Monday, April 29, 2013

David's census



2 Sam 24:9  And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
2 Sam 24:10  And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
2 Sam 24:11  For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,
2 Sam 24:12  Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.
2 Sam 24:13  So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
2 Sam 24:14  And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.
2 Sam 24:15  So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.
2 Sam 24:16  And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.
2 Sam 24:17  And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.
2 Sam 24:18  And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.
2 Sam 24:19  And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.
2 Sam 24:20  And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.
2 Sam 24:21  And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.
2 Sam 24:22  And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.
2 Sam 24:23  All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.
2 Sam 24:24  And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
2 Sam 24:25  And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

What was wrong about David taking a census of the men of fighting age?  This was not far from what Jesus said.


Luke 14:31  Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
Luke 14:32  Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.


He was putting his trust in numbers. He was convicted of sin. What is not of faith is sin. What of a church leader who numbers his congregation as an indication of his success? Success and victory are the LORD's doing. We really must be sensitive to sin in our lives. The spirit of God is easily offended by the pride of man. David knew after he had taken the census that he had sinned. Being under the law, he would have to face God's punishment. The death angel killed 70,000 men in three days of pestilence (plague.) The death angel stopped at the threshing floor of Aeaunah. (Ornan) where David was told to build an altar. David paid for the land, for he could not make an offering that cost him nothing. This altar would be the place where Solomon's temple was to be built in Jerusalem.

2 Chr 3:1  Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Four Giants



2 Sam 21: 15 Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.
16 Ishbi-benob was a descendant of the giants ; his bronze spearhead weighed more than seven pounds, and he was armed with a new sword. He had cornered David and was about to kill him.
17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his rescue and killed the Philistine. After that, David's men declared, "You are not going out to battle again! Why should we risk snuffing out the light of Israel?"
18 After this, there was another battle against the Philistines at Gob. As they fought, Sibbecai from Hushah killed Saph, another descendant of the giants.
19 In still another battle at Gob, Elhanan son of Jair from Bethlehem killed the brother of Goliath of Gath. The handle of his spear was as thick as a weaver's beam!
20 In another battle with the Philistines at Gath, a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot -- a descendant of the giants --
21 defied and taunted Israel. But he was killed by Jonathan, the son of David's brother Shimea.
22 These four Philistines were descended from the giants of Gath, but they were killed by David and his warriors. (NLT)
 
We remember the story of how David defeated the giant "Goliath" with a rock from his sling. David spoke words of faith to the giant.
 
1 Sam 17:26  And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
 
 Who can come against the Living God? David by faith was able to defeat Goliath. Later in this story David fought against four brothers of Goliath with other mighty men of God. David was about to be killed by one of the Giants as he was exhausted from battle, "But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his rescue and killed the Philistine." A man of God may become exhausted from battle and this shows how that if we surround  ourselves with others of faith that they will step in to help defeat the giant for us.
 
Who are the mighty men around us? Are they not the disciples of Jesus Christ? Men and women armed with the sword of faith, the word of God. When giants of discouragement, illness, tragedy, and want enter the life, these who are faithful speak words of faith and they pray connecting with the commander of the LORD's army. Through prayer every power from satan must flee for God is greater than all we must face in the battles of this life.
 

Respect our warriors



Rom 13:7  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

2 Sam 19:1  And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.
2 Sam 19:2  And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
2 Sam 19:3  And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
2 Sam 19:4  But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
2 Sam 19:5  And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
2 Sam 19:6  In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
2 Sam 19:7  Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.
2 Sam 19:8  Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

David was the leader that his warriors fought and died for, but his heart was grieving over the loss of Absalom his son. Joab had to set him straight. His tears for the enemy were inappropriate.  A leader must show support for his warriors. Those who put their lives in danger for their country should be honored and respected. Often those who fight are betrayed by the leader who seems to care more for the enemy. If we support a friendly nation, then we should not send arms to their enemy. There are so many things that are not right. To be a leader you must do what is right. Many leaders of our nation have no truth anymore, it is all some alien idealogy in control. The truth is, there are spirits controlling the leaders, a good Holy Spirit, or a destructive demonic spirit. Oh, how we need leaders after God's own heart. David was after God's own heart and he could be corrected when he was wrong.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Two monuments



2 Sam18:5 And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom." And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders.
6 So the battle began in the forest of Ephraim,
7 and the Israelite troops were beaten back by David's men. There was a great slaughter, and twenty thousand men laid down their lives that day.
8 The battle raged all across the countryside, and more men died because of the forest than were killed by the sword.
9 During the battle, Absalom came unexpectedly upon some of David's men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great oak, his head got caught. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air.
10 One of David's men saw what had happened and told Joab, "I saw Absalom dangling in a tree."
11 "What?" Joab demanded. "You saw him there and didn't kill him? I would have rewarded you with ten pieces of silver and a hero's belt!"
12 "I wouldn't do it for a thousand pieces of silver, " the man replied. "We all heard the king say to you and Abishai and Ittai, 'For my sake, please don't harm young Absalom.'
13 And if I had betrayed the king by killing his son -- and the king would certainly find out who did it -- you yourself would be the first to abandon me."
14 "Enough of this nonsense," Joab said. Then he took three daggers and plunged them into Absalom's heart as he dangled from the oak still alive.
15 Ten of Joab's young armor bearers then surrounded Absalom and killed him.
16 Then Joab blew the trumpet, and his men returned from chasing the army of Israel.
17 They threw Absalom's body into a deep pit in the forest and piled a great heap of stones over it. And the army of Israel fled to their homes.
18 During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day. (NLT)
 
Two monuments; one to prideful self and a pile of stones marking his destruction.
 
Prov 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:19  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
 
John 5:44  How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
 
David may have been a poor father but he loved his prideful son. He did not want any harm to come to him, but the rules of war are different. Joab killed Absalom as Absalom's prideful head was caught in an oak tree limb where he was dangling. An amazing story. All the forest was in the battle, just as God may use the creation to bless us, he can use it to chastize us as well. " ...and more men died because of the forest than were killed by the sword. "
 
Twenty thousand of Israel were killed because of David's prideful rebellious son. David cried when he heard of his son's death.
 
2 Sam 18:33  And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

This reminds me of Jesus crying over Jerusalem, a rebellious people. 

Mat 23:37  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

As David would have died to save his rebellious son, God's own son Jesus came to die for God's rebellious sons. We humans were created in the image of God, but sin had separated us. The law said we deserved death. God's love sent his Son Jesus to die for us. A son of David died for all Israel and all who would believe in him. Through faith we receive God's grace instead of the law of death. We are saved by the blood of Jesus and by believing that he did this we are forgiven and given eternal life with Jesus and God the Father. An amazing story and it is the truth. Leave the monuments of pride and the grave and look unto Jesus and the cross.

Friday, April 26, 2013

A deceiver


  
2 Sam 15:1  And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 Sam 15:2  And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
2 Sam 15:3  And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
2 Sam 15:4  Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
2 Sam 15:5  And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
2 Sam 15:6  And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
 
Absalom was out to steal the kingdom away from his father David. He was young and handsome with a full head of hair, He was friendly and he hugged the people. Believe me when I say we must watch out for those who seek to win over people, seeming to care for them. We may be embracing the devil in disguise. Remember how Jesus was betrayed with a kiss.
 
People are so ignorant. A nation will elect a devil if he looks like he will give them something for nothing. People are moved by emotions, "I don't care what you say, I want to know that you care." Well, you had better listen to what is said and look beyond the pretending of a wolf who appears to love the sheep. We must  discern the spirits. Many choose leaders by appearance,  as when the nation of Israel chose Saul as their king.
 
1 Sam 9:2  ... Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
 
Saul failed to obey the LORD and was rejected by him. I cannot understand how so many people will keep following a man who is a liar and who will say anything to appear to please the people, but will not follow God. This is a  false shepherd who comes to be one of us, but whose heart has an evil plan.
 
John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
We must be careful, many sheep will cuddle up to an affectionate wolf in sheep's clothing. Examine the fruit, not just what seems to look good. A politician will win hearts by kissing babies, but his true plan is to kill them. King Herod wanted to know where the new king of the Jews was.
 
Mat 2:8  ...Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

His true intent was to destroy the child.  A politician will embrace illegal aliens to get more votes, but he will become a tyrant once his power is securred. The more we trust false words and false appearances, the more likely we will allow evil to take root. The false leaders will not keep the laws.
 
Prov 29:18  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
 
If we follow people who will not follow God we all will fall.
 
Mat 15:10  And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
Mat 15:11  Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Mat 15:12  Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
Mat 15:13  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Follow Jesus and be careful who you trust, there are many deceivers.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Spirit of lust




2 Sam 13:1  And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
2 Sam 13:2  And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.

2 Sam 13:10  And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
2 Sam 13:11  And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
2 Sam 13:12  And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
2 Sam 13:13  And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
2 Sam 13:14  Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
2 Sam 13:15  Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
2 Sam 13:16  And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
2 Sam 13:17  Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.




There are many testimonies of children who were abused by some family member. Along with the abuse came a curse "you are evil, you are going to hell."  A child may accept that shame as fact. Amnon said he loved his half sister Tamar, almost with an obsession. This is the spirit of lust. It takes hold of the person, driving them to do an evil act. Then the object of the lust is hated or there is intense self hatred.  The desire for intimacy is God given. One man and one woman married.

Our nation is plagued with demon lust and fornication. So many "shack up" without getting married. Children are born out of wedlock and not given proper love and care. Children are abused and God is aware of these things and I think he will give special grace to those abused and accused children.

Mat 18:10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus breaks curses; come to him who loves you and rid your heart from the accusing spirit of the devil. To those who think that you must fornicate, this is not God in you. Even though the nation turns away from God allowing most every evil of lust; it will destroy your soul and the soul of the nation. Come to Jesus and be cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb. You can be free to love others as God loves us.

1 Cor 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

A missed opportunity


 
 
Luke 19:41 But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry.
42 "I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you.
43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you.
44 They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you."
45 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants from their stalls.
46 He told them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a place of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves."
47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him.
48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said. (NLT)
 
Jerusalem, the capitol city where the Temple stood. The place where God chose to be found for his people. Their Messiah was with them but they missed their opportunity to find their peace. Our own capitol city has many references to our founding fathers faith in God, but it too has turned away from their source of peace. Destruction is coming as the leaders plot to remove Jesus by mocking and killing him. The temple in Jerusalem became a place of commerce instead of a house of prayer. The focus was wrong, on outward things and not on the presence of God in their hearts. The people hung on every word that he said. Soon he was to be hung on a cross for them. They didn't want a Jesus who suffered and died. They wanted a Jesus of prosperity and power; they missed Jesus. A remnant believed in him and faith grew, his message has spred to every nation, many have come to him by faith. Do not miss your opportunity to receive Jesus as your way to God and eternal life. Destruction comes to a nation who turns from God. Turn back to Jesus and pray for your nation while there is an opportunity.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Zacchaeus


  
Luke 19:1  And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
Luke 19:2  And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Luke 19:3  And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Luke 19:4  And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
Luke 19:5  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Luke 19:6  And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
Luke 19:7  And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
Luke 19:8  And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Luke 19:9  And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Zacchaeus was greatly honored and moved by Jesus Choosing to come to him. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." He received him joyfully. He also repented and was willing to give restitution to any that he had cheated. When Jesus asks to come into our house, our heart, then we must clean house as he convicts us by his presence. He comes to abide in us and we must by his presence repent of sin. He heals us and forgives us. He came first to the house of Israel. "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham." Jesus came first to his own people, the Jews. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

God the Father had sent Jesus to Zacchaeus on this day of his salvation. "for to day I must abide at thy house." There is the Jewish house of Abraham and their became another spiritual people of Abraham: the Gentiles who by faith come to Jesus. Jesus also was sent by the Father to the Gentiles.
 
John 4:4  And he must needs go through Samaria.

John 4:7  There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

He revealed to the woman at the well, a Gentile outcast who he was.
 
John 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:25  The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
John 4:26  Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

God had sent him to the Gentile woman and she too received Jesus. God sent Jesus to me and I received him joyfully. Out of all the people he chose the least likely people; Zacchaeus and the woman at the well. 
 
Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Are you one who Jesus was sent to come into your house?

Monday, April 22, 2013

Persistent prayer


Luke 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luke 18:2  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
Luke 18:3  And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luke 18:4  And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Luke 18:5  Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Luke 18:6  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Luke 18:7  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luke 18:8  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

He is coming for the people of faith. Faith and prayer, belief and communion. The walk of faith cannot be done in the natural, we need God's help. Prayer is connection and power from God to do his will. Faith comes by hearing and hearing God's word. How many meetings have we attended about learning the things of God? I used to go to business seminars, but after a while I thought, why do this if I don't apply what I learn? Faith requires prayer to be  effective. If God has laid something on our hearts, continue to pray to him until you get a breakthrough. He answers and we obey giving him thanksgiving and praise.We are always to pray, to share our thoughts and life with God the Father.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Where will God's kingdom come?



Luke 17:26  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
Luke 17:27  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Luke 17:28  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
Luke 17:29  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
Luke 17:30  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
Luke 17:31  In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
Luke 17:32  Remember Lot's wife.
Luke 17:33  Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
Luke 17:34  I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Luke 17:35  Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Luke 17:36  Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Luke 17:37  And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.


The time of Jesus coming again may refer to the rapture of the church and also his coming to earth to establish his kingdom. It is a time of separation, those in Christ will be gathered together and his enemies will be killed. Now is the time of grace, a time for all to accept the Lord Jesus Christ who shed his blood on the cross and is risen to eternal life, the first fruit, the firstborn of a new people of God. 

Luke 17:37 asks a question? Where Lord, where what? Where will the kingdom be revealed (vs. 30) Let's look at verse 37 in other translations. The first translation is the KJV.

Luke 17:37  And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

The word for eagles also refers to vultures, birds that feast on dead flesh. There will be tribulation from the antichrist and tribulation from God on the unsaved. The antichrist will kill many of God's people and the angels will kill the ungodly at the return of Jesus to Israel. The place appears to be Israel.

Now the New Living Bible

37 "Lord, where will this happen?" the disciples asked. Jesus replied, "Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near."


The New Living Translation assumes that the gathering of vultures is only a sign, not a particular sign of the end times, but just that we recognize death is near when we see vultures circling. Others signs were given; as in the days of Noah and Lot. Evil people and evil ways, a people ripe for God's judgement. That time is now so his coming could be near.

Another translation that is interesting but not as reliable is the Message Bible. It tries to explain things in an easily understood way, but still to explain something you must assume that you are telling the true meaning. Their assumption is different than the other translations.

37 Trying to take all this in, the disciples said, "Master, where?" He told them, "Watch for the circling of the vultures. They'll spot the corpse first. The action will begin around my dead body."

His dead body and resurrection was still future, but the coming of his visible kingdom to earth refers to his second coming. Perilous times are coming. The focus is on Jerusalem. There will be a one world government, the mark of the beast, the man of peace making peace in Jerusalem and then making himself as the Christ in the temple, the antichrist. There will be much evil, the destruction of those who love God and a final tribulation from God before Jesus returns and the angels will destroy the enemy and gather the saints. This will be when Jesus returns, many dead but a new start for those still on earth. The devil will be bound for a thousand years and Jesus shall bring his  kingdom to a restored earth. The saints will return with Jesus to be kings and priests. Jesus is the King of Kings. Look up, the rapture of the church is near. Hopefully we will not have to go through the very end times. Whichever, Jesus is coming to establish His kingdom in Jerusalem and all the nations will come to him.


Saturday, April 20, 2013

Calamity advice

  

1 Sam 30:1  And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
1 Sam 30:2  And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
1 Sam 30:3  So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.
1 Sam 30:4  Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
1 Sam 30:5  And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
1 Sam 30:6  And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
1 Sam 30:7  And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
1 Sam 30:8  And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.



The enemy had attacked  Ziklag, meaning "winding", a city in south Judah given to David by king Achish of Gath. David and his mighty warriors had been helping the king of Gath to fight their enemies, because David had wearied of running from King Saul. Now, the enemy came to where all their families and belongings were in that twisted place and had taken everything precious from them. Have you found your self confused and stricken in a winding place? All of David's mighty men blamed him, so he had no where to turn, but to the LORD. David encouraged himself in the LORD and then he inquired of the LORD what to do.

When the enemy attacks you, your sense of well being, your finances, your health, your loved ones then do as David and encourage yourself in the LORD. Take your crooked place of life to the straight path of the LORD. Seek encouragement in the word of God, in the Psalms. Then seek direction from Jesus, the Word of God. The Father knows what you are to do. Have courage to wait on him and to do what he says. His still small voice will lead you, when you come to him, meditate on his word and seek his direction. It will be alright, just stay close to him as you walk the straight way. Keep going and you will experience restoration and blessings. Has God ever failed you?


Col 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Must I forgive everyone?



Luke 17:3  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Luke 17:4  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

There is a condition to forgiveness, the person must say "I repent" (even if he doesn't mean it?) In Matthews gospel there was no condition given.
 
Mat 18:21  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
 
Another condition is that the one you forgive is a brother, someone close, someone who has confessed faith in God.
 
It seems to me that to forgive someone that they would have to be sorry for what they did. If no repentance, then we should remove our self from them and do not be their victim. Pray that they repent and leave them be and give them to the LORD.
 
Rom 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2 Cor 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

If they repent forgive them, if they are unrepentant sinners, give them to God and do not carry their guilt and condemnation. Hold no malice towards anyone; pray for their salvation because Jesus forgave you when you were yet a sinner. If you reprove a sinner on the way to hell they may say "your judging me." Warn them in a loving way and Jesus will judge them, leave them to him.

A final verse to ponder by the Holy Spirit:

Mat 6:14  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Rich man and Lazarus


  
Luke 16:19 Jesus said, "There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed and who lived each day in luxury.
20 At his door lay a diseased beggar named Lazarus.
21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man's table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.
22 Finally, the beggar died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried,
23 and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Lazarus in the far distance with Abraham.
24 "The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish in these flames.'
25 "But Abraham said to him, 'Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. Anyone who wanted to cross over to you from here is stopped at its edge, and no one there can cross over to us.'
27 "Then the rich man said, 'Please, Father Abraham, send him to my father's home.
28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them about this place of torment so they won't have to come here when they die.'
29 "But Abraham said, 'Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read their writings anytime they want to.'
30 "The rich man replied, 'No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins.'
31 "But Abraham said, 'If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen even if someone rises from the dead.'" (NLT)
 
Most agree that this is an actual story, but to those who believe it is a parable it stiil illustrates several truths.
 
1. In heaven things may be reversed, the selfish rich man will be in torment and Lazarus will be in a separate place, where the saints were kept before the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah.
2. There is a hell, a place of torment
3. There was a place where the souls of the saints were held, called paradise.
4. The souls of the dead were aware of where they were
5. They cannot leave hell, but paradise was probably taken up with Jesus
6. Even though someone was risen from the dead, many will not believe
 
There is more to the story, but these I see from having read the story many times. Some want to say this is only a story, because they do not agree with it's truths. Parables illustrate truths, and actual stories are true testimonies.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Respect the anointing



Doeg, the Edomite who killed the priests of God at Saul's bidding, despised the anointing of God. David had great respect for the anointing of the LORD, even the anointing of king Saul that lost the Holy spirit, yet was still the anointed king. Do we respect the anointed of the LORD?
 
Lev 8:10  And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.
Lev 8:11  And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.
Lev 8:12  And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
 
The Holy people of God have reverence for what is Holy. Saul lost the reverence for what is holy and for many years tried to kill David, the chosen anointed king that would be the next king, but David respected Saul, the anointed king.
 
1 Sam 24:1 After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi.
2 So Saul chose three thousand special troops from throughout Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats.
3 At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding in that very cave!
4 "Now's your opportunity!" David's men whispered to him. "Today is the day the LORD was talking about when he said, 'I will certainly put Saul into your power, to do with as you wish.'" Then David crept forward and cut off a piece of Saul's robe.
5 But then David's conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe.
6 "The LORD knows I shouldn't have done it," he said to his men. "It is a serious thing to attack the LORD's anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him." (NLT)

David could have killed Saul that day and cut off a piece of his robe to prove that he was near enough to kill him, but his heart was troubled after he cut off a piece of the robe of the anointed king. This reminds me of the respect John the Baptist had for the anointed one; Jesus the Lamb of God, the Holy one of God.
 
John 1:26  ... I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
John 1:27  He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
 
There is the spirit of antichrist today that seeks to destroy the holy anointed things of God. Doeg the Edomite was an example of this antichrist spirit. We are to respect the anointing of God in his people, his institutions, like marriage between one man and one woman. The antichrist spirit seeks to destroy the sacred, the holiness of the God of Israel, the true almighty God.
 
2 Pet 2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
2 Pet 2:10  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

2 Cor 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Cor 6:15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2 Cor 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Cor 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2 Cor 6:18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
 
Acts 10:37  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
Acts 10:38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Acts 10:39  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Acts 10:40  Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;
Acts 10:41  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Acts 10:42  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

The holy people of God respect the holy things of God. Love your brethren and do not speak against the anointed of God. Respect the presence of the Holy Spirit and those who are the temples of his Spirit. Worship the Holy God of Israel and Jesus Christ his Son. Exalt the LORD!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Doeg the Edomite wolf



Doeg the Edomite, was a descendant of Esau who despised his Jewish birthright. The Edomites throughout the history of the world would oppose the God of Israel. Many of the nations around Israel today are descendants of Esau. Doeg was at the temple when David came hungry, asking the priest for bread. They are among us, but they are not of us.
 
1 Sam 22:9  Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
1 Sam 22:10  And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

1 Sam 22:17  And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not show it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
1 Sam 22:18  And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
1 Sam 22:19  And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.
1 Sam 22:20  And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
1 Sam 22:21  And Abiathar showed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests.
1 Sam 22:22  And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house.
1 Sam 22:23  Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.

The descendants of Esau would destroy the people of the God of Israel if so allowed. Saul's footmen would not kill the priests as ordered. The majority in our nation would not want to destroy the priests of God, but ungodly rulers may have this in mind. Only one priest escaped to David for refuge. Jesus from the lineage of David, the Son of God is our refuge. We will see the godless trying to destroy the roots of God in America in the name of change. Those who trust the God of Israel must pray for our nation and Israel for his will to be done. Where could we go but to the Lord? Will you stand up for the God of Israel and come to Jesus your Savior?  God be with you as you draw near to him and commune with him in word and prayer. Glory to the God of Israel and glory to his Son, their Messiah and our savior.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Slain in the Spirit




An evil spirit of jealousy and rage had caused Saul to hunt down David to kill him. There was nothing holy in Saul, for he had been given a tormenting spirit and by this time probably more than one.

1 Sam 19:18  So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
1 Sam 19:19  And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.
1 Sam 19:20  And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.
1 Sam 19:21  And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.
1 Sam 19:22  Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.
1 Sam 19:23  And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
1 Sam 19:24  And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

Luke 19:39  And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luke 19:40  And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.


The presence of God was so strong with David and Samuel that all who were sent to capture David began to prophesy. Did this mean these men were more holy than other men? No, the Lord was holy, his presence was strong and gave them words to speak. I recall that evil Balaam was a prophet as was his donkey. The Lord may cause anyone to speak for him, even stones if he so desired. The one who had a stone heart and devoid of the holy spirit was king Saul, and yet when he came to kill David, he fell to the ground and began prophesying. He also was naked, disrobed I assume by an evil spirit. Can an evil spirit speak God's truth? Yes, the demons were the first to speak that Jesus was the holy one from God.

Mark 1:23  And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mark 1:24  Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 1:25  And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Saul was slain by the spirit, as we say when someone falls under the power of God. He was also naked, which is not something that a holy man would do before God. Remembering the seven sons of Sceva. When they tried to cast out a devil in the name of Jesus that Paul preached. They were overcome by the spirit and they fled naked and wounded.

Acts 19:16  And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Saul laid on the ground, naked and shamed, prophesying, all that day and night, while David escaped. I ask you, having been slain in the spirit, did it change Saul for the better? We must examine the fruit of the prophet as well as his words. The words must line up with the Holy Bible and the fruit of the Spirit also must be shown in the life. Saul continued to seek and to try to kill David. That is the fruit of the evil one. Our fruit is the fruit of the spirit, love... and our mission is to seek and to save the lost. We invite the presence of God not for a performance, but for his glory. Our heart's are to be prepared to meet him and our lives are to show his presence within us.


Saturday, April 13, 2013

The Spirits

  


1 Samuel 16:13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.
14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul, and the LORD sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.

23 And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away. (NLT)

2 Cor 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Cor 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Saul had an evil spirit (KJV) or a tormenting spirit (NLT)
Anointed music made the evil spirit to withdraw.

Eph 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Eph 5:19  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Eph 5:21  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

The anointing is of the Holy Spirit. If we are in Christ we have his anointing. We must learn to encourage ourselves with psalms and hymns. There is the spirit from the devil that will try to bring you down, yes even as a Christian, a spirit of depression. Speak the name of Jesus, turn on the praise music and soon you will be filled.

We cannot be entertaining the wrong spirits in people. Lead them to Jesus and if they resist and come against you then leave them be. The natural man always opposes the spirit man. It is the spirits that war. God's spirit is holy and good. Stay in His Spirit.