however, eat flesh with its life-blood in it. Genesis 9:3-4

In other words, God is saying do not eat something that is still alive nor are you to eat anything that has not been properly prepared (a.k.a. it must be killed, slaughtered, and cooked).  Blood is life. To eat or drink the blood which still flows through the veins is considered sinful. Without properly preparing and cooking that which we eat can cause anything that was in the animal to transfer into us. This provides for healthy eating so that viruses and other contagions do not spread by blood or other means.  

God had set up many laws and guidelines for living that He imprinted in Adam so they are imprinted (yet distorted) in us. Throughout history God has set written reminders of these laws and guidelines on anything that it could be seen on. Including our hearts and our DNA. One of these governed food. In continuation of the above verse, more on blood is written:  
I will certainly demand an accounting for the blood of your lives: I will demand it from every animal and from every human being. I will demand from every human being an accounting for the life of his fellow human being. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; For in His image did God make man. Genesis 9:5-6

These verses led to the fourth Universal Law of Noah:
Do not eat a limb of a living animal.
i.e.
Respect the life of all God’s creatures. As intelligent beings, we have a duty not to cause undue pain to other creatures.

Later in Leviticus:
The following you shall abominate among the birds—they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, and the black vulture; the kite, falcons of every variety; all varieties of raven; the ostrich, the nighthawk, the seagull; hawks of every variety; the little owl, the cormorant, and the great owl; the white owl, the pelican, and the bustard; the stork; herons of every variety; the hoopoe, and the bat. Leviticus 11:19

 The Human Problem (Yum This Tastes Good)
Just because tastes good going in does not mean it is good for you. There are reasons God set about certain food laws later. One of the suggested reasons has to do with environment and the fact that sin had reentered the world on a global scale.

There are certain delicacies that people eat which may not have immediate bad reactions but over time do more harm than good. Certain bacteria, viruses, and other non-cooperative to good health are in the animals that are specified not to consume in Scripture. Even well-cooked there are negatives even if our bodies change to accept the foods available. When our bodies adjust to these foods our DNA changes to accept these as nourishment. Problem, when DNA changes it replaces our original structure and God is distorted.  

There were many years between Noah and Moses. So many that those who were separated in Babel no longer knew God as He desires. God chose a specific people but had to get their human bodies healthy and change their DNA back to the time of Noah. To do this God gave the following:

20 “‘All winged swarming creatures that go on all fours are a detestable thing for you; 21 except that of all winged swarming creatures that go on all fours, you may eat those that have jointed legs above their feet, enabling them to jump off the ground. 22 Specifically, of these you may eat the various kinds of locusts, grasshoppers, katydids and crickets. 23 But other than that, all winged swarming creatures having four feet are a detestable thing for you. Leviticus 11:20-23
 29 “‘The following are unclean for you among the small creatures that swarm on the ground: the weasel, the mouse, the various kinds of lizards, 30 the gecko, the land crocodile, the skink, the sand-lizard and the chameleon. Leviticus 11:29-30
41 “‘Any creature that swarms on the ground is a detestable thing; it is not to be eaten — 42 whatever moves on its stomach, goes on all fours, or has many legs — all creatures that swarm on the ground; you are not to eat them, because they are a detestable thing. Leviticus 11:41-42

Do these sound familiar? They should because they are constantly the subject of attacks by non-Christians to which the answer is Jesus and what He approved. I cannot say for sure but I am guessing that those who believe can eat certain things but are still held to all the Noahide Laws as well as the Ten Commandments. We are bound to them because we are God’s creation. I will cover the Noahide Laws on another time but I can tell you that all of the morality and ethical laws of Moses come directly from the law given to Noah.

Eating Right Leads to Good Physical and Spiritual Fitness

Throughout time we humans have experimented with different kinds of food. Our bodies adapted to the foods in the areas we live but there are always drawbacks to everything that is listed as detestable to God. Think of how many civilizations have died out because of their eating and health habits.

If you ask me, I think God is trying to tell us something. Isn’t it about time for the world to listen. Could this latest flu strain be a sign. Think about this: a large portion of a population whose leaders have had those who believe in God persecuted through jail and or murdered. This flu is mainly attacking young adults to 55 or 60 year olds. This affects the elders who have to care for them and leaves children without parents. They are seeking a cure. The cure is simple, eat right and turn to God.
Eating right and caring for the physical has an amazing effect on the spiritual self. The more we return to the habits and character God desires of us, the closer we are to Him and He will take care of us.
I do feel for those who have had to suffer due to the losses and those who are infected. I pray that the doctors and scientists can create a temporary solution that can lead to removing this current strain and help people back to decent health. Once they recover it will be time to reintroduce them to God.
I know this is a lengthy one but a good portion of spiritual fitness really does involve physical fitness. Our physical fitness and challenges are used to bring us closer to God. Some of us may never heal but if our spiritual resolve is stronger than our physical pain, we are on the right track.

May God spread His loving arms around us,
Rob, Servant of God     

0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

Do Not Look Back

2/2/2020

 
When we disobey God there are three routes a person can take. One way leads to forgiveness, one way leads to losing God’s favor, and another leads to immediate death. Last Sunday we discussed King Saul’s disobedience that discredited him and he was removed from God’s sight as the anointed one. This week’s discussion on disobedience takes a look into the consequence of a simple statement which has deadly results. Let us see what happened to Ado, the wife of Lot.

A Troubled Mind  

Even with all the evil that Sodom and Gomorrah had been accused of and had been proven, Ado had found happiness in the lives of her daughters. There were many warnings and chances for Lot’s family and extended family through his son in laws to get the whole family out of the land but Lot’s married daughters had enjoyed life too much to leave and they also would not leave their husbands even though they were part of the evil in the land.

Lot and Ado’s youngest daughter, Paltith, had been killed by the authorities for being kind to a beggar who was starving (Book of Jasher 19:24-43). Ado had many memories that she would not let go of. Her life was filled with happiness, but she suffered through many incidents and those kept her in the world she knew even when given the chance to start over when saved from destruction.

The Order is Given

When they had brought them out, he said, “Flee for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain, but escape to the hills! Otherwise you will be swept away.”  Genesis 19:17

God told the messengers, who were sent to get Lot and family out, very specific orders. He wanted them to leave that life behind so that the family could start over again sharing the Word of God. Lot, seeing that the area they were being directed to was far off and possibly still in the destruction zone, pleads with the messengers:

Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lord! Here, your servant has already found favor in your sight, and you have shown me even greater mercy by saving my life. But I can’t escape to the hills, because I’m afraid the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. Look, there’s a town nearby to flee to, and it’s a small one. Please let me escape there — isn’t it just a small one? — and that way I will stay alive.” Genesis 19:18-20

The family made it to Zoar just in time for God to rain destruction on the cities. Without second thought Ado made a deadly choice.

But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a column of salt. Genesis 19:26

What Choice Would You Make

God gave Lot and his family a second chance and the family would have been fine staying in the city. Ado chose to look back out of sadness and concern for the daughters she left behind with their husbands. She probably wanted to see the destruction of her daughter Paltith’s killers. I do feel sorry for her but at the same time she held on to things God wanted left behind. Choices were made and Ado’s disobedience led to her death.

When we choose to follow God we are held accountable for conducting ourselves in a way that is pleasing to God. Being pleasing to God means obeying His Word the best way possible. We all know we cannot do what He asks without messing up so He sent us Jesus. We still have to move forward without looking back and desiring our past. We have to let go of the things that will keep us from God which sometimes means leaving family and friends behind. It also means leaving our worldly ways that distract us from being in communion with God.

Sometimes God asks some very challenging things of us and it is up to us to make the choices that will be pleasing to Him. We are not to look back and desire our past like Ado had done. Granted we might not be turned into a pillar of salt but if we preserve our past in our minds, we fill ourselves with salt that dries us and consumes us leaving no space for God. What choice would you make?
 
In the Father’s Embrace,
Rob, Servant of God  
 
0 Comments
read more
Back to Blog

The Disobedience of a King

1/26/2020

 
As children we are taught to be obedient to our elders. Our parents and those who are older are supposed to teach us right from wrong and make good choices so that when we are older we continue to choose a right way of living that makes our parents and ancestors proud. Unfortunately we are given into temptation because of the Fall and we are prone to make bad choices which have consequences. Each type of behavior has different consequences which can be life changing or completely ignored and people go back to their ways.

The life of Saul, the first king of Israel was filled with disobedience to God and the consequence ended in the removal of his kingship and destruction of those around him. At first he was a good king and led the people to victory but he had been seduced by the power given and began to disobey God while thinking he was doing the right thing. He was blind to the temptations that led to his sins.
   
Let’s examine one instance where Saul let his soldiers disobey God’s Word:
And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. And the Lord sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” And Samuel said,
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
    as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to listen than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
    and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has also rejected you from being king.”
1 Samuel 15:17-23

Saul’s first mistake was not having the Amalekites completely destroyed by sparing King Agag. He then allowed his troops to take the best of the flocks instead of slaughtering them as ordered. The intention was to bring them back and sacrifice them to God but God did not want that. Saul believed he was doing the right thing but he was blinded by his perception that he was pleasing God through the sacrifices.

What God desired of Saul is the same that He desires of us. God gave us His Word so that we could know Him and desire a relationship with Him through obedience. Saul had a relationship with God when he was chosen to lead the people. God relied of Saul to be the example of what it is like to be obedient and have a close personal relationship with Him. When Saul made this mistake it was the nail in the coffin for his role as he had made small mistakes up to this point. Saul did not understand that sacrifice was only a temporary solution to the larger issue of sin. God was trying to convey that He desired the relationship with us that He had with Adam and Eve before sin entered the world.

Saul rejected the Word and thus rejected the relationship that had developed between him and God. In doing this, God rejected Saul as the leader example for His people Israel. It is from this point that Saul continued down the path of sinfulness and lived in fear of being replaced while he still lived.

David was eventually chosen to rule in Saul’s place. Although he was a man after God’s own heart, David was not without fault. David’s line of kings were the examples of disobedience and obedience that led to the eventual exile from the Land of the Promise so that they could learn to trust God and return to Him. It is this trust, this faith in obedience to God that leads to the personal relationship that is desired.

God sent His Son Jesus, the Word made Flesh, to the people in order to return them to the right way of living that God desires for us. A life of caring for our fellow man and having a personal relationship with God. The mission was successful in that Jesus made the final sacrifice and defeated sin and death, covering us with His blood and sanctifying us in God’s presence.

But just because we are covered does not mean that we can be disobedient and remain in God’s good graces. We must live a life in obedience the best we can and repent of our sinfulness, trusting that Jesus is the one who God sent to save us so that we can have a relationship with God. We place our faith in God so that He knows us as one of His children and that spiritual death has no power over us.

Brothers and Sisters, as we go through our daily lives we need to remember to keep God’s Word in our hearts and live in obedience through our love that is a reflection of God’s love for us as His children. In obedience we will live with God. In disobedience we will remain in darkness away from God. Share this love with others and do your best not to fall into the temptation as Saul did.

In God’s Loving Arms,

 Rob, Servant of God

0 Comments
read more
<<Previous
Forward>>

Location

Contact Us

    Subscribe Today!

Submit