THE CROW & THE HAWK

Monday was very windy. I was looking past the cluster of swaying bamboo at a clearing where I saw a crow stalking a hawk. Let me tell you, Japan has the biggest crows I have ever seen! These crows are almost as big as guinea fowl! This hawk was much bigger than the crow, yet the crow was attacking it. I didn’t wonder why until now but I think the crow may have been protecting the young in its nest. I watched intently to see what would come of the situation.

[PhotoCredit:jhcarterORhshriver]

I noticed that the crow was trying to peck at the hawk’s head but kept missing. This was interesting because the crow’s flight was clumsy and erratic while the hawk’s flight was steady and sure. The wind was the problem for the crow. It dawned on me that the hawk was used to high altitudes where strong winds exist and that’s why it was so composed despite these strong bamboo-swaying winds. The crow could not manage the wind and was all over the place trying to get to the hawk.

The hawk stopped flying and just hovered while the crow flew around and around fighting the wind trying to get back to the hawk. Then suddenly, the hawk darted behind the bamboo cluster and disappeared from my sight. The hawk knew how to hover on the wind, how to let the current flow around itself and waited for the right gust of wind to make good its escape. Immediately I thought: “There is a message in this!”
Isaiah 40:31 came to mind. It says:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.” (KJV)

The Hebrew word for ‘wait’ has the connotation of a person being strong and robust as well as lingering, waiting with hope and with expectation. The scripture says those who wait on the Lord in this way shall renew their strength and mount up with wings like eagles. The Hebrew word for ‘mount up’ refers to being carried away, shooting forth, being carried up and being superior. The scripture compares this with how the wings of the eagle allow it to move.

In this case the hawk was doing just that! The crow panicked and was in frenzy but the hawk hovered, waiting, expecting the gust of wind to come and when it did, it used its wings in a superior way. Say this with me: While others faint all around me, I will wait on God expecting His help. I shall mount up with wings like eagles. I shall not faint!

God is amazing and His creation speaks loudly about how magnificent He is.

Praise Him now!

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

The parable Jesus uses tells of the custom of a typical Hebrew wedding during Jesus’ time. The virgins would have been friends of the bride who was to be married.

Hebrew weddings usually took place at nights commencing with the rise of the evening star. It was a Hebrew custom for the friends of the bridegroom to shout in the street that he was coming while they were walking. Jesus said the bridegroom arrived at midnight. In the parable, Jesus gave the impression that the bridegroom was delayed much more than usual.

The journey would have begun from his home and people along the road they were travelling would have joined in the shouts of happiness all the way to the bride’s house.

The virgins would have been chosen by the bride to go out to meet the bridegroom and his party when they came. So when the cry awoke them, they rose up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish had to go and buy lamp oil.

The Holy Spirit cannot be bought or sold so this parable is not making a comparison to the Holy Spirit as some people teach. Since it is not making a comparison to the Holy Spirit, the lamps and vessels would not be making a reference to people either.

This parable was simply used by Jesus to illustrate a point to the disciples. The point being that they must be watchful and prepared for His return. There are no hidden messages or other teachings arising from this parable. (Click here to see the entire study.)

Be wise and God Bless you.

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES

There are two types of people in the world: believers (Christians) and non-believers (non-Christians). Christians must look at things from two (2) perspectives: 1. The Holy Bible; and 2. The World! Christians are governed by the Holy Bible in ALL aspects of existence and are not of this world (John 15:19). Non-Christians are governed by the world’s ideals and laws and are of this world (John 8:44). As Christians we are to use the bible to show us what we are and use the world as a reminder of what we are not.

While Christians are here on earth, we must determine everything based on the standard set by the Holy Bible, not the standard set by the world. This is why it is important for us to know what the Bible says. We cannot determine how to govern our entire existence here if we are ignorant of the contents of our ultimate guide-book. We are urged to study it (2 Timothy 2:15) and to write its words on our hearts (Proverbs 7:1-3).

We are to input the words of the Holy Bible into our hearts and mind as if we are entering data into a computer. The reason for this is that SIN, the greatest obstacle to our inheritance in Heaven, lies at the door trying to seduce us like it seduced Cain (Genesis 4:7). Also, the devil is like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) trying to drag us down to hell with him.

We are not without help in this struggle! In fact we have the greatest helper ever (Hebrews 13:6). And where the Holy Bible is concerned, we have the greatest interpreter and teacher (John 16:13). Be encouraged, be obedient and be faithful because God is faithful to us (1 Corinthians 1:9).

“Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:3

The LGBT Distraction

It is my opinion that modern Christianity’s focus on LGBT people is a distraction from the key issues of SIN, REPENTANCE and FORGIVENESS! The LGBT community is not the enemy, SIN is.

The modern non-Christian thinking that people are the enemy is erroneous and un-biblical. While it is sound Biblical doctrine that Christians must hate sin just as God hates sin, there is no biblical teaching that supports hating people, even if they are sinners.

Is it a double standard that the same amount of gusto isn’t being directed towards adulterers, fornicators, people in the porn industry, idol worshippers, sorcerers and magicians, haters, angry and contentious people, false teachers, murderers, alcoholics and bad-minded people, as well as wild drunken party people? Aren’t all of these under the sin category as well? Doesn’t the bible teach that sin is sin?

Shouldn’t modern Christianity have a larger interest in winning souls for the kingdom as opposed to tearing down the Holy Bible’s main theme of soul winning through LOVE? Have modern Christians forgotten that God IS Love? Didn’t Christ speak directly to the thief, the prostitute, the fornicator, the politician, the religious leader, the ordinary people as well as the children? Did he not love Judas as much as he loved John, Lazarus and Mary?

Maybe modern Christianity has a secret agenda. Maybe the goal is NOT to target SIN but to target people; to attack people with the surreptitious plan of driving them AWAY from the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ! If this is the case then the question must be asked: “Is modern Christianity working for the devil?

SEXUAL SIN PORNEIA & PORNEUO (Greek)

The Holy Bible lists some examples of sin in Galatians 5 and calls them the works of the flesh. I have previously written about these in detail (See WHERE SIN ABOUNDED part 1.) and you may refer to that study for greater clarity on each one.

The flesh is mankind’s earthly nature, which is prone to sin. The works of the flesh are things that come naturally to mankind’s earthly nature. Mankind finds physical and mental pleasure in them because the fact of the matter is: they feel good! Some of these fleshly works are:

Adultery,
Fornication,
Uncleanness,
Lasciviousness,
Idolatry,
Witchcraft,
Hatred,
Variance,
Emulations,
Wrath,
Strife,
Seditions,
Heresies,
Envying,
Murders,
Drunkenness,
Revellings,
and anything that resembles these.

The scripture says:

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (v. 19-21)

The Apostle Paul was not writing to non-Christian people, he wrote this epistle to the Christians in Galatia. He was showing them the difference between the fruit of the Spirit of obedient Christians and the works of the flesh of disobedient or carnal Christians. The scripture says that these sins prevent people, even Christians, from inheriting the kingdom of God.

The Holy Bible teaches that sin is sin and there is none that is worse than the other. The Bible also says that sin separates man from God.

"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness." Isaiah 59:1-3 (KJV)

BUT what is so different about sexual sins why most people are weaker and give in easier to them than they give in to other things? Why do some married people lust after other persons? Why do many single people find it hard to abstain from sex until marriage? Why is it that some born-again Christians give in to the temptation to have sex even though they are unmarried?

Why do people love sex so much that they masturbate when they are alone, indulge in pornography and promiscuity, buy sex from other people, indulge in homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality as well as paedophilia, sado-masochism and commit rape? Is there evidence to suggest that the urge and desire for sex increases or intensifies with each of these different practices?

Psychology Today says: "Different people enjoy and pursue sex in different forms—as the pioneering sex researcher Alfred Kinsey put it, the only universal in human sexuality is variability itself. But within the universe of intimacy and pleasure that sex affords is a lot of room for error. Most people are affected by sexual problems at some point in their lives."

The reality is that if you cheat on your spouse; if you are unmarried and are having sex; if you are lusting about having sex with someone of the opposite sex, the same sex, and/or animals; if you have gone past lusting and have actually had sex with them, or, if you are doing all of the above, then you have committed SEXUAL SIN.

Many Christians have fallen into the 'sexual sin' trap because either they are Biblically uneducated about its alluring power or they have knowingly given in to its seduction. The Bible says EVERY sin is outside the body but sexual sin is against the body. When a person is born-again, their body becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the scripture tells us to flee fornication because it defiles this temple. 'Flee' comes from the Greek word PHEUGO referring to seeking safety by running away, escaping safely out of danger, and vanishing away from it.

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (KJV)

The first word 'fornication' in this scripture is translated from the Greek word PORNEIA. It refers to illicit sexual intercourse (Acts 15:20, 29), which includes: idolatrous defilement that occurs when a person eats food that is sacrificed to idols, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals, intercourse with relatives (Leviticus 18) and people who divorce each other for any reason other than fornication (Matthew 5:32).

The second word 'fornication' in this scripture is translated from the Greek word PORNEUO. It refers to prostituting the body to the lusts of another, having unlawful sexual intercourse, and to allowing oneself to be drawn into idolatry. Every meaning of the first word is summed up in the meaning of the second. Fornication is Prostitution. WOW!!!

When we become born-again we no longer belong to ourselves. We belong to and come under the authority and dominion of God Himself. The scripture also says we are to glorify God in our body as well as in our spirit because both body and spirit belong to God. Let us not sin against our body, God's Holy temple that houses His Holy Spirit!

Be holy, be blessed.

4 MINISTERS and their CORE DUTIES.

In the previous post I mentioned that there are various offices of the ministry but did not go into detail about them. Let us examine the scripture to find out what they are and what are their core duties. There are four (4) types of ministers with three (3) core duties:

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" Ephesians 4:11-13

The four offices are:

1. Apostle: delegate, messenger, a person sent forth with orders from God.
2. Prophet: a person who is moved by the Holy Spirit to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, especially regarding hidden things of God.
3. Evangelist: one who brings good news of the Gospel of Christ.
4. Pastor and Teacher: shepherd and instructor operating by the Holy Spirit.

The three (3) core duties of these offices are:

1. To perfect the saints;
2. The work of the ministry; and
3. The edifying of the body of Christ until:
a. All are unified in the faith
b. All are unified in the knowledge of Christ
c. All are perfected in Christ
d. All gain the measure of the stature of Christ's fulness

Many persons teach that verse 11 outlines five offices. That teaching ignores the context in the Greek text. Both words 'and' at the beginning of the verse and between pastors and teachers, are KAI in the Greek text. This 'and' is translated as 'also, even, likewise, both' and 'indeed' in other scriptures. The usage here clearly shows that these two are one office because this word 'and' is different from the three other words 'and' in the same verse, which derive from the Greek DE.

While we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, let us endeavour to perfect the saints and edify the body of Christ until He returns. Let us also perform the work of the ministry in LOVE without adding to or taking away from the Word of God.

Be blessed.

What is the definition of a true MINISTER?

I should not have to ask this question but here I am asking and requiring all (including myself) to continue to look deeper into scripture to find out what the word of God says about our commission as ministers. God has set specific operating procedures for all who carry and dispense His Word. Look at what the scripture says about ministers:

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

The scripture says thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph or to celebrate the victory won by God through Jesus Christ over the power of the devil. This victory was won for us, not for God who did not need to win anything over the devil.

God manifests or makes visible and known that which has previously been hidden or unknown. He manifests the savour or the stench of His general knowledge by us in every place. This stench is compared in the Greek text to the odor of a dead body. No wonder some people often find the Word of God to be offensive to them.

The scripture says ministers are a sweet savour or pleasant and satisfying fragrance of Christ, which is well-pleasing to God; however, the scripture also says we are two things to two different types of people. We are:

1. A stench of death to the unbelievers who are perishing; and,
2. A stench of life to the believer.

I imagine that the stench of life, in this case the ZOE or God life, must be as sweet as the fragrance of Christ. (Christ overcame death.) The stench of death is an unbearable odour. Have you ever walked or drove past decomposing road-kill? Ugh! I imagine that's why so many unsaved run away from the Word of God. Would any of us willingly inhale the odour of a decomposing corpse?

The scripture further says that ministers are NOT as many others who corrupt the Word of God. I believe this scripture defines the TRUE minister in today's world. This word 'corrupt' is interesting. In its Greek form it means to be a retailer, to peddle and to make money by selling anything. It has the idea of gaining by dealing in anything. We have so many examples in the world today of so-called ministers selling the Word of God to people who are not knowledgable of God's Word.

On the other hand, WE (true ministers) are of sincerity or purity and ingenuousness of God and we speak in Christ Jesus, in the sight of God or before His face and in His presence. This is not just a description of how we operate, it is a mandate for all, especially for those who claim to be ministers.

The scripture lists the role of the different ministerial offices in many other scriptures throughout the Holy Bible but I believe this is the standard or the benchmark by which all must operate and by which everyone else can determine who/what we are.

Let us strive to do what we are called to do because this is pleasing to God.

Be blessed.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Happy father's day!

What does that mean to you?

My wife Robertha was in labour for just over 7 hours. I remember it clearly because I was there through it all. I recall that before midnight on June 12, 2006 she started having contractions. We called our doctor and Robertha explained how she was feeling. Doc advised us to go to the hospital. When we got there the nurses checked her while I scrubbed in and waited anxiously. I recall sitting by her on the hospital bed holding her hand and trying to find jokes to tell her as the contractions came and went. I watched my daughter Samara being born at 7:47 am on June 13, 2006. I was a daddy!

That was the easy part. What about being a father? I can tell you what the Holy Bible says BUT I can also tell you that I am striving through Christ Jesus to live up to the Biblical definition of father, daddy and papa. My daughter deserves it.

In the Old Testament the English word 'father' comes from an interesting Hebrew root: AB, pronounced äv. It refers to the following:

The founder or first ancestor of a nation;
The author or maker of a thing;
The one who brings up or nourishes someone;
A master or teacher, such as prophets and priests;
The father of a king in the capacity of counsellor;
Intimate connection and relationship as in father to child.

In the New Testament the English word 'father' comes from the Greek root: PATER, pronounced pä-tā'r. It refers to the following:

Nourisher;
Protector;
Upholder;
Generator or male ancestor;
The founder of a race or tribe, the progenitor or forefather of a people.

Both words are used of God and man. Abraham is called the father of many nations. Jesus gets intimate and personal with God when He calls God ABBA, father.

"And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." Mark 14:36

Paul tells Christians that they receive the spirit of adoption and that by this spirit believers cry ABBA, father.

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

Paul also tells us that because we are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son and this Spirit cries ABBA, father.

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6

ABBA is an Aramaic word of Chaldee origin that is used in the New Testament. When it is used, the Greek interpretation usually accompanies it. It is used in prayer to express a most sacred proper title for God.

As fathers on earth we are called to be the best example of God to our children and we are to train them up to be the same to their children. This is not about playing God but about being the loving, gracious and merciful protector and provider to our children that God has been to us.

Being a father is such an awesome responsibility and God Himself has bestowed that on us. Let us seek from deep within ourselves to exemplify this father-attribute of God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Don't you think your children deserve it? Don't you deserve it?

God Bless You!

WISDOM vs. WISDOM

Have you ever watched the TV show Spy vs. Spy? Think of Wisdom vs. Wisdom in a similar way. There is only one, true, pure and good wisdom just as there is one, true righteousness.

Man's wisdom is limited in the same sense that man's righteousness is as filthy rags. True wisdom comes only from God. Any other wisdom is foolishness in comparison.

The word wisdom occurs 234 times in 222 verses in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. In the Hebrew it is CHOKMAH and literally means skill and dexterity like that of an artificer. In the Greek it is SOPHIA and refers to the wisdom which belongs to man as well as supreme intelligence, which belongs to God. The context of the scripture determines which is which when it is used.

Job died before the children of Israel made the exodus from Egypt; however, during his time of tribulation Job asked the question twice: "Where does wisdom come from?" (Job 28:12, 20) In verse 28 Job answered his own question based on what he knew to be true. He said:

"And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."

Job acknowledged that God understands the way of wisdom and knows exactly where it is. Job said God even showed it to man specifically saying that fearing God is the origin of wisdom for man and that departing from evil is understanding.

The critical thing in scripture is that mankind will start to have true, pure wisdom when they start to fear God. This is the beginning of wisdom. Mankind will also begin to have a good understanding when they start being obedient to God's Word. The scriptures are clear. Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10.

God cannot lie and His Word is true. The scripture says God gives wisdom and stores up 'sound wisdom' for the righteous and those who walk uprightly. Proverbs 2:6-7.

We can't afford to get it twisted. Ignorance of God's Word places mankind in a very vulnerable spot. Mankind becomes vulnerable to the intricate tricks and twists that the devil pushes like dope. Mankind must not become a fiend for this type of spirit-narcotic.

It is funny that the scripture says that a person who is a scorner searches for wisdom but cannot find it. The same scripture says that knowledge is easy to him who understands. Proverb 14:6.

Remember that understanding comes from obedience to God's Word. Logically the person who understands God's Word has understanding because that person is obedient to the Word. Therefore this is why knowledge comes to that person easily. Does this mean that he who lacks understanding is not being obedient? You decide.

Now the key thing about wisdom is that, when wisdom is combined with the excellency of knowledge, it gives life to those who have it. WOW!!! Did the scripture really say that? Yup, in Ecclesiastes 7:12.

That scripture draws a parallel between wisdom and money then says that wisdom is far better because when it is combined with knowledge, knowledge becomes excellent and is a life-giver.

Moreover, the scripture tells us about man's wisdom. It says that man's wisdom will fail him. Ecclesiastes 10:3.

This word translated wisdom in this scripture is different from CHOKMAH. It is LEB and refers to the inner-man. This is man's mind, will and understanding, including his knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory, determination, inclination and conscience. The scripture is saying that this wisdom fails! WHAT!!!

It is interesting to note that Lucifer had wisdom and corrupted it. God cast him to the ground and Lucifer changed to Satan. Ezekiel 28:17.

If Lucifer could corrupt his wisdom, how much more can mankind do the same? This is why no other wisdom except God's wisdom should guide us.

God's wisdom is ultimate and supersedes any other wisdom. Why settle for less than the ultimate? The scripture belittles man's wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2:4-7. The world's wisdom is counted as foolishness in God's eyes. 1 Corinthians 3:19.

Here are the two versions of wisdom. James 3:14-18.

The fact that wisdom comes from God and cannot be taught is also established by the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 12:8 and James 1:5. The 'word of wisdom' is given by the Spirit just as the 'word of knowledge' is given by the Spirit.

The scripture further says that wisdom is combined with revelation in the Epignosis of God and is a spirit that God gives. Ephesians 1:17. Man can teach IN (or from a point of) wisdom but cannot teach wisdom. There is a BIG difference. Colossians 1:28.

Let the word of God dwell in you richly and study to show yourself approved to God.

Be blessed!

GOD WOULDN’T DO THAT... WOULD HE?

Higher Thoughts and Ways
God is more than amazing He is mind-blowing. Notice I didn’t say mind-boggling, well, that’s because God says we can get to know Him through His written Word. Still, He says His thought process differs from ours. The scripture rightly says:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8

The word ‘thoughts’ here refers to the way in which one meditates plots or purposes to do something. The greatest thing we know personally is that we think, we cannot stop thinking and we don’t know why thought never stops. The greatest thing about us (thought) is a great mystery to us. God’s thoughts and ways are inestimably more superior to ours because He is the creator and we are the created.

Think about this: God sits in the innermost part of Heaven looking out into our universe. He inspects each one of the millions of galaxies in our universe in intricate detail. He then turns His focus to our Milky Way galaxy and instantly sees thousands of solar systems with suns and planets going around them. He simultaneously fixes His attention on our solar system because of earth and the people on it. He looks through the darkness in a particular country on the dark side of the earth, considers ME or YOU sitting at the computer and immediately thinks: ‘I LOVE YOU!’ All of this just happened in less than one millisecond.

When God sees the universe He sees it in real time all at once down to the minutest detail. That detail could be the dust particle that you are about to unknowingly inhale and then sneeze out. We need a magnifying glass to see the dust particle. God sees each sub-atomic particle that comprises that dust particle. He automatically magnifies them to whatever size He desires without any tools while we cannot even properly view Jupiter without a great telescope. How can our thoughts and ways be compared or measured up to God’s thoughts and ways?

When I read Ezekiel 18:23, I am reminded of how merciful and gracious God is to all of us, even to the vilest, wickedest and most undeserving people on earth. God asks a rhetorical question:

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”

God wants no one to die; that is, to die in sin and to die disconnected from Him. He wants everyone to turn away from everything that is contrary to righteousness and not just turn away but turn away and live. God’s judgment is true, His intentions are pure and He is not a liar.

When I read 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, I am assured of two things: God is the epitome of Justice; and God hates unrighteousness.

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

This scripture talks about persons living on earth during the time after the antichrist is revealed. It says ‘God shall send’ or cause a thing to be carried to them. In this case that thing is not just a delusion but a ‘strong delusion’ or a superhuman wrong opinion that leads to error and they will believe a lie. By believing the lie they will be ‘damned’ or judged and separated because they will have pleasure in unrighteousness. I know, shake your head and ask: “Our loving creator Almighty God will do what?”

Take your Bible and read what Romans 1:21-32 says.

REALLY GOD??? WOW!!!

WHAT or WHO is a "WATCHER" ???

If it was up to me, this would have been in the study on Angels. But God, in His infinite wisdom, knows all things. He knows us intimately. He has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ.

There you are,
prodding me,
saying: "Tell us already!"
Asking: "What is a watcher?"

Well, in the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar addressed his kingdom to testify about the magnificence of the Most High God. He recounted what happened to him. He had a puzzling dream. The dream was so strange that he called for all his wise men, magicians, astrologers and soothsayers from all corners of his kingdom, so they could tell him what it meant but none of them could.

Finally Daniel came before the king and the king told Daniel what he had dreamt. The king said he saw a 'watcher' and a 'holy one' who had come down from Heaven and had told him many things. The watcher and the holy one are our focus here. What or who are they? The scripture says:

“I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;” (Daniel 4:13)
“This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Daniel 4:17)
“And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;” (Daniel 4:23)

When I researched the word “watcher” in this scripture I discovered that it comes from the Hebrew (Aramaic) IYR, pronounced ēr. It literally means ‘a guard’, ‘wakeful one’ and also means ‘a watcher’. “Holy one” in this scripture comes from the Hebrew (Aramaic) QADDIYSH, pronounced kad dēsh'. It literally means ‘holy’ and ‘separate’ in the sense that whatever is holy is separated from all ungodliness. These signify angels who watch and guard us humans.

They brought the king a message and made a declaration against him. The scripture says their words were a decree (v. 17) so that the living may know that God rules over man. Daniel explained to King Nebuchadnezzar what the dream meant and everything happened to the king just as Daniel had explained it.

The king recovered after the time had passed and was re-established in his kingdom. The watchers and holy ones were the ones who ensured that everything God had intended for the king happened. King Nebuchadnezzar began to praise, extol and honor the Most High God after that.

The fact of the matter is that these watchers and holy ones are around us all the time too. They are in our houses, in our yards, in our apartments, at our jobs and with us in our schools. They walk with us, take the cab with us, catch the bus or the train with us and are even there with us in our cars or while we sit in the café to eat.

They literally follow us everywhere we go to ensure that God’s will or desire for us is strictly carried out. This is such an awesome demonstration of God’s love for us. We have our own personal Heavenly ‘secret’ agents. WOW!!!

Praise God!

HOW DO WE SIN?

I didn't ask: "why do we sin?" Don't we already know why? Well, just in case YOU didn't know, we sin because we were born in sin and born disconnected from God. The Holy Bible says that everyone born of Adam is in this condition. What I am asking here is simply: How does sinning happen when it happens? The scripture says it all begins with us, in our mind.

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:14-15 (KJV)

When I examine the Greek text, it says everyone is tried or tested to see what they think and to observe how they will behave when they are “drawn out” or lured away. The context of the scripture is that a person is lured away from being self-controlled like fish or game is lured; it is also similar to how a prostitute seduces.

It says that man is seduced by his own private craving, longing and desire (lust) for whatever it is, which is forbidden. He is glamoured or charmed, deceived and caught by bait (enticed). The scripture says that afterwards when his craving, longing and desire seize him and take him prisoner, they assist him in giving birth to sin just like a woman giving birth to a child that had been growing in her womb. It is also similar to a seed that has sprung up and grown into a mature tree that is able bear fruit.

The scripture also says that when the sin is committed or accomplished it births death just like a baby being born from the womb. It refers to death of the body, which is the separation of soul from body. This death is literal and has the idea of the separated soul going to hell. God did say the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Thank Him for grace and mercy through Jesus Christ because if it wasn’t for these many would receive the penalty. Finally, the scripture says that we must not be deceived and be led astray (err) from the right path.

“Do not err, my beloved brethren.” James 1:16

This scripture is our assurance that we can be strong and not give in to the seduction of our secret desires. It is an encouragement and a command. Don’t do it! James would not have told us to NOT do it if this was impossible. That means it is possible to be strong enough to resist temptation and to resist sin.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1

John wrote to believers telling them to not commit sin. John also said that just in case they sinned, they were to remember that Jesus Christ is there in Heaven pleading (advocating) our case before God. Imagine Christ Jesus talking to God right now about someone who has done some very vile and unimaginable things. Do you think Christ will run out of things to say to God about why He should extend forgiveness to such a person?

James also tells us to submit to God and resist the devil so that the devil will flee from us.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:7-8

We are told to submit to God first. We are also told to resist the devil. James is telling us to set ourselves against the devil, to withstand and to oppose him. He says in doing so the devil will run away (flee) as if he was seeking somewhere safe from harm. He then tells us to draw near to God and God will draw near to us. We draw near to God through His Word. Read it, study it and save it in your heart just like you save a document on your computer.

God Bless You!

MAN DISSECTED

I remember (decades ago, lol) when I was in high school I had to dissect a frog in biology class. Not a pretty sight or memory for that matter except that I learned a lot about the anatomy of a frog. Well, this study intends to give us insight about how man is made up. Jesus had a discussion with some scribes during which He gave man’s blueprint.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)

Jesus told the scribe something dynamic about man when He told him the greatest commandment. Jesus painted an accurate picture of man, consisting of four essentials: heart, soul, mind and strength. Let us examine these four to get a better look at the picture of man.

The heart
Heart (Greek—KARDIA, pronounced kär-dē'-ä) here refers to the core of man or the middle, central or innermost being. It is both the vigour and sense of the physical life (Luke 21:34; Acts 14:17) as well as the center and seat of the spiritual life (Romans 10:9; Galatians 4:6).

The soul
Soul (Greek—PSYCHE, pronounced psü-khā') consists of the feelings, desires, affections and aversions and is listed in numerous scriptures synonymous with these (Luke 2:35; II Peter 2:8; III John 2). It is also referred to as breath or the vital force which animates the body (Acts 20:10).

The mind
Mind (Greek—DIANOIA, pronounced dē-ä'-noi-ä) consists of the faculties of understanding, feeling, desiring and thinking (including imagination), inherent within the heart (compare it to the 'spirit' (Greek—PNEUMA) of man in I Corinthians 2:11, as well as the ‘spirit’ (Hebrew—NESHAMAH) of man in Proverbs 20:27).

The strength
Strength (Greek—ISCHYS, pronounced ē-skhü's) refers to force, strength, power and might having to do not only with the physical body and its five senses but to one’s ability (I Peter 4:11) or propensity to be strong.

The scribe answered Jesus and agreed with Him on all points except one: the mind. In his response the scribe substituted ‘the mind’ for ‘the understanding’. The scribe was speaking from his limited knowledge and this was a reflection of his unregenerate condition.

“And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:32-33)

The understanding
Understanding (Greek—SYNESIS, pronounced sü'n-e-sēs) refers to something flowing together as in two rivers, but in this scripture speaks to the mind in so far as it simply understands (without any other function).

This was a very different meaning from the one Jesus intended when He mentioned the mind. The word used by Jesus (DIANOIA) established that the mind consists of the understanding along with feeling, desiring and thinking as well as imagination and that all are inherent within the spirit.

The word used by the scribe (SYNESIS) differs in that the understanding stands alone, thus it is limited since it is without feeling, desiring and thinking as well as imagination.

We have two images here:
DIANOIA—that of a man who is connected to God; and
SYNESIS—that of a man who is separated from God.

I sincerely hope that you are connected to God through your belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are separated from God just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sin, tell someone that you believe and decide to stop practicing things that separate us from God. Also find someone to study the Bible with or find a church where the Holy Bible is being taught by the Holy Spirit, so that your newborn spirit can get the milk of the Word of God.

God Bless You.

SOUL-SLEEP IS NOT SCRIPTURAL

I THESSALONIANS
The Apostle Paul wrote this first letter to the Thessalonians to confirm the young disciples in the fundamental truths that they had already learned. He was urging them to continue in Holiness and was also comforting them about those who had already died in the faith.

In 1 Thessalonians 4, a reference is made to those that are 'asleep' (v.13). The Greek word used here for 'asleep' is koimaō, pronounced koi-mä'-ō. It literally means to sleep, to still, calm or quiet and to die. It is also used in verses 14 & 15 when talking about those who sleep in Jesus. Bodies die but all souls are eternal, even the ones that are separated from God.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (Verses 13-18)

In context, a parallel is drawn with those who 'sleep in Jesus' and the 'dead in Christ'. They are the same. The word 'dead' (v.16) comes from the Greek nekros, pronounced ne-kro's. It refers to one who has literally breathed the last breath, making the body lifeless. The initial focus of the scripture is on those who sleep and the second reference is on the dead. This scripture is therefore saying that those who 'sleep in Jesus' are also 'dead in Christ'.

ACTS
The scripture says that David went to sleep and saw corruption but Christ did not because God raised Him from the dead. The scripture here is talking about the bodies of the two. Surely no one can say that this refers to David's soul because that would mean that David’s soul saw corruption. Moreover, Christ's soul or spirit did not need rising from the dead but his body did. He would have gone back to God if His body had not been raised.

"God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption." Acts 13:33-37

The same two Greek words above (koimaō and nekros) are used in this scripture as well. Christ's body did not see corruption because God raised Him from the dead but David’s corpse lay rotting, awaiting the resurrection.

The scripture says the body without the spirit is (nekros) dead (James 2:26).

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

You may read the entire study by clicking the link "SOUL-SLEEP IS NOT SCRIPTURAL" under OTHER STUDIES to the right near the top of this page.

God Bless and Keep You!

ANGELS IN OUR MIDST

The Holy Bible tells us that angels are a little more than messengers. They are ministering spirits who are sent to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:13-14).

"But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

The word ‘ministering’ here comes from the Greek leitourgikos, pronounced lā-tür-gē-ko's. It literally refers to the performance of service by one whose duty it is to minister, specifically to angels who obey God’s commands.

The scripture says that we should not forget to ‘entertain’ strangers because some have ‘entertained’ angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

This is saying that we must be hospitable and show love to strangers because some have hospitably but unknowingly received strangers as guests who were angels. This means that angels take on human form and also means that they can take on any human form.

I accepted Christ when I was twelve years old and always feared God even though I was rebellious. When I was fifteen years old my family moved to the United States from Jamaica. I was taking the school bus to school and was sitting in the only vacant seat on the bus. This guy, who happened to be white and thought he was tough, had been suspended from school and I had been sitting in the seat where he usually sat.

The day he returned to school he called me the ‘n’ word and took a swing at me on the school bus. Needless to say he missed, lost his balance and fell between the seats. He issued a challenge for me to meet him at the park to settle the matter of his wounded pride. I was headstrong, rebellious and fearlessly foolish so I took on the challenge and rode my friend’s bicycle to the park to fight this guy.

When I got there, I was the only one there for about five minutes. I then saw a car approaching slowly. It stopped and this guy and three other muscular looking white guys got out with baseball bats. My heart was drumming in my head like the drummers in a marching band. Then I saw my salvation. There was a man, or what I perceived to be a man, jogging towards us.

The best way to describe this man is that he was as tall as a basketball player, as big as a football player and he was my color. He was jogging so slowly it looked like he was bouncing. The next thing I knew he had his hand on my shoulder and was asking in a deep voice: “You alright little man?” I was looking straight up at his face, which I can’t seem to remember now even though I remember that my head was tilted so far back that it seemed as if I was looking up in the sky.

I don’t remember my answer but I clearly recall hearing the scuffle to get back in the car, the doors slamming and the car speeding off. The man who I believe was my angel just jogged off in the same slow pace he had approached in. I rode my bicycle home thinking about what had happened. The scripture says that the angel of the Lord surrounds those that fear God and delivers them (Psalm 34:7).

This is just an excerpt from my study on ANGELS. Go to the link ANGELS IN OUR MIDST under OTHER STUDIES to the right of this HOME page to find the full study. Feel free to download it.

ARE YOU GOOD GROUND?

Jesus was sitting by the sea side and great multitudes of people gathered together on the shore. Jesus went into a ship and sat down and the people remained on the shore while He began to speak. He told them a parable about a planter (sower) who went to plant (sow) some seeds.

"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." (Matthew 13:3-8 KJV)

Jesus said that the sower began to sow the seeds and some of the seeds fell on the road where the sower was travelling. He said the birds came and ate those seeds. Some of the seeds fell upon the ground where there were a lot of rocks and very little arable land. These seeds sprung up quickly because there was no deepness of dirt and when the sun came up it scorched them because they had not taken root and they withered away. Some seeds fell among the thorns and the thorns rose up above them and suffocated them. But some seeds fell into good, arable ground and brough forth fruit. Some produced fruit by the 100's, some by the 60's, some by the 30's.

Jesus then had a discussion with His disciples and proceeded to explain the parable to them. He said:

"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:18-23 KJV)

The seed is the Word of God and the sower is anyone who preaches, teaches, ministers or evangelises. He said that when anyone hears the Word and does not understand it, the devil comes, seizes the word and carries it off by force after it has been sown in the heart. He said this is the person who received the seed by the roadside.

Jesus also said that when anyone hears the Word and receives it with joy but the Word does not strike deep root and sprout with the intention of producing fruit, this is the same as a person who receives the seed into stony places. He said that this person holds the Word for a while even though there is no root. When tribulation or persecution rises like the sun this person becomes (offended) displeased and usually stumbles by beginning to distrust and desert God.

Jesus further explained that when a person hears the Word but allows the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches to stifle the Word, this person becomes unfruitful. He said this is the same as a person who receives the seed among thorns. The thorns are the cares and the deceitfulness of the riches of this world, which suffocate the young sprout and it bears no fruit.

Jesus lastly explains that the person who hears the Word and understands it will bear fruit and bring forth fruit multiplied by the 100's, 60's and 30's. He explained that this is a person who receives the seed into good ground.

I have had to examine myself, to see which one of these explanations from the parable above fit me. My family is currently mourning the passing of our beloved Patriarch. We are all deeply grieving even though we know he is with the Lord. I had been standing in faith for his complete recovery but he passed nonetheless. My heart is broken but I know that God's divine will is being accomplished to GOD's glory. I am good ground and I hope you all are as well. Pray that we all will understand the Word of the Lord, that it will strike deep root, spring up above the thorns and bring forth fruit multiplied by the 100's, 60's and 30's.

God Bless You!

Believers can TELL GOD!!!

The Prophet Isaiah told Cyrus some things that God said (Isaiah 45).

God said He was going to use Cyrus. This explains why God chose him (v.1). God called Cyrus by name and even gave Cyrus a surname. The Hebrew text explains that God meant that He called Cyrus gently even though Cyrus did not know Him. God called Cyrus to use him for a specific purpose, for the children of Israel (v.4).

God further said that even though Cyrus did not know Him, Cyrus' calling was so that the children of Israel would know that HE was Yehovah - The Existing One and that there was no other God (v.6).

God then cautioned Cyrus about contesting HIM. GOD asked Cyrus if the clay could ask the potter what he was making with it or what purpose he was making it for (v.9).

God then did something completely revolutionary with this man Cyrus who did not know Him. God told Cyrus (a non-believer) to question Him about the Israelites and what HE was doing with them and to COMMAND Him.

"Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands COMMAND YE ME." (v.11)

I love it. THIS MEANS EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS. If God can tell "CYRUS" to do this, how much more are we (born-again believers, children of the Most High, heirs and joint heirs with Christ) able to do this???

We know that Cyrus became God-minded because God said that He raised Cyrus up in righteousness and that HE would direct all of Cyrus' ways. History (and the Bible) teach us that Cyrus freed the Israelites ( v.13) and used Ezra to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-6).

I AM TELLING YOU that God says that we should ask him about the future of his children and about the works that HIS hands make. HE said we should command HIM. Tell HIM what to do. The scripture uses the same Hebrew word "command" in verse 11 as it does in verse 12 where God said He "commanded" creation.

Isaiah went on to declare other things that are yet unfulfilled (v.14-25).

God is so awesome and has given us, His children, the authority to utilize the same creative word power He uses, to tell Him what to do. Profound revelation. I LOVE YOU LORD. Praises Father.

GRACE & PEACE x GRACE & PEACE

2 Peter 1:2-3 (KJV) "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"


The Apostle Paul wrote to the Apostle Peter. This was a very personal second letter. He was very emotional and he carefully chose his words. He was under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He was saying that the EPIGNOSIS or the precise and correct knowledge of God and Jesus is the medium by which Grace and Peace would be multiplied to Peter.

This scripture is literally saying:

I declare that Joy, delight, pleasure, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good-will, lovingkindness, favour as well as harmony, safety, security, national tranquility and the exemption from the rage and havoc of war, be increased and multiplied TO YOU, in, by and through the EPIGNOSIS (precise and correct knowledge) of God.

He went on to say that the divine or Godly inherent power, which resides in Jesus Christ our Lord has given US (ALL BELIEVERS) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, some of all types of things, which pertain to the God-Life (ZOE) and Godliness or Godly reverence and respect. He re-emphasized that all of this was through the Epignosis (precise and correct knowledge) of HIM who called us to glory and virtue.

I could preach a sermon on these verses but please, read them for yourselves and let the EPIGNOSIS of God and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ penetrate your inner being. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit.