WatchLine!

.......between two opinions.......

2007-07-28T10:14:00.000-05:00

The other day, the Lord led me to 1 Kings 18. The chapter simply came to me. As I read, I came to one verse that stood out. It stood out to the point that I knew I need not read further. I knew that verse was a message from the Lord. A message and a question! A message and a question of and about our time and position--when and how we live. The message is verse 21. In this passage, all the people of Israel had gathered together. Elijah, the prophet, also came. He came and asked the people a question as stated in verse 21. It reads, "And Elijah came to all the people and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people answered him not a word."

The question (and message) here is one of position. How long will you falter between two opinions? Prophetically speaking, our generation is in a period of transition---in the world and in the church. It is a period of transitioning to position. So, again, what we're dealing with here is a question of position. God, in this hour, throughout America and the face of the earth, is, by His Spirit, attempting to transition His people to a new position. One that is closer to Him. One that involves more vision and discernment, maturity and responsibility, leadership and authority, and also, subsequently, fruitfulness and reward. Many are not responding as they are not even hearing the question and calling or are aware of Gods' earnestness in this time and, as such, do not move/flow with His Spirit and do not answer His call (such as the people of Israel in verse 21). Therefore, they do not change, grow or mature. Many are caught 'between' and sadly, that is their position--between. Between two opinions is to say between the life and ways of this world and the life and ways
of God and the life God is calling them to.

In Revelation 3 we see that, with respect to spiritual position, God would have us be either cold or hot--not lukewarm. "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." (Revelation 3.15-17). God can deal with those that are cold and hot. Neither one of them are caught in between. The cold know they are cold and do not have the life of God evident in their lives. The hot also know their position. They know God is alive, vibrant, and working in their lives (they have a fire greater than them inside).
However, the lukewarm are just that--caught in between and neither cold nor hot. The sad underlying characteristic here is that they don't even know their true state--they are deceived into believing they are healthy because of their comfortable present status. They are living by their and the worlds' standards, but not by Gods'.
In a couple of my other articles, I have stated that as long as the air conditioning is working, food is in the fridge, the bills are paid, everyone is relatively healthy, and the lawn is irrigated, then, Americans (and much of American christianity) seem not to need or seek God. Oh, they may pray on occasion and pay homage to God with church attendance, offerings and tithes but those things do not necessarily have anything do with ones' true heart position. Again, "because you say I am rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." The lukewarm position (in between) says, "I'm alright, I'm okay, I'm doing what I need to do to get by and be comfortable" (materially and spiritually). But, the fact of the matter is that the lukewarm are caught in the zone or cycle of their own comfortable routine and, in fact, are watered-down, weak, insignificant and produce nothing but their own spiritually fruitless experience. Sadly, much of American christianity is caught in this position of deception, meaning they do not even correctly discern their own state or are aware of their own spiritual depravity and lack.
That is why in verse 18 of Revelation 3 we read, "I counsel you to buy gold refined in the fire....and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see."
This is good advice for those spiritually destitute and earnest alike. However, sadly, much of the church in America is caught up in their own routines like the rest of the nation and world.....Caught up in jobs and careers, making and spending money, mundane concerns and obligations as well as travel, entertainment, Harry Potter, and American Idol (idle America). "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, cares of this life..." (Luke 21.34).

I have noticed across the fabric of America, particularly in the political and church arenas, that there seems to be a dearth of good leadership and sound authority. Many people vote today, not for who they want, but more for the lesser of two evils, so to speak. I am not the only one to notice this leadership deficiency (even Lee Iacocca, legendary auto executive and former CEO of the Chrysler Corp., has a new book out named "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"). Listen. God is trying to fill those shoes and He's interviewing applicants now!
As I wrote earlier, we are in a period of transitioning to position--if we allow God to have His way. God has been speaking to me since 1998 regarding this 'transition to position' and the doors of this period of time are closing but are not yet closed. Don't miss the call. Seek Him while He may be found. Do not falter between two opinions. We need to quit like impotent worldly men and be strong in His Spirit.
The actual Hebrew word for 'falter' ('halt' in the King James version) is pasach.
It is interpreted as "to leap" or "to pass over". In other words, many Christians today are not even paying attention to the fact that they are 'in between'. They are passing over acknowledgment of and dealing with their present position of being in between the way of this world and the way wherein God is calling. Sure, I admit we are not bad, evil people but we are not producing the works of Jesus either. Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.." Well, I ask you then, have you performed any great healings lately, raised any dead, or even seen these great works? Me neither, but we won't either unless we answer His call to growth and maturity and leadership. Sadly, much of our church body are not even walking with the 'mind of Christ' but are on other 'wavelengths' and 'christian fads'. Many have been stuck in an erroneously taught, practiced, and widely misinterpreted prosperity teaching/movement and many are not alive as a body to the works and mind of the Holy Spirit as our daily guide, comforter, and teacher. Sadly, we have the same divorce rates as the world, family strife, lack of spiritual harmony, materialistic pursuits, and don't even come close to walking in the divine life provided by the atonement of Jesus such as healing. The word says, "I am the God that healeth thee" but our growth in healing from Him as a body and individually is virtually nil! We have a long way to go but we make progress one step at a time. That's all He asks. Some steps are seemingly bigger than others because they deal with our comfort zones, our hearts, and situations that require daily attention, forgiveness, and change. But God is greater---if we allow Him.

Lastly, notice the question again. "How long will you falter between two opinions?" The question begins with "how long". Obviously, this situation had taken precedence for some time. It is important to deal with a matter when it's called to our attention--as it can get glossed (passed over) and even become hidden into a routine state if not dealth with. Notice the people of Israel did not even answer with a word to Elijah. They had become dull. Dull of hearing, understanding, and response. If God is speaking to change, He will provide the Spiritual firepower for it and there be will gain, growth and reward.
But He will not exercise His will over ours. Again, as He says in Revelation, "I stand at the door and knock." You have to open the door.

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Burn Your Ships

2007-05-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Over the years, I have been writing down a few one-liners from movies I have seen. There are enough of them now that I think I could compose a message, or two, from them. (Of course, I would have to spiritualize them, but then, that would be the point).

Today, as I attended a local ministers' breakfast, some lines from a movie kept coming repeatedly to mind. Many of you are familiar with the movie, "The Hunt for Red October". To those who aren't, let me set the stage a bit. Sean Connery plays a Russian submarine admiral who is in command of the latest/greatest, most stealthy of nuclear subs so technically advanced that it can run virtually undetected. However, he and his officers intend to hijack the craft and defect to the USA. After his plan is put in motion, he is sitting at mess (dining) with his officers and he makes this statement (the one that kept coming to me this morning): "There will be no going back. When he reached the new world, Cortez burned his ships. As a result, his men were well motivated."..........Think about it....sound familiar.

The parable of the sower speaks of four types of ground (hearts). The first two are so hard and shallow that nothing sown can live. We know the fourth is good ground and bears fruit. But the third , sadly, is like unto many people today. The seed (God's word, plan and life) is sown and received, but the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches choke the word and he becomes unfruitful. God is calling to many hearts in this hour. Many are responding. Many people realize they need change in their lives and are seeing the hand of God produce change. God genuinely responds to a sincere heart. God has produced change in and for many and blessed many lives. Many lives have been transformed from negative, hopeless, meaningless circumstances to that which has promise, hope and substance. When he reached the new world, Cortez burned his ships. God is speaking, in this hour, to not look back.

After the Israelites had been delivered from 400 years of oppressive captivity in Egypt by many powerful works and miracles of God and tired of the manna they were fed in the wilderness, they began to look back. "Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord, for the Lord heard it, and his anger was aroused....so the children of Israel also wept again and said, Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and garlic."(Numbers 11). You know the story. These same people delivered from so great a captivity by such mighty works looked back...back to the leeks and garlic of Egypt....and so, consequently, wandered in the desert, homeless and unfruitful, for forty years. They didn't burn their ships.

We are in no different a situation in blessed America today. Having come this far, will you, will we be taken captive by the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches? Will we look back and fall back? Will we forget 9/11? Do we have to repeat that lesson, to hear that wake-up call again? We need to burn our ships. Those things that would take us back to where we once were must be put away....we must press on in Him.
"But Jesus said....No one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9.62).

Note: For those who are 'historically challenged' (slept through history class), Cortez was a Spanish conquistador who was sent to colonize the new world (Americas) in the sixteenth century.

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' 0 7

2007-01-28T19:46:00.000-05:00

God transcends time....and therein does not think, govern, or plan according to what year it is as we do. It could be said that God moves more by dispensation and season.

We know that 2007 is but a continuation of 2006 and a prelude to 2008....and yes, '07 is, in fact, a continuation of many things that the Lord spoke about, tried to do, and did in 2006.

In this season of time (this year), the transition to position continues for those who listen and hear...but not just listen and hear, but press in to Him for intimacy. The call to come into His courts is still heard and the call to press in from His outer courts into His inner courts of Presence is still timely.

This season or period of transition for His church is one in which God is stirring His people. He is stirring His body for change, alignment and clarity. It is His desire to put an end to dead works of religion---that is legalistic rule, ritualism and routine and to come alive to depth of relationship. Relationship is key in this hour. It is key for growth, maturity and position. This time is a period of 'greening' for His anointed ones---those that will---that will spend and take the time, effort and sacrifice to press in and take (even as if by violent force of spiritual will as is necessary-Matthew 11.12) the restoration of relationship He offers. Someone once said, "I would rather be green and growing than ripe and rotting." Much of God's house is rotting on the vine and is, even now, being pruned for this is a season of pruning as well as greening.

In this hour, 2007, God's people desperately need "times of refreshing"--- a fresh rain to fall upon tired lives and lifted faces---a stream in the desert and a fountain of life on parched ground. They that truly hunger and thirst will find this refreshment for it is bought by desire and without money and without price. They that seek Him will find His rest, a much needed rest from their labors, cares and hardships and will be restored to His heart---one that desires to gather the lost, comfort the brokenhearted, and heal the wounded and hurting.

Finally, '07 is a year to make your paths straight, that is, to get your house in order...let your eye become single and well-focused. For this to happen, for most people, a back to basics is in order, that is to say, a return to their first love and the simplicity of Christian life. This is necessary to come to the positioning He would have us for the greatest anointing in the history of the church and mankind---the latter rain. The latter rain awaits and is even now falling for those that will---even now---in 2007.

R O L E S

2006-12-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

In this hour, He is assigning roles. Do you know yours? Are you engaged?

I watched part of a movie yesterday called "Chasing Christmas". I don't know the whole plot but three of the characters were the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. Anyway, the Christmas past character didn't fulfill his role or assignment as expected--he took liberties, lost his focus and did his own thing without considering others or the consequences of his actions. Subsequently, because of his actions (misdeeds, missed deeds), he was reassigned to a lesser role. His assignment (role) went to another--someone more deserving. He lost the responsibility he once had. I got to thinking about fulfilling my role in this world? Am I doing that which I am specifically called to do---that which the Lord has assigned for me to do? Am I walking in the shoes (steps) He has prepared for me to walk in? It would be a terrible thing to have my role given to someone else and be assigned a lesser role!
This reminds me of the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25.14-30. Do you know it? Well, Jesus taught it saying that a man went on a long distance trip, but, before he did he gave some money (investments) to three of his servants. Subsequently, upon his return he found that two of his servants had made money with the money that he had entrusted to them. However , the third servant, for fear of losing what he had, had hidden his money away and done nothing with it. As a result, what he had was taken from him and given to another. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

I also saw another movie yesterday (all of this one). It was a spur of the moment decision to go to the movies on a Saturday afternoon (not a part of my routine). This movie was also about people who had specific roles to play--a true story that took place a couple of millenia ago. The name of the movie is "The Nativity Story". Against great obstacles and harsh criticism, even in the face of ostracism, Joseph and Mary had monumental roles to play 2000 years ago. I never really thought about it in depth, regarding all the ramifications of their circumstances, like I did during and after the movie. 2000 years ago, in legalistic Judaistic society, who would actually believe that Mary, very pregnant by the Holy Spirit with Jesus, had never been with a man? Who back then would have believed her and stood by and supported her? Well, Joseph did.........and even then, not immediately. Mary and Joseph, by obediently carrying out their roles, accepting their calling and mission (with little real understanding and confidence) set the stage for the greatest role of all time. Jesus, as the chosen, sent, and anointed one, fulfilled the greatest role of all time; but only after and along side of Mary and Joseph (as well as John the Baptist-another great role player). They were all specifically chosen to play their role and that they did----they fulfilled their calling regardless of the cost. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?

You have a role too--a specific one--one all your own that you are specifically chosen to play, to be, as a child of God and member of the body of Jesus Christ. What is your role? Do you know it? We all have them. Are you fulfilling your role in this hour? 2000 years after His birth, LIFE, death and resurrection, the stage is still set, the camera is still running , the movie is still in production---are you fulfilling the script He has written for your life? If you don't know, ask Him. He will reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11.6). Your role will become clear and fulfilling your place will have great reward.
If you are disillusioned or even bored with life, your present role status, the routine, etc., then you are not fulfilling your role . If you don't have enough time to listen to God and to do His will, then you are not, at least correctly, fulfilling His complete calling for you. When there is surrender on our part, true surrender in a persons' life, then does his/her role come to the forefront and take preminece and is prominent. He is still waiting for Love to take the reigns of your life. This is the love spoken about in Ephesians 3---that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height---to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness of God...........
This is an hour for fine tuning---fine tuning of roles (knowing His will) and a time of pruning by the Spirit for bearing fruit. This type of fine tuning and pruning is realized by surrender and it is key--the key to the inner court of His presence from which we will be clarified and defined by His light as it shines on us. His light will enlighten our path and we will clearly know our way and destiny....our purpose....our role.............sweet surrender.

Spearhead

2006-10-29T18:02:00.000-05:00

A couple of Sunday mornings ago as I stood in church listening to the 'praise/worship team', I heard something I don't normally hear or notice. It was also something I didn't hear. My attention was called to the purity and effortlessness of the singers. It was also the lack of pretense, pride, pomp and fanfare----just simple, effortless praise and worship in the Spirit----not an expression of selfish will or striving or show.

In days long ago, when warriors went to battle with spears, it was important that their spears (spearheads) were pointed and sharp, otherwise, needless to say, they had lost their initial effect and could be deemed as almost useless and the warriors would be defenseless. Likewise, how silly would it be for a surgeon to enter an operating room with a dull rusty nail in hand saying to his patient on the operating table that he had lost his scalpel but would attempt to do the best he could with his rusty nail. (Most of us, anesthesia or not, would be out the door in 30 seconds). A clean, sharp scalpel is much more effective and efficient.
Boats and ships have a bow or hull that is strategically designed to 'slice' or 'cut' through the water with the least amount of resistance for momentum. Airplanes and jets, too, are aerodynamically streamlined to course through and use the air and wind for maximum, sustained lift and forward motion.

This same Sunday, I also was reacquainted with a couple of old friends visiting our church that morning. It occurred to me, seeing them, that I had known them about 35 years. It simply reminded me of the continuous passing of time. 35 years is almost a generation.
We are the spearhead, the scalpel to and of our generation. We are to be as effective as the bow of a boat in water and as the aerodynamic foil (wing) of a jet in air. That is to say, we are to be those that lead and lift our generation. To do this we must be pure, sharp, clean and clear with good hearing and vision. To do this we must be in tune with the Holy Spirit. For us to be effective to our generation, we must allow the Lord, by His Spirit, to lead the way....and thats ALL He needs----willing, surrendered vessels that have been cleansed and purified by His presence. It is the 'simple presence' of the Lord in our lives that speaks the most to our generation.

The pristine presence of the Holy Spirit is how we are most effective and efficient. As we grow and mature in Him, this should become 'second nature' and effortless. Certainly, for most that is easier said than done but there is a way. We must allow His Spirit the path of least resistance within us....and then to allow Him place (residence). We must allow the 'gentle breeze' of His Spirit to permeate us continuously. The voice (presence) of the Lord was not found by Elijah in the strong wind, the earthquake or the fire but in a 'still small voice' (I Kings 19.11-13).

I have said before that may it never be said that the enemy stole into the camp, our camp, and plundered our generation while on my watch, our watch. This is our generation---our watch, our time. It is our time to excel and lead.......but not by our plan or efforts but by His leading, His Spirit, His pristine presence. We must find our place in Him and He must find His place in us.
We must find, feel and follow the 'gentle breeze' of the still, small voice.

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"Too Long In The Turn"

2006-08-20T15:25:00.000-05:00

'Are we stuck?' A couple of months ago, that is what I was wondering. In light of the fact that Jesus said in John 14.12, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do..." and that Jesus said that we are to be 'salt' and 'light' in this world to our generation, I have to wonder if His present-day church is fulfilling or even developing to fulfill His words and calling and mission in this hour. Most Christians consider the church today to be His 'end-time' or 'last days' church. Many also feel that this last days church or temple shall be greater than the former temple (as recorded in Haggai 2.9). However, I look at the modern-day church, particularly in America, and I have to wonder whether we are actually fulfilling our role in this hour. Now, I am well aware that this is a process, a growth and we are taught that we develop from faith to faith. Nevertheless, so it was, a couple of months ago, I questioned the productive functionality and maturity status and subsequently, the influence of the church in and to our world in this hour. I was and am concerned about our functional role and development. (Any development is and necessitates change). Not seeing much of a healthy influence and change, I then, as aforementioned, wondered--Are we stuck?

It was about three weeks later that a 'funny' thing happened while I was driving. This happened over the course of 3-4 days. It happened during these 3-4 days, last month , about 2-3 times a day. While driving I would turn my blinker on to make a lane change or to enter or exit an access ramp. Now everyone knows that when you make a lane change or get on or off a ramp, you don't make a complete 90 degree turn and, therefore, your turn blinker does not self-cancel or turn itself off, so, you have to do it yourself. Well, I noticed I would be well down the road having long completed my turn and the blinker would still be on (for some reason I just didn't turn it off). It was so suttle, but my attention was drawn to the fact that the blinker was still on only after I had well completed my turn (lane change, etc.) and was well down the road. The funny thing is this happened repeatedly 2-3 times a day over a 3-4 day period. Finally it hit me and I wondered why is this happening, why is my attention repeatedly drawn to my 'still-on' blinker light. It dawned on me there may be 'something' here and so I asked the Lord what, if anything, this meant. The interpretation or message was clear and immediate, very immediate, from the Spirit---"too long in the turn"!
What? It hit me like a lightning bolt. The Lord was speaking through the Holy Spirit ( and my blinker) that His church is "too long in the turn" or taking too long too change, to grow up, to mature, too develop to their desired stature and proper role....to fulfill their destiny in this hour. This goes for all of us.
God has a specific role for His people in and to this world today. Personally, I say what a fantastic and exciting time to live---and yes, too, what a responsibility. Yes, problems are abundant and our enemy is mounting on every front to usurp the world God created and His authority, but only if we let him. In this time, God is trying to shake and stir His people to change (see WatchLine July 4, 2005-"Shaken, But Not Stirred"). God is calling His people to leave behind religiousity and dead works and to come alive and press in to real intimacy in Him. Much change is needed. Our churches need to change in their perspective of practice and purpose. Our worship needs to change from 'ritual routine' to 'heart-felt spontaneity'. Our dependence upon the few to do a lot needs to change---no more 'one-man shows'. Our style of meeting together needs to change from the routine to more Spirit-led body ministry. Our spiritual relationship needs to change from 'outer-court head knowledge' to 'inner-court intimacy'. Our spiritual temperature needs to change and be set on high. We need to leave '90% good-enough' behind and push for '100% fervency' (see WatchLine June 9, 2005-"Jonah at 90%"). We must find the gateway and doors and the keys to the doors that will unlock our apathy and complacency and deliver us from our comfort-zone Chrisitanity to a passionate place in Him that flows and is in focus and continuity with His Spirit and that actually bears fruit. I am speaking to myself (after all, it was my blinker) and all that desire to move and move forward in Him. We need to get past that obstacle and besetting sin that keeps us from being green, productive, worthwhile and 'rich' in His kingdom. (Someone once said, "I would rather be green and growing than ripe and rotting). We need to go from being a sputtering, haphazard, sometimes- on organization to a well-oiled, smooth-running and proficiently well-tuned organism that is alive in and to Him.

This is a transition period and it is getting late. There is still time left. God wants to change His church. He wants His people to make a turn......a turn for the better......a turn towards deeper relationship with better understanding of purpose , more intimacy and more responsibility with influence. It is not enough just to be ok, alright, or even good. God wants us to be great. The world is looking for leadership and they are ripe for it. It is time to transition to position. We are late in the day. Don't be 'too long in the turn.'

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Boldness and Humility

2006-04-01T12:37:00.000-05:00

The Spirit of the Lord speaks expressly and says that My truly anointed are a bold people whose passion for Me will instill boldness; and passion and boldness will inspire words of strength and direction and correction to be spoken in this hour.

I speak to My people that the righteous are bold as lions and to be bold and speak forth MY engrafted word. There are those that have need to hear and whose lives hang in the balance to hearing the living word from Mine anointed ones.

But, know this My people, that I am meek and lowly in heart. Has it not been spoken that pure and undefiled service before Me is to avail oneself to those truly in need and who are truly poor in spirit.?
For My heart beats for the fatherless, for those that are rejected, for the hungry, for the naked, for the spiritually destitute who are without course and direction and warmth of guidance.
My ear hearkens to the cry of the captive in prison, to the brokenhearted, and to the blind and oppressed. They are those that I long to free from their bonds.
But I must have those that know Me, that know My heart. I must have those that run the race and yet know their place. I must have laborers for the harvest. I must have those that are passionately bold and yet who are humbly obedient---who have an ear to hear....to hear My voice and My heart.
My heart is toward the lost sheep of the house of Israel, who are yet struggling in the highways and byways. Go forth to the lost and dying, to those that have been tossed away by this world and this worlds' system. Go to those whose cry of the heart I hear when no one else hears. Render yourself to those that are broken and rejected and have need of healing and uplifting.
Do not be swayed by the 'gates and spires' of this worlds' present religion and entanglements. Your service is one of the heart to those that are cast down and despised in this world---those who are untended sheep. Find My sheep. Feed My sheep. Tell My sheep who are lost, wounded, storm-tossed and not comforted that I KNOW WHO THEY ARE---COME HOME.
I am the Master Shepherd.

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Call To Intercession and First Love

2006-02-08T20:43:00.000-05:00

The Spirit of the Lord speaks and says that in the days, weeks and months to come many of you will feel a burden, a call, a beckoning to intercession.
The Lord says, do not miss this call. The Lord says to hear this call and to respond. These beckonings to prayer in the spirit are important and not ones to be traversed lightly for they are building blocks and stone upon stone and faith to faith and honor upon honor that serve to establish My place, My message, and My kingdom in this hour.
For some it will be travail and intervention, for others it will be praise and worship, and for others it will be rest, meditation and renewal---but all will be building blocks.
The Spirit of the Lord is wooing His people in this hour; and for this response, there is eternal as well as temporal reward.
This is a time when I desire My seekers and My servants to respond and come away and to get quiet in the stillness of My presence so that you may be transformed and renewed and so that you may know Me and My love as first love.

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In This Hour (January '06)

2006-02-01T22:13:00.000-05:00

There is a theme to the things I am hearing the Lord speak lately. Along with the following, please also read the two previous messages-"Listen, Come, Rest"(1/27/06) and "Dare To Release"(1/28/06). I am posting what I hear the Spirit say. He is trying to get a message across. Please excuse if words get in the way.

The Spirit of the Lord says that this is the hour to listen, to listen and to hear. It is the hour to attune your ear as a radio dial, but as a radio with only one station and to tune in by receiving the engrafted word and the wooing of the Holy Spirit.
It is in this season that I am separating the wheat from the chaff and the sheep from the goats and My sheep know My voice. Attune your ear to My voice and know My voice for there are many voices and the voices are in many places with many faces and many sounds with many entreaties and such as those that would pull your focus and your very hearts' energy and well of nourishment to things that matter not and are, indeed, the way of the worlds' system--the cosmos.
The Spirit of God is not mocked, but is pure. The Spirit of the Lord is a refiners' fire. The Spirit of the Lord is as a hot purifying oil of cleansing.
Listen in this hour and with your listening, press in. Press in to hear. For only when you truly hear the voice of the Master will you know the way. The way that is sure and secure. Only when you hear will you know that the knowing of the voice will bring rest. Rest in this hour is key. This is a new season dawning. One that will be characterized by rest. My people will have a rest and peace that is beyond and not of this world, that is beyond the understanding of this world. And out of this rest will come a strength. A strength that will breed confidence. And confidence and strength will begat the greater works ministry, but only by those that cleave to Me in love and love for My body. For they that love and hold on to Me will, indeed, be the tried, the true, the bold, the strong, and the strong are they that establish My kingdom--even by holding on in love and strength-strength of character, of disposition, of heart and position. Do not be deceived. Come out, come out. Come out from the din and from that which is tainted and stale and dying, and from that which would dull your hearing. Do not be enticed, do not be misled. Do not be weighed down by cares and vanities of this worlds' offerings, lusts and entertainments. Come out from the carnival of noise and hear me. Hear for knowing and intimacy. Hear for rest and strength. Hear for confidence and works.
But yet, as you come out, enter in. Enter into My rest and My labor; and eat the bread of life and take that which you have from the overflow of your own basket, your own heart and enter into the world with this overflow and gift and feed the hungry. Feed them the gift of life that will set the captives free to life eternal.

The Spirit of the Lord speaks expressly in this hour. I have a heart.......and My people are My heart--I love My people. The will of the Father was the heart of Jesus and the Son was one with the Father from the foundations of time...and from the foundations , My people were in My heart till the dispensation of times....
My people are My heart and I will have a people and I will do a thing--with them, and they will do the will of the Father God as they cleave to My heart. We must be one in spirit, in the Spirit, one in heart. Seek My heart My people---SEEK MY HEART. My heart is your liberty, your release, your life.

I do not tremble at this worlds' dilemma.
I do not turn or toss or labor for naught.
I am not phased by dark tidings.
I have seen every sunrise and every sunset.
I have seen every tide ebb and flow.
I have see every nation rise and fall,
and I have heard the cry of every newborn.

I am the Ancient of Days and My hand of eternity is over you.
Do not be thwarted or beset by apparent shortcomings or apparent lack- at the fears that set to assail you in midstream.
See yourself with Me, My plan, My time, My place, My vision, My courage, My will,
I OWN ETERNITY. I AM.
My gift of life is eternal. Do not be bound by the carnal and mundane, the cares and labors of this time.
Learn to rule, with Me , as I, in time and through time.

The Lord spoke to Me the other day that His scepter is stretched out in this hour to receive His own into His presence. A presence that can only be entered into by pressing in and seeking. I keep hearing this. It is beyond the outer court and into His inner chambers.

There is a sound. A sound in the Spirit--not heard by the masses, but to those that listen. To those that hear. It is the sound of your God stretching forth His scepter to receive. The Lord says that His scepter is being stretched forth to receive you into His presence--into His inner court. Many are they that stand in the outer court in the throng and on the sidecourts and are not aware of His scepter--for they have not heard and have not pressed in. Pressing in is not an insurmountable and oppressive labor. It is a response as simple as first love, but only a continuance. My people must continue . They must not put their hand to the plow and look back or withdraw from My courts as some have done--they have become dull of hearing. Listen and hear the sound of My scepter being stretched out to receive you into the inner court of My presence.....and come.
Esther 5.1-2

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Dare To Release

2006-01-28T12:41:00.000-05:00

The Spirit speaks expressly that the Lord your God is not to be contained in a box or by tenets of so-called faith and ritualism. But the Spirit will liberate His people. The Spirit will flow as a river to those that release. DARE TO RELEASE. Tear down the idols and the old ways. Lift up the banner of My righteousness which is born of the Spirit in the heart of man, and will continue by the Spirit as He is released to establish and to build...

This is the hour to draw close and to hear My voice and to touch my garment and to lay your head upon My breast and to feel me breathe. I long to breathe through My people. My people are My body. Can the head be alive and the body dead? The Spirit is the breath of life and must not be quenched by false standards and traditions of man. Do not fear. Release. Draw nigh for release. Set your course on the HIGHway. It is still THE way. It is high and lifted up and not inhibited by man-made criteria.

The Spirit of the Lord says I must breathe through My people; not through failed traditions and earthly institutions. I will have a people that are alive to Me, by Me, and with Me. THIS, my people, is the power of an endless life from the Ancient of Days.

Listen, Come, Rest

2006-01-27T21:22:00.000-05:00

The Spirit of the Lord speaks and says that My eye searches the peaks to the valleys of the earth to find My people. I will have a people that does hearken to Me to hear My voice. For My voice is heard by the ear of continual listening. Listening for and to My presence. My presence is not scattered by the cares and shuffle of this earthly life. My presence is found by those that hear Me call and answer that call.
The call is answered by separation. Separation unto Me--with Me--for communion and union.

It is not My will that any of My people wander in the darkness of doubt, of confusion, of timidity and trepidation. Trepidation is a trespass to My spirit. I am the light you see by. Though my people are assailed by these vassals of dishonor and are tested by flood and fire, did not My son David, of old, say, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL.' And as he spoke of a table prepared in the presence of his enemies, so I , in this hour, have prepared a place for My people-My faithful in this hour-My listeners, My watchmen, My hill-seekers, My songbearers, My bondservants and the lovers of My soul.
I am calling My people, My body, My family to the table in this hour, the table of My presence, the inner court, to those that will hear and will come. Come to my table. The table that was set before the foundations of the world.
Hear My voice and only My voice, for there are many voices and there are many that would call you to other places, but these other places are not 'set' but are 'beset' and are not eternal and yield only wasted time and effort. My presence is not scattered by the cares of this earthly life--but some do succumb to this.

Come to My table and let me anoint you with My oil and fill your cup. My filling is without money and without price. Many have filled their cup with other things and have little or no room left for My anointing. They have filled their cup with those 'other things', the things of this world, with busy-ness and even so-called spiritual busy-ness and look to others and themselves and even spiritual things and temporal gifts for filling--but these fillings do not last and do not eternally satisfy as the anointing of My presence. My presence is THE gift.
You do not have to search in vain to find Me for I am not found in the things of this world but am in you and dwell and speak in you. Listen.

I have much work and great reward for those that listen and come to My table. Come to the table---to the mountain tops, to the hillsides, to the meadows and glens, to the fountains and brooks and desert oases, to the secret pavilions, and to the cleft of the rock---for there I will be found...searching and waiting for My people.
I will have a people in this hour. A people near to My heart. My heart is for RESToration.

Listen, come , rest.

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."---2 Chronicles 16.9

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YOUR MOVE

2006-01-22T20:25:00.000-05:00

The people of God need to see the hand of God, the manifestations of God, real things in real time in real life, happening in their lives that ONLY God can do---things that are without a doubt the hand of God moving in their lives.

The people of God need to say "Your Move"..."your move God...move God...move in my life...I want to see you move." Summoning all 'no-surrender resolve' of bold faith and trust, the people of God need to look to God and say "Your Move" and then they need to plant their feet and stand, stand still, hold their ground and position, and stand still till God does move...stand...stand...stand.
The kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. The people of God must be spiritually violent, that is forceful and bold, and stand and stand till God moves.

Just like Jacob wrestled with the angel and WOULD NOT LET GO till he was blessed, till he got what he wanted, till he got what he needed, till he got what God wanted him to have. He would not let go and it changed his life and his identity forever.

Just like the blind man that would not be quiet when he heard Jesus was near. Even when he was told to silence, HE YELLED THE LOUDER, HE STOOD STRONG and HE WOULD NOT BE DENIED.
Do not be denied people. This is the hour to stand in front of the throne of God, in front of angelic hosts and in front of principalities and powers and say "Your Move...your move God..move in my behalf" and don't let go till He moves.

The move of God will take you through the waters, out of the the lion's den, through the wilderness, past the impasse and the obstacle and the place of defeat and apparent stagnancy.

What is it that you are looking for? What do you need to move?...to move higher, to move deeper, to be freer...in Him?...to make a difference?
What is it that will open the gates and take you from a 'trickle-flow' to a flowing river. A gushing river of life where others will benefit from your overflow. You cannot be ALL you must be to others till God satisfies your dwelling and settles your house and brings rest to your land and delivers your soul from besetting bonds.
What do you need? This is what you ask for, this is what God wants for you. You need to say "Your Move...your move...your move God"...and stand and stand and see the hand of God.
God will do this thing.

Jeremiah 33.3
Matthew 7.7
Genesis 32.26
Mark 10.51
2 Timothy 4.17-18
Ephesians 6.13

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Do You See What I See ?

2006-01-17T19:09:00.000-05:00

Well, the Christmas season is past for another year. But this is not in reference to a Christmas carol. As I stood listening to the morning news last month, I thought--"do you see what I see?" and not in reference to the song.

"Have you seen this, O Son of man." (Ezekiel 8.17). That's what the Lord asked Ezekiel. He said further, "Is it a trivial thing...to commit the abominations they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger."

Last month, two weeks before Christmas, as I stood in my bedroom in the morning listening to the news and all that was going on in the world, especially the negativity, I heard those words, the same as the Christmas carol--"Do You See What I See?" I wondered if others see what I see...happening all around us...on a daily basis...all across the nation...little by little...year in and year out. Of course. But, moreover, do we see what He sees?

America is a great nation. Probably the greatest of all time--in all history. Look at her historic struggles and triumphs, her order and organization, her natural resources and financial strength. Do you know there are still countries, many countries, that do not have running water or the effluency of a sanitary sewer system. Some counties have sewage that still runs through troughs in the streets with unsanitary holes and shallow ditches on the outskirts of town. Not so in America. We are a clean machine. It would be unthinkable that we would wear a soiled shirt (or dress or pants) more than once. We take many things for granted. We don't hunt or grow our own food...Rather, we drive less than 5 miles (most of us) to the corner market and replace whatever is negligible in our refrigerator or pantry. We certainly don't shiver uncontrollably at the winter seasons' onslaught or melt into a blob under the scorching sun on a midsummer day. No, we have resolved those problems. And it would not be 21st century at all for one to go without some sort of free time or entertainment whether it be a book, tv, music, sports, movie, dining or live show, etc. Not so in America. Our delight in distraction, merriment, regalement and recreation is paramount. And to some extent, all this is good. We have come a long way. We started out as separatists and puritans, revisionists and revolutionaries, pioneers and explorers, renegades and radicals, and free-thinkers and freedom-seekers and look where we are now.......Well, where are we? Do you see what I see?

Typically if you huff and puff to climb up one side of a hill or mountain you get to ride, slide or glide down the other side with some ease and rest. They say what goes up must come down. Has America reached her peak? Has America built itself into a magnanimous powerhouse only to begin a slide down the other side of her great efforts, accomplishments, struggles and established position. Is there a shift in America's moral resolution, her commitment to excellence, order, liberty and spiritual stalwartness?
I see a country whose educational system has taken leave of its moral boundaries and embraced the liberal think tank of moral relativism. I see a morality in American society that once had a stronger fiber but is now selling out in and to dollars and cents and sponging up tv programs, movies, lascivious music and decadent art (in all media). The occult nature, symbols, and practices are freely referenced and purported in best sellers and blockbuster films---not to mention a plethora of tv shows.
I see a government, once young and visionary, once focused and united in purpose and once for the people it was designed to serve DEGENERATE into compromise, career-men, self-aggrandizing lobbyists, special interests, partisan slugs and liberal judges at all levels. A government immersed in excessive taxation that robs its' people of their rightful earnings and is, in effect, legalized theft. A government no longer countenanced with a peoples' identity (you and me), but an identity represented by systemic process and machination with no real head or personality but engrossed in a clog of grinding bureaucratic gears and undeclared intent while 'lording' over its people, the very people it was intended to serve---not this way around.
I see a nation of people (not all) whose numbers increase as subscribers and "trustees of modern-day chemistry"--whether legal or illegal. Yes, that's drugs! Drugs as medicine is one thing, but drugs to alter, revamp and change, control moods, mental stability and spiritual disorders is another thing. Beware America lest you become a disjointed, psyched out, apathetic, misdirected haven of and for drug addicts. I see a nation of people who are making the 'medicine business' the biggest business it has internally by rampant use of drugs (whether over the counter, by prescription, under the table or on the streets), doctor-care (so-called), and endless medical tests and procedures (so-called).
I see relationships in decline. We all know that the success of a marriage is about 50/50. This means that the family as a whole in America is not what it used to be. The family used to be and is intended to be the foundational institution of emotional, moral and spiritual breeding and security in this nation. Nowadays, little children go through their whole formative years to become young adults (sort of) without knowing the balance, warmth, security, and wholesomeness of the complete family as God intended it to be. Instead, they sadly become fragmented by-products or partially developed fruit of shattered, temporary and non-committal relationships that produce young adults headed into a world ill-prepared for success or even survival as they struggle spiritually and emotionally for identity and to keep their heads above their own emotional waters. A desparate identity quest characterizes much of our youth moreso like a pall and doom rather than a natural rite of passage. Whilst not finding happiness as it should be, is it any wonder that many seek solace in alternative lifestyles through captivating music, more captivating occult interests and experimentation, and even more captivating liberal/dangerous sexual appetites of diverse styles. All this is the modern diet. TV has become the master babysitter-to all the family- including Mom and Dad. When families should be spending time with each other, they are sucking the electronic bottle of tv networks and programs that solicit, prey, exist and flourish on and to the baser instincts and immaturities of our society.
I see a nation who may have missed and is still missing a wake-up call. Do you reallly think it was coincidence that the towers fell on 9/11. That's 9-1-1-! Hello! Emergency! Do you need help America? This is no laughing matter. It is no coincidence that the towers of finance and economy and big business fell on 9/11 as well as a major embarrassing attack and wound on our military strategic headquarters--the Pentagon. Americas' bastions of pride--military might and financial strength.

There is a reason why this nation has been so blessed in its relatively short history. It all goes back to its roots, its beginning. The roots of this nation are Godly and He has responded favorably with blessings in its internal development and worldly status as a global leader. This did not happen overnight and neither will its demise but there are evidences of decline (as aforementioned). Evidences of America's blessed and Godly roots could be presented here but that is not the theme of this writing. It is, however, to declare a very serious, valid and current concern for a fundamental, structural, moral internal decline in this great nation. I see a bright light that is fading. I see an eagle whose wings are slowly being clipped, whose vision is dimming and who is gradually becoming grounded.

So what is America's greatest strength? What is America's achilles heel to this strength---its' greatest weakness?
The people of God. The people of God in America are presently in a shift, a transition. Certainly, there are ills regarding the present day status of Christianity. Televangelists (some, not all) and their endless prosperity shrill and plea for donations coupled with their inability to handle same has certainly, at least in the public viewpoint, given the at-large modern-day church a black eye. And, unfortunately, the modern day church know more about the purpose driven life and busyness than it does about true relationship or intimacy with God and His blessings--such as healing, both physically and spiritually. But God will have a people. He always has.
I see something else. I see an endtime army of people, still not fully developed and still dressing for battle---for spiritual warfare. This nation is involved, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in a spiritual war. (Think it not strange that the Islamic face has raised to such attention and spotlight in recent years). And we do often hear of Christianity as soldiers for battle ("Onward Christian Soldiers"). True, but they are also farmers, sowers and reapers looking for the harvest. There will be and is coming a harvest to the house of God as those of His own are faithful to plant and cultivate for it. This is that hour with the best yet to come. So, in a seemingly dismal overcast, there is a light on the horizon--the imminent horizon--to the faithful. Those that are faithful to seek and ask for His heart and His will for this nation will be rewarded, for they , the people of God, are the key, and always have been, to Americas' greatness.

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A Merry Christmas Card

2005-12-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

As I sit listening to a song on a Christmas album, that until two weeks ago, I didn't even know existed, several things come to mind regarding this season ( and life in general). First of all, I am well aware of this time of year and that some would say the holiday season is given to states of mind and moods---you know, melodrama,---emotions influenced by giving and receiving, the interruption of busy schedules to slow down and reflect, and the coming together of loved ones---friends and family for close(r)ness---you know, the softer side of life. And I am aware that these days, there is some chat, concern and even clamor over ethical conversation with regard to church and state, political correctness, and the mingling of personal ideals with (or against) business/religious posture. However, inasmuch as this season is called CHRISTmas, I would say it is only appropo to speak of its namesake (clamor or not).

Now, a question comes to mind. What, in general, do most people know about the Christ in Christmas? Well, most people know the story or the gist thereof and maybe even some general facts about his life beyond the manger to the cross(particularly after Mel's (Gibson) movie last year). Certainly, the name is popular---it is definitely the most used and abused name in modern history. In America, we have heard the Christmas story since childhood and know the cross for its significance as a powerful religious icon--- but those were only the beginning and ending. A story is just no good if all you know is the beginning and ending!
There was a life played out between that beginning and ending---just like we do everyday. Most of what we know about His life (notwithstanding the inception of which is so glorified by and during this season), is actually at the end---public ministry. But, he did live 30 years prior to that---like a regualr person---so far as we know---just like us. During this time, however, he was not aimless. He had a goal, a focus---a mission. It was to complete a plan not of his own will. I consider this a stellar example---a message, a guideline and counsel by actions---by one who was so soundly centered and focused that death itself could not sway him from his path.

I am reminded at this year's end of the passing of time and brevity of life. The passing of time and brevity of life. People are here for awhile--not forever--and they are gone. Life should count. Everyday. Now, people want to live and to live better. They want something to live for---something that counts. They want something to show for their labor. They want to show their successsful union with another person by having children (and that has its reward). People want to build businesses, reputations and homes. They want to furnish their homes, and to live and drive in style and comfort. They want to eat well and to eat out. They want to take time off and travel and do something they've never done before and to go somewhere they've never been before. They want to look good and feel good, so they exercise (or not) and watch what they eat (or not) and see the doc to be sure they are doing alright.....So, such is life and such is the energy of life expended. And life is good...As long as the house is air conditioned, food is in the fridge, the lawn is irrigated, the bills are paid and they have relatively good health. Nothing wrong with creature comforts...but what of the person on the inside---the spiritual man.
Now, I am aware that people are concerned, though many may not admit it, with the status of the heart---that is the inner man---who you really are---where you really live and breathe and feel. People do not want to just have lived and died. "Here lies so and so. Born:Then / Died:Whenever. " Here today, gone tomorrow?? Gravestones just don't tell the story and people want their life to tell a story---with thematic emphasis. That's why Paul said to 'redeem the time' and confidently endeavored to 'hold fast the word of life' so that he did not 'run or labor in vain'. The key here is heart exposure. In photography, exposure is the reveal or imprint of light on a particular media. The media is actually bared, displayed and laid open and made vulnerable to the light. So it is with the human spirit (heart)---that's our basic makeup---we are made to be imprinted (with something)...but it takes trust...faith.

I am reminded in this hour that the greatest Power in the universe is on a manhunt. And that is the reason for the virgin birth and the baby in the manger so long ago. That is the reason for that powerful ministry that captivated thousands including the political and religious leadership of that day and the subsequent death and resurrection. Yes, a manhunt! An effort to redeem the world from itself and its enemy. An effort to reconcile things lost, hurting, aimless, distorted and empty to a place, both spiritual and physical, that is pure and safe and fruitful. He's not finished. He never was---only interrupted---but He won't force it. It's by choice---one by one---"whosoever will".....
Now, somewhere there is a newborn just come into this world and tears of joy are shed as new life takes its place while at the same time somewhere there is a funeral procession in progress and tears of sadness and loss are shed as a life has come to an end. Somewhere on this planet, little children are running and jumping, happily shouting to each other after a big dinner while we all know there are still some children who did not eat today and will fall asleep with an emptiness in their middle and question marks in their eyes. Somewhere on our globe, families are together in their homes and planning their next day while at the same time there are families being separated from each other (for whatever reason) and who will never again know father, mother, sister and brother as they once did. All across this vast living canvas we call Earth, He knows and sees it all and He always has---every tide that ebbs, every snow that falls, every flower that blooms, every blade of grass and every bird in flight. How much more then is He willing to share in the lifespan of every human (that allows him to). "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things...so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being..." There is only one way a person can have true peace on earth tonight when he lays his head on his pillow.

I am reminded and shown this season of the depth and wisdom of the Spirit of the Ancient of Days and that even with His profundity, though inaccurately regarded by many as seemingly above and beyond our human perception in His supposed complexity, that He is really sympathetic in 'approachability'---that is to say, He can be approached or entreated by all those that release the basic cry of the heart---the heart that is open to call, to ask, to listen, to expose and to yield to the need for His greaterness---innocently---like a babe in arms or even a blind newborn pup looking to his mother for nurture. As simplistic as this is, this is where a lot of people miss it. Yes, pride of the heart and the intellect of the mind can be a deadly combination. Because of this deceptive pride-intellect duo, one can lose in their search for life's greatest reward.

So, what do people know about the Christ in Christmas? Well, it ain't the what you know, or the what you say, or even the what you do that matters...but the who! Do you know the who in Christmas? From what I know, Christ should never be an 'X-out' in Christmas ('Xmas').......or a person's life.
Now, some people may put off reading (or pondering) stuff like this till later if at all. Some people may stop what they are doing to read. Some may have lost track of other things completely until they finished reading. Some may have become aware of an inner stillness while reading it. Whatever the case...follow-up is key. The who in Christmas is really not a seasonal subject, religious endeavor, or even annual celebration.
I am reminded of greatness, depth, and perfection that came to earth to the humble beginnings of a manger babe. And I am reminded of the words from the song that says---"Mary did you know that one day your son would _______"----you fill in the blank. The life back then still lives today---everyday. Jesus said, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jesus said, "I am the door".......and that door is always open.

Oh yeah, that Christmas album song I mentioned earlier. The song is 'The Altar Boy' from the album A Christmas Portrait by the Carpenters.......a real inpsiring spiritual soul-cutter. (We need that every now and then). It's a song about a simple plea for help...a request for forgiveness and release...a very open and innocent expression of a need for something...something greater...something greater than ourselves...something necessary for completion and wholeness.

So, Christmas is not so much a what or a when or an event... but a who----an all year, ever-present who.

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"How to CATCH MANY FISH"

2005-11-06T20:30:00.001-05:00

I found the following on another website, prophetic@revivalschool.com, and I think it is definitely a 'word' from the Lord. Thanks for posting it Andrew and thanks for listening Irvin (and hearing.....even while sleeping). :

"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1.17)

One night as I was sleeping, I had an intensely clear dream. I had been meditating on the above scripture before I went to sleep. In my dream, I was driving down a straight and narrow dirt road. I passed by a stagnant pond and there with cane fishing poles were a couple of preachers I knew. The water they were fishing in was scum covered and dirty looking, and the hole they were fishing in was small.

I shouted to them from the road, "Come on! Go with me, I'm going to a really big lake to fish!" They replied, "No! We are content fishing here; we catch one once is awhile."

As I drove down that narrow road, I observed small stagnant ponds all along the way. People were standing on the banks trying to catch fish. At each pond site, I would stop and ask the fishermen to come with me. The answer was always the same, "No, we're content here. It's easy fishing, the banks of the pond are clean and even though the water is stagnant, we still catch one once in awhile."

I drove on down the road until it ended. In front of me was an old farm house surrounded by a weather beaten picket fence. An elderly man and woman were sitting on the front porch in their rocking chairs. When they saw me drive up, they got up and walked down the short pathway to the picket fence gate. The elderly gentleman spoke and said, "Sir, you can't go any further until you wrestle with that big old fish that is down in the well." I could clearly see the well. It was an old open style well built of bricks about five feet high and six feet in diameter. It had an iron grate covering the top. I went to the back of my truck, pulled out a heavy fishing line, and a gigantic hook. On the hook I placed a huge piece of meat. As I began to lower the bait in the well, I felt the Spirit of the LORD come on me. I also felt the presence of great evil. Well, I hooked that big old rascal and commenced the battle to bring him out of the well. The whole time I was fighting this fish, I was saying, "Help me Jesus, help me Jesus." I finally brought the great fish out of the water and tied off my line.

The ancient man and woman were watching the entire battle. When it was over, the man spoke and said, "Okay, you can go on behind the house now." I went behind the house, and O my what a sight! The clearest, bluest water (even better than Hawaii where I lived for three years) I had ever laid my eyes on. The beach was covered with clean white sand and there waiting for me was a top of the line fishing boat. As I drove off slowly in that boat, big, beautiful fish started jumping in the boat until it was about to sink! I then woke from my sleep and asked the LORD the meaning of this dream.

The LORD responded to me and said, "The road is the straight and narrow path that leadeth to life. Few find it. The stagnant ponds and fishermen represent the churches of today. They are content with their own little place and don't want to venture out to the unknown. The old fish in the well represents Satan who you will have to wrestle with if you want to catch much fish. The lake full of fish represents the world. The harvest is ripe but the laborers are few. Because you fought with and prevailed over Satan, you will be one of my expert fishermen and I will provide the way and open the doors."

As the LORD spoke these words of wisdom and encouragement to me, I was greatly encouraged and strengthened for the work He had appointed me to do.

Luke 5, verses 6 , 7 "And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink."

I had this dream in late 1987. Since that time, the LORD has used me greatly to "catch much fish". I have had many battles with the enemy, yet the LORD has always strengthened me and provided what I needed.

After this dream, the Lord moved me from the church I was at (sitting on the bench, mostly), and placed me where He could use me... Street preaching, nursing homes, radio, flea markets, restaurants, highways and biways...I also had much spiritual warfare with the enemy..."

Not too long ago, after a day of fishing, the Lord spoke a 'word' to me relevant to this dream. I published it, "Shaken, But Not Stirred", to WatchLine on July 4th. Another relevant post, "An Increasing Share of A Diminishing Market" was published on July 2nd. You may want to read them both.

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net

Halloween : Harmless Holiday ?

2005-10-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther is said to have nailed his '95 Theses' to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The 95 Theses were a 95 point disputation to the heretical teachings and practices of the The Roman Catholic Church regarding their perspective on repentance and penance, authority of the pope, and selling of indulgences (the buying of forgiveness of sin). These points of dispute are what initiated the much-needed, God-ordained age of Reformation and, in other words, revival in Europe. I'll bet you didn't know that (sorry, but did you?). However, I'll bet you do know that October 31, any year, is Halloween!

You don't need a calendar to tell you its Halloween. If all I did was watch tv all year, and nothing else, I would know when it was Halloween simply by the change in the content or theme of movies, and other shows, that are programmed at this time of year. After this weekend, I got to thinking about all the flood of movies that were being aired on multiple networks and stations. Why is it that Halloween is so obsessed and focused with all things that are violent, murderous, bloody, fearful, and occultic....with things that are just plain ugly?? (and what does this say about the people, the owners/execs/sponsors, behind and responsible for this type of vulgar programming?).
I heard a story on the news this morning that the mayor of Madison, Wisc. is thinking about cancelling their annual Halloween celebration because it has turned so increasingly violent. I had to know more. So, I did a little research. Channel 15 news (WMTV) has published three articles on their website. They are titiled as follows: "County Jail Ready for Halloween Visitors", "Another Madison Halloween Ends in Gas Masks and Pepper Spray", and "City Prepares for Halloween". (Why is it this city has to prepare for Halloween like some of our southern coastal cities prepare for the threat of an oncoming hurricane)? Some quotes from these articles are as follows": "City and University officials have been planning for this weekend since the pepper spray cleared away from last Halloween's riot. Fences are in place and ready to up....This all comes in the wake of rioting the past two years....Last year, more than 400 people were arrested..."It wil be the largest police presence ever at a single event in the capital city." "It costs the taxpayers extra money to hire these staff on overtime....the jail is limited in the number of highly intoxicated people it can handle." "Madison's Mayor called the night a limited success saying at least there were no injuries and no property damage....."We did have to deploy pepper spray for the fourth year in a row so I'm disappointed about that." "If you could make the decision would you want to hold this event next year? No, definitely not. I would eliminate the event if I could."

Now, I am not so naive as to think that little kids dressing up and collecting candy from neighbors will set you, the kids, and your household on the path to destruction. However, it would be wise to know something about the origins of that which we practice. (Johnny and Suzy may look cute in their little goblin or gremlin costume but I bet you wouldn't want to wake up next to one---there's really nothing heavenly or angelic in all this). Notwithstanding the origins thereof, it is also the association, the implications we make saying certain things are alright or are harmless and make-believe---"a little harmless fun". Paul wrote, "a little leaven leavens the whole lump" and Solomon wrote that its "the little foxes, that spoil the vine." How many parents are really aware of what little seeds get planted.....and you know what happens when seeds get planted. We reap what we sow.
"As I was eating I came across Ann Landers' column entitled "Parents Must Tackle Violence." The parent wrote 'I heard somehting today that made my hair stand on end...Last October, the teacher of a fourth-grade class asked her students to write a short essay on what they would like to do most to celebrate Halloween. Eighty percent of her 9 year-olds expressed the wish to 'kill somebody.' Where do children get such ideas?' she asked.
The answer is a simple one. Halloween accentuates mutilation, murder, blood, guts and gore. It even glorifies it!
The truth is , millions of people, and likely your kids will be exposed to some of the almost endless string of TV programs, videos, community and church activities that GLORIFY MUTILATION, TORTURE, and BIZARRE MURDERS this Halloween. Now before you say "it won't hurt them, it's only fantasy," perhaps you should consider what a horrified mother discovered in her teenage son's diary. She read 'Last year I stole a car at Halloween and ran over a kid and killed him for the Devil. I plan on doing it again this year.' The boy is now incarcerated." (The Dark Side of Halloween, www.home.computer.net)

"This is always a difficult time for Christians, espcially those with children. It has been suggested that for a Christian to be asked to celebrate Halloween is like asking a Holocaust survivor to celebrate Hitler's birthday! It is also a dangerous time for some, since many of the seemingly "harmless" involvements associated with Halloween can also be "entries" for the occult, and can prove very tragic for the unwary.
In early American history, Halloween was not widely practiced until the 20th century, when it was introduced by the Irish Catholic settlements. Gradually, Halloween became a secular observance, and many customs and practices developed...
Since 1965 UNICEF, an agency of the United Nations, has attempted to incorporate into the Halloween observance the collection of money for the United Nations Children's Fund. This exploitation by the ungodlly United Nations of this pagan holiday seems strangely appropriate.
Halloween is, for many, a "crossover" involvement in which innocent games can lead to serious entanglement with real witches, new-pagans, New Agers, and other occultists...Halloween practices can open the door to the occult and can introduce forces into people's lives that they are not equipped to combat." (An Invitation to the Occult? by Chuck Missler, Koinonia House Online).

"Halloween is a 'religious day' but it is NOT a Christian day. Tom Sanquinet, former high priest in the Celtic tradition of Wicca (witchcraft) said 'The modern holiday we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the withches' New Year. It was time when the 'spirits' (demons) were supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting the earth planet.' He went on to say, 'Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have or will do that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus'.........The two most frequent ways children are introduced into the occult are through rock music and Halloween. I was introduced to the occult at a Halloween party. Tragically, more and more children are being introduced to the occult by teachers in the public schools. and unfortunately, Halloween is one of the Holidays that public schools celebrate. They choose Halloween (and Valentine's day) because supposedly there is no 'religious' significance. How wrong they are about Halloween. To be sure, there is no Christian significance to Halloween but it is obviously a religious day.
Our forefathers recognized Halloween's association with the occult. The Pilgrims banned celebrating Halloween in America. The ban lasted until 1845. At that time multiplied thousands of Irish emigrants flooded in to New York because of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-46. They brought Halloween with them and gradually it spread throughout the rest of the country." (The Dark Side of Halloween @ www.home.computer.net).

So, if you have the patience (for another whole ten minutes), here is a quick reference on the history of Halloween (just so you know):

"In America, Halloween did not exist until after 1845 or thereabouts. The Pilgrim fathers banned the holiday because it was aware of the occult nature of the holiday. The holiday itself began long before Christ among ancient Celtics, meaning the Britons, Gauls, Scots, and Irish. They observed the end of summer (to them a time when the weather began to get cold) with sacrifices to Saman (Shamhain). He was the Lord of death and evil spirits. This day was the first day of the Celtic New Year. The ones in the Celtic culture who led the holiday celebrations were known as Druids. The Druids were the Priests-Magicians- of the Celtic people. They were Priests and Priestesses.
Although since Christian times Druids have been identified as wizards and soothsayers, in pre-Christian Celtic society they formed an intellectual class comprising philosophers, judges, educators, historians, doctors, seers, astronomers, and astrologers. The earlliest surviving Classical references to Druids date to the 2nd century B.C.
The Druid Lord of death and evil spirits was called by variations of the name Saman, such as Samana, Shamhain, or Samhain...This god they celebrated was shown as a ghostly skeleton holding a sickle in his hand. We know him today as The Grim Reaper.
The Celts considered November 1st as being the day of death because the leaves had pretty much fallen, it was getting darker sooner and temperatures were dropping. They believed that Muck Olla, their sun god was losing strength because Saman or Samhain, lord of death, was overpowering him. They also believed that on October 31st Samhain assembled all the spirits of all who died the previous year. They believed that the spirits of the dead were confined to inhabit animals' bodies as punishment for their evil deeds. On October 31st, they were allowed to return to their former homes to visit the living.
Apparently, Druid priests, in a show to protect these people, led them in worship ceremonies for which animals of many kinds, horses, cats, black sheep, oxen, and even humans were rounded up as sacrifices, stuffed into wicker cages and burned to death.. It was done to appease Samhain and to keep the spirits from harming them. History has shown that the Celts celebrated two great fire festivals, one on the eve of May 1st to celebrate the beginning of summer and the second on the eve of November 1st to celebrate the beginning of winter. It was not hard to understand that when the Druids began human and animal sacrifices on October 31st to appease Samhain, that fire was used to consume these same people and animals.
Druids often got together in pagan worship and would meet in a grove of trees, preferably oak trees, or in a Druidic stone circle, the most famous surviving circle being in Stonehenge, England (no, this circle had nothing to do with UFOs). They know human sacrifice was common at Stonehenge because within three miles of that site there were over 350 funeral mounds that contain the remnants of countless human sacrifices.
The Celts and Druids spread across Northern Europe and celebrated an autumn festival. The Roman Catholic Church recognized early Christians, desiring to be a part of the festivities, created All Saints Day to celebrate in May all the canonized Saints. Since a saint was supposed to have their day celebrated on the anniversary of the day of their death, some saints had special days. But since there were so many saints without special days, 'All-Saints' day was brought to honor all those saints that died. Not to be left out, the Christian church at that time also made 'All Souls Day' on November 2nd to bring people to pray for the dead that were in purgatory in order to have them released and sent to Heaven. This coincided with the November 1st celebration of the Druids and people participated in their own autumn festivals.
Then came an attempt to 'Christianize' this pagan holiday. In A.D. 800 the Roman Catholic Church moved All Saints Day to November 1st to directly coincide with the Druid holiday hoping Christianity would overcome the pagan holiday. This new day was then called 'All Hallow's Day'. The day prior to All Hallow's Day became 'All Hallow's Even' or the evening before All Hallow's Day. It became hyphenated to Hallowe'en, then finally, Halloween. There was also a three day celebration called 'Hallowmas', or the 'Hallowed Mass' meaning celebration of the Hallowed.
Satanists today call October 31st "All Demons Night". All Hallows Eve, that so-called "Christianized" holiday became a time of spells, curses and horrors for those who did not believe in it. For Wiccan witches, it became a joyous holiday similar to the Christian Christmas. It was a major black sabbath for them. Witches tend to believe that witchcraft is different from Satanism. While Satanism is pure rebellion against Christianity, witchcraft is a pagan worship of the Mother Goddess (in whatever form the local coven wants) and her consort, the Horned god. Witches, also called Wiccans claiming not to acknowledge Satan, worship through what are called "degrees". The second degree however was the Satanic pentagram inverted, symbolizing the 'horns" of Satan. The mystic belief of Satan was that he was a creature with horns, hooves, and an arrow-like tail. While the Wiccans do make a distinction between Satanism and witchcraft, biblically, there is no distinction.
At this time of year, it is no accident that missing children increase in October as well as missing animals. Graveyards are desecrated, Halloween movies now overtake Christmas movies on television and theaters. It is as if Hollywood is proud of Satan and ashamed of Christ. And shame to the churches... have Halloween parties, even if it is "for the little children". You are not helping these children.
Gradually, instead of Christians predominating the holiday, Satanists and occultists began winning over the holiday by re-introducing its origin of the dead and today, Halloween easily beats out All Saints Day, All Souls Day and even Easter and Thanksgiving. Only Christmas surpasses Halloween in dollars spent on holidays to date. And even now, Halloween is beginning to be included as one of the "holidays" at the end of the year. Before, the "holidays" began with Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and then New Years. Now, Halloween is beginning to be a part of it as Christmas decorations are seen in stores during October...The lighted houses of Christmas now occur with orange lights on Halloween. It may be a fun holiday to some, but we need to know what is behind the "fun". "
(The Origin and History of Halloween, www.christianheritageonline.com)

In light of this subject the following is a list of pertinent Bible references:

Deuteronomy 18.9-14
Ephesians 5.11-17
I Corinthians 10.20
II Corinthians 6.14-18
II Corinthians 11.14-15
Romans 13.12-14
I John 1.5-10
Deuteronomy 32.16-18
II Kings 17.17-18

The church has been a history of continuous struggle to keep the pure faith and has and does know compromises. Compromises only water down and render anemic vital spiritual life and blood flow. Jesus, before leaving the earth, posed the question "when the Son of Man comes , will He really find faith on the earth?" The Lord, the bridegroom, is awaiting a pure bride and as assuredly as the temple was measured (in Ezekiel), He is measuring His church.
The line is being drawn.

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net

There Has Always Been.......

2005-10-27T22:57:00.000-05:00

The most important gift of being human is that we were created in the image of God to have fellowship and relationship with Him and that He gave us responsibility and authority.
God has always had a people even if we were only a twinkle of a design by foreknowledge in His heart and eye. However, for right now, I am especially interested in His people since the Truth came to earth...since he, being the fulness of the Godhead bodily came to us to redeem and restore the world...since the Light came to dispel the darkness...since the Word became flesh, since the writing and establishment of the New Testament as Holy canon...since the early church and its' apostolic foundation sprang from the midst of the early 'brotherhood' such as Peter, John, and Paul. Ever since, God has always had a people. There has always been a people for God---for the heart of God--- who carried the truth forward.

All down through the years and centuries, since the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father, God has had a people. Not a people that were necessarily known by religious affiliation, but were known by God Himself, at heart, because they chose to seek Him and the center of His will. They sought to pass Him and the truth of relationship with Him forward as one would pass an inheritance along to the next heir. And so, the legacy of truth has been passed along from generation to generation even as a baton is handed off in a race to the next runner. But what is this truth? Nothing more complicated, yet so simple, but yet so reward-filled as the power of close fellowship with God through the conqueror Jesus Christ holding promise of restoration for this world by means of individual experience first.

Once I watched a movie about cavemen when they first discovered fire. These cavemen quickly discovered the value of fire for their lives. They discovered its value for warmth, for protection, and for its value in food preparation (an aid for sustenance). The cavemen tried to preserve even the first fire. Fearing they would lose it when its flames died out, they sought to preserve it by protecting its embers with the hope of reviving that flame.
Many Christians see Christianity as a religious responsibility or as a social duty or maybe a once-a-week experience with some good thoughts, actions, and words sprinkled along with it and as being something separate and external to their real personal life. But those that carry the treasure of fellowship like a fire do not see it so. This experience is their personal life; it is their identity; it is that which is central to their being and for being.

There is a spiritual lineage of people that have survived from generation to generation all down through the ages since the early church and have kept alive the sound word of God through their passionate embrace of His word and His communion. They loved not their lives unto death throughout the persecution that scattered the first church and yet protected the embers of truth through the cold centuries of the dark ages unto and through the renaissance withstanding the heresies of so-called enlightenment unto our modern day era of humanism, moral relativism, and multi-denominationalism.
These were those who kept faith alive in the face of great adversity as did our forefathers of old Israel and 'old testament' times who by faith "passed through the Red Sea....stopped the mouths of lions....out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle....received their dead raised to life again....were tortured, not accepting deliverance....had trial of mockings and scourgings..of chains and imprisonments....were stoned....were sawn in two....were slain with sword....of whom the world was not worthy....And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us...." And so, there you have it! These people and their message has endured from old testament times to the promise fulfilled establishing a new testament---which testament has now been bequeathed to our generation. These people are our heritage.
Who are these people? They are the true church. Oh, you won't necessarily find them organized into formal groups or ecclesiastical institutions with creeds and bylaws. However, they are a group with a common cause and mission and common denominator. They all may not know each other but they carry and transfer and keep alive the same message and will of God. They are the tie that binds. The tie that binds is by the Holy Spirit who has literally revealed the most powerful, all encompassing force in the universe in their very personal heart of hearts (do you know what I mean?).
In his book, The Torch of the Testimony, John W. Kennedy traces the history of the true church through Christian groups who remained outside formalized institutional religion down through the ages, chronicling the life of God and His word through these people calling them, in effect, torchbearers of the gospel. One reviewer of this book speaks of these people as those "who crisscrossed the timelines of history. You enter into their joys and sorrows, their struggles , persecutions and steadfastness in the face of peril. Your heart begins to leap as you identify with the spirit of Christ which comes forth from their lives. You rejoice, as if finding a long-lost relative, when you realize that it is from these that the torch of the testimony of Jesus Christ has been passed."(Tom Sigwarth, Book Nook).
And they weren't (and aren't)necessarily the most popular or notable or most spotlighted or heralded or most apparent in importance. Most people in America probably have seen a football game and know what a field goal attempt is. When that attempt is made, everyone's attention is on the kicker. However, of late, my attention has been drawn to the holder. If the holder doesn't catch the pass from center and correctly set the ball for the kicker, no points will ever be scored. No kick will even be made period!--- without the holder. However, you will never see him (the holder) get credit for those 3 points or read his name in the box score. The ages and centuries are full of people we do not know or have never heard of but who have held the heart-warming fire and life-saving truth of God and presented it to their generation and set it up to be passed on. They are our spiritual bloodline and ancestry. We are their successors--if we so choose to answer the call, raise high the banner and take up the sword---the real fellowship.
It is time for us to allow the embers of the fire of God to be blown upon afresh by the breath of the Holy Spirit and allowed to catch flame. We are the modern-day torch bearers of the testimony of the power of an endless life bestowed to us from the ancient of days.......and our generation is our watch. Let it not be said that the fire of God smoldered during our watch......and that is exactly what is happening in much of this great nation---little by little.
What is the anwer? :

There is something special....mysteriously holy about the heart of God.....about the center of His will. There is something about finding that special place with God. It is a place set apart from the dissonance of a world system that is progressively, day by day, choosing to find 'its' own way. It is a place set apart from the fears and labors of self. There is an almost unspoken, no-fanfare spiritual aura of having deep communion with the ancient of days. It is a cool, unrushed, unintensity, but yet charged with a warmth of realness, solidness, and security of being in the place you are supposed to be at the right time, but yet apart from time (time that is both self and world imposed). David, in the book of Psalms, mentions this place several times. He wrote, "be still and know God." He also wrote that "he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" and "He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." This place is not found by the casual inquirer. Only those who seek will find it and be allowed to find it. This is not an elitist statement, message, or people. David wrote, "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have laid up for those who trust You....You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence." Another place he writes, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" and "deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls......"

People who truly hunger and thirst find it and are filled---God is faithful. These people who find this place bear witness of it----they can't help it----it's that special. These are people who don't necessarily run with the crowd of the world system--the cosmos. They don't ebb and flow with the tide driven and influenced by worldly-wise winds. Because of their walk with the Lord, their ears become attuned---they hear a different voice to live by that influences their thinking and renews, transforms and 'colors' their perspective and purpose. As a result, they do not fit into the mold of ritualistic religion that has lost its salt and life no more than Jesus fit in with the Pharisees. These are those who have learned and are learning to 'breakout' of that mold and 'breakthrough' by the power of the Holy Spirit which must always flow. Flow as water. Again, David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water" (2 Chron. 14.11). In days of old, God had a people set apart that carried the ark of the covenant---the ark of his rest---symbolic of his presence and holiness. No longer does God reside in structures of wood, stone and metal. God does not thrive and flourish from the midst of anything man-made or perpetuated by the traditions of man. It is incumbent, then, for our generation to be sure to fulfill our role as spiritual watchmen. Let it not be said that they of the early 21st century were found sleeping on the wall while the enemy stole silently into the camp.
God has always had a people, as David, after His own heart. There has always been a people for the heart of God.

"In some countries today there is great concern among the large Christian bodies to make the Church popular. Every conceivable scheme is being brought into play in order to attract people to the Church. It is forgotten that the true Church can never be attractive to the world, and was never meant to be. It is something which is completely beyond the world's understanding. People are brought into the Church through the witness of the Lord's children who comprise the Church. When the life of Christ is expressed through a spiritual order, believers will maintain a witness that is spiritually effective. Others will be regenerated, and they will be added to the Church, not because they, as worldly people, were attracted to it, but because they have been subject to a divine change which enables them to enter into life on a higher plane. The Church's mission is not to fit into the world, but to see men changed so that they will fit into the Church.
The Church of the New Testament is no mere theory. It is a fact of the twentieth century, as it was of the first. The principles of the unchanging Word of God, having been demonstrated and tested for almost two thousand years, have proved themselves applicable to every age and every circumstance. The Church authoritative, holy, witnessing, invincible has continued and will continue, not in outward show and ostentation, but whenever the Lord has found a people willing to gather round Him in submission and obedience. It is a Church that is indissolubly one, bound by ties of the Spirit.
Amid the bitter conflicts and tragedies of so-called Church history, the life of the spiritual movement of the Church has flowed on through the ages. The splendid unity of a heavenly race, living a heavenly life passed down from spiritual generation to spiritual generation has never been broken. They are pilgrims and strangers still upon the earth, bearing the reproach of Christ outside the camp, pressing 'on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus'. They gather round Christ their Head, owning His Word their guide, bearing the torch of the testimony." (The Torch of the Testimony by John W. Kennedy)

Once again, and please forbear the repetition---It is incumbent, then, for our generation to be sure to fulfill our role as spiritual watchmen. Let it not be said that they of the early 21st century were found sleeping on the wall while the enemy stole silently into the camp. God has always had a people after His own heart. There has always been a people for the heart of God.

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net

The Reality of the Dark Side

2005-07-26T23:37:00.001-05:00

Once I heard that if you put a frog in a pot of water and gradually began to heat it, that if you gradually brought the water to a boil and if you did it slow enough, the frog would actually not notice, not try to escape and actually be boiled alive. Hmmm.

...for we are not ignorant of his (Satan's) devices (2 Cor. 2.11).
But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11.3).

Jesus did not pray that God, the Father, would take us out of the world but that He would keep (protect/guard) us from the evil one (John 17.15). Okay, so we know there is an evil one. Evil ones do evil things and if you read and study the Bible (and modern times/the daily news), you know there basically are two forces at work in this world---good and evil. (Anybody who watched Stars Wars knows there is a dark side of the force!). Jesus also said that he would have us be one or the other, cold or hot, not lukewarm, not in-between (Rev. 3.15-16) as a double-minded man who is unstable in all his ways (James 1.8).
On this earth, in these times, there are two forces at work--as there has been for centuries before us. Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. There are two sources, realize it or not, from which we can reap a living, a life, a nephesh (Hebrew word translated as appetite, body, breath, desire, heart, life, man , mind, pleasure, self, soul, will) and with which we will spend eternity based on our choice. We can choose to live by one power or the other. Moses instructed us to choose life and good (Deut. 30.15,19) as did Joshua (Joshua 24.15). Jesus said you cannot have two masters as you will love one and hate the other. We can choose to live by one system or the other. Satan was said by Jesus to be the prince of the power of the air. So he has power. Paul instructs us in Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
One of Satan's main wiles or devices or schemes is to come as an angel of light. Subtlety, craftiness, disguise and deception are his calling cards---a wolf in sheeps' clothing. A couple of weekends ago, the sixth Harry Potter book is said to have sold over ten million copies. That cranks total sales to over 300 million since book one. This is both appalling and alarming. A U.S. consumer research survey reports that more than half of children between ages 6 and 17 have read at least one of the books. These books are now on the reading list in almost every school in America (Harry Potter, A Highway to Heathenism by Glory Ministries). What is also appalling and alarming is how many adults and Christians that are attracted to these books. Some of the reasons given for the interest are as follows:
> They are so entertaining
> They get children to read
> Its not real, it's only fantasy
> Its not evil witchcraft, its good magic
> Good overcomes bad
However, these books clearly present and support as acceptable such practices as casting spells, reading crystal balls, joining a coven, sorcery, communication with the dead, and transfiguration. The books do not discredit children from lying, disobeying authority, breaking rules they don't like, and developing a premature independence (which is actually a dependence on the dark arts and powers). True, this is not human sacrifice or murder, but as the cliche goes--"one thing leads to another". Jesus said "a little leaven leavens the whole lump." Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? (Proverbs 6.27). It doesn't have to have a head spinning on its shoulders spewing green slime to be from the dark side. In other words, it doesn't have to be that blatant. It can be less graphic, not as evil in appearance, but less horrific and more subtle and still be of the same evil, horrific source---Satan. Many say Tolkiens' Lord of the Rings trilogy is not as obviously evil or overt as Rowlings' Potter series. Maybe not to some, but be careful. Do you really think the Holy Spirit would author all the negativity, confusion, darkness, evil, contention, depravity, and painful struggle as emoted in the '..Rings trilogy' (chapter after chapter and scene after scene in the books or movies) to teach us the difference between good and evil?? Simply stated, darkness doesn't reveal light. Evil doesn't teach good. Divine revelation and higher Spiritual principles are not taught or learned through an endless parade of questionable and sinister characters plotting and invoking countless wicked deeds through dark powers and grotesque twisted creatures on the so-called innocent and unsuspecting. Jesus taught us that Beelzebub doesn't cast out his own devils. Does the Holy Spirit lay a Spiritual foundation by using dark machinations and ruminations? Does dark fantasy reveal the ageless truths of the Light (God)?

The central focus of this writing is not an all-out attack on 'Potter' and the 'Rings' (though they deserve the exposure), but it is to point out the true source of the flood of this type of dark subject matter, its' intent, and the reality to the subtle things of darkness that pervade our arena (earth) in growing influence and intensity, and that there is a price to pay for 'dabbling' (reading, watching, listening, practicing, acting, etc.) in things that are not birthed and inspired by God, His truth, and the Holy Spirit but instead are devised and crafted by the 'other source' to entertain, then enthrall, then entwine, and then entomb their subjects. This writing is not presented as an opinion or a prooftext sermon against evil or even a point/counterpoint confrontation. Please accept that is is not a blatant blasting condemnation on the ignorant and unknowing or even on the disobedient and rebellious. It is however a warning. I believe this to be a prophetic (Godly and timely) statement to our generation invited to be weighed out by the spiritually discerning. It is not an opinion, either, but a fact that there is currently a flood of witchcraft and occult subject matter that pervade our media and invade our lives--invited or not. What's worse is that most of this is directed at our children---the young, innocent, and impressionable---the next generation.

It is easily seen that we live in a period of time that there is a mounting deluge of Satanic or evil-based subject matter, particularly through the entertainment media. Some are more obvious and readily-seen than others. As mentioned earlier, Satan uses devices, or in other words he devises means to enlist a following. Not all devices are the same or as obvious as others. Some other of this deluge of 'dark' media introduced primarily by book, movie, or game are the following: W.I.T.C.H., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, The Craft, White Noise, Pokemon, Digimon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Dungeons and Dragons, Kabala, Medium, The Supernatural (coming soon), Bewitched, to name a few-- there are many more.
As mentioned earlier, Satan presents himself as an angel of light. No one should expect him (or any of his subject matter) to be initially presented as something readily seen as horrific or evil. There is a calculated plan at work---not a blatant shot in the dark. It is not surprising that many people find the movies, books and games to be entertaining. (You didn't think they would be boring did you---how far would that go?). Of course, there is a theme, a plot and a progression to all of this dark media presented. That's what gets people hooked---like a soap opera or any series. However, it's the sinister characters, acts, symbols, and devised scheme that is woven and intertwined in these 'baited traps'. Of course it's enertaining--- but if you really look at it, it's no better a plot or storyline than any other successful genre. What's the difference to this outpouring of unholy material? Exactly that. It's unholy! In other words, it is anointed of Satan to succeed. Presented as a new, inviting, and fresh drink (apple), it is anointed to ensnare any that drink it. You don't start off hooked on anything. Many negative habits and indulgences start out small whether they be drinking, gambling, pornography, eating disorders or drugs. A hard drug habit usually doesn't start out with hard drugs. Usually a hard drug habit starts out with less habit-forming drugs and leads to hard use and ultimately criminal life if left unchecked. I remember an interview with a serial murderer who said his life began to go downhill with his indulgence in pornography and gradually worsened from there to murder. I remember another confession of a murderer who said he began with small animal sacrifices which led ultimately to human. Even though many people say much of the subject matter presented in todays' movies, books and games is harmless white magic, remember one thing leads to another. It's gradual and it's calculated. The presentation of the dark side does not begin black, but comes in shades, all of which get much darker. The subject matter presented in Bewitched, the Star Wars series, 'Rings trilogy', Matrix movies, 'Potter series', etc. are all lighter shades of the dark side---but still from the same source!! These presentations of the paranormal, unholy supernatural, and macabre (esp, clairvoyance, necromancy, spells, transfiguration, astral projection/translation, etc.) are all becoming more accepted in American society. I can remember as a kid watching a war movie and then running out with my brother and kids in the neighborhood and playing army---we even had ranks. I remember watching motorcycle racing and then we'd run out and ride our bikes like we were the hottest cyclists on two wheels. Kids will practice what they see, read, hear, and what entertains them. We cannot be so naive as to think that children will not practice what they see in the 'Potter' books and in other books and tv shows like them. Again, we are not ignorant of Satan's devices. He comes as an angel of light (so people will be receptive) and with gradual and deceptive changes to the healthy and acceptable norm.
Speaking of gradual changes. We all know that censorship on tv has changed dramatically. What was once considered taboo is now considered entertainment. There was a time when you couldn't say certain curse words or even show a man and woman in bed (clothed). This came to be considered too puritanical and prudish. So, this was 'corrected' or shall we say overcorrected since the days of the fifties and sixties. This is no longer the days of 'Beaver Cleaver'. June Cleaver used to do housework in a full length, totally buttoned up, no-plunge neckline dress, and now we watch desperate housewives get stripped of their towel in broad daylight in the middle of the neighborhood and it's considered funny and entertaining. Can you see June Cleaver get stripped of her towel in broad daylight,etc. on prime time tv!? Hey Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore! We are not staring the amber waves of grain in the face as innocently as we once did---as innocently as did the countenances of our forefathers. The terrain has changed, the temparament has changed, and the tolerance level has changed.

The old saying goes, "if you play with fire you will get burned." There is a price to pay for engaging the dark side. Even if it is rationalized as an experiment. Everytime you read, watch, listen, meditate, play, role-play, cast, conjure, or communicate, you take a step back. A step back from light and innocence to darkness and bondage---even as Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They became aware of things they needed to know nothing about! After this kind of dark engagement, it will only become harder to advance in and toward the kingdom of heaven. It will only become harder to hear, understand and sense His presence. Proverbs says "the spirit of man is the candle (light) of the Lord." This kind of experience in and by man's spirit will only cause the light of the human spirit and soul to become darkened--little by little. The more negative or dark the experience is, the deeper the bondage and darker the darkness.
One of the worst consequences of the new age and occult books, movies, tv shows, role games, video games and music is that they densensitize their user. They desensitize people to accept demonic symbols, characters, acts, powers, language and philosophy. They desensitize by lowering and changing ones' moral standards and standards of acceptance (right and wrong). They desensitize by drawing people away from the light, from that which is real and good and wholesome and positive, and basically from the ability to discern the real truth and light. As stated in Isaiah 5.20, "woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Desensitization! Desensitization of a younger generation in progress now at your local theater, local bookstore, local schoolhouse and in your home if you let it. The people that continue in this dark trek will never be spiritually healthy--never spiritually centered and balanced. These people can expect a life of chaos, confusion, competition, anger and rage, instability, lack of focus, poor relationships---and dreams that become nightmares.
Some greater degree of attention has been spent and mentioned regarding the 'Harry Potter books' in this writing. This is because it is presently the most popular and widest used current tool or effective instrument used by the dark side to serve as a doorway to the snares of our enemy---and it is directed at our children. The author of these books has produced no masterpiece. There is no epic classic or magnum of literary greatness here. But rather, suffice it to say, more probably like the work of a broken-spirited, occult obeisant who has sold her soul (and is still selling) for a brief mirage of notoriety. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?
Just so you don't think I'm on a lonely soapbox, engaged in a preachy rant, let me quote some others (these are only a couple because of time/space...but many more could be presented):

Children are understably fascinated with the kind of power that Harry and others in his world possess.......Certainly power is appealing, especially "white" witchcraft like this that is made to look so innocent........Yet God is clear in Scripture that any practice of magic is an "abomination" to him. God doesn't distinguish between "white" and "dark" magic since they both originate from the same source........The problem is, witchcraft is not fantasy; it is a sinful reality in our world. Author Richard Abanes (Harry Potter and the Bible) says that the movie and books not only teach anti-Christian lessons on the occult, but also moral relativism, and desensitize children to profanity and off-color humor.-------from Is "Harry Potter" Harmless? by christianAnswers.net.

"J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has gone through an awful lot of research. She is very accurate (otherwise we would have witches all over the country and the world saying "this is not a true representation of our religion"). This is a true representation of witchcraft, and the black arts, and black magic. And yet we have people that say this is merely fantasy and harmless reading for our children. Actually, what makes this more dangerous is that it is couched in fantasy language, and children's literature, and made to be humorous, and beautifully written and extremely provocative reading, and it just opens up children to want to have the next one. This is what is so harmful."-------Caryl Matrisciana as quoted in Harry Potter:Witchcraft Repackaged (Jeremiah Films)

.......we should not be surprised to discover the Harry Potter books have fueled a rapidly growing interest in witchcraft among children. In fact, the demand to know more about witchcraft is so great , the Pagan Federation has appointed a youth officer to handle the flood of inquiries and to offer advice and information to youngsters. Although the Pagan Federation refuses to admit new members who are under the age of 18, nonetheless it reports that each month an average of 100 inquiries come from children who want to become witches.....These events point to the elevation of Satan's master plan--a plan to gather the most prophetic generation in history and lure them into embracing evil. Ten years from now, our children will welcome things that we would never accept today......I am not just speaking about the Harry Potter books, which contains progressive deception. Instead, I am referring to the dark progression in our world of embracing a form of paganism and calling it "good". As our culture is deceived by the darkness that appears as light, an unprecedented fueling of the occult is happening ino our day.---John Paul Cain in A Closer Look At Harry Potter

We are at the culmination of the ages. The history of the world as we know it is day by day and year by year coming to a conclusion in preparation for His New Age. We have entered the 21st century and are its' combatants in the great and mighty struggle of our times and all times---between good and evil, light and darkness. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6.12).
Basically, in this day and age, along with identity and attention, human nature is crying out for change. Entertainment is a substitute---a quick, short, temporary substitute or fix for real change---actually an escape from reality (real change is a reform to reality). With the dark arts, powers, and negative entertainment, there will definitely come a change---but it won't be a good one and it won't produce life. They are a gateway. Beware traveller, if you walk this passage! You are boarding a ship that will take you to an undeclared destination. A destination that your 'cruisemaster' knows and you don't---one that you don't really want. One that involves high fare (your life) and rough waters eventually leading to shipwreck. This is a warning that will hopefully illuminate the unsuspecting traveller to a potentially nasty pitfall and that will help to free the already entangled before it becomes worse and before it is too late.

Well, back to the slowly heating frog in the pot of water. I don't know if a frog would really allow himself to be boiled alive. However, I do know there a lot of human beings who are doing just that. They are in the gradually 'heating' system of this cosmos, this world system, hosted by the prince of the power of the air, Satan, who works through it. And many don't even recognize it. This is a sad statement. Human nature allowing itself to be spiritually debased and degraded to the point that they are no better than a dumb frog in a pot of boiling water---little by little, day by day, year by year, book by book, movie upon movie, shade by shade by darker shade. Know the reality of the dark side and find the Light. Seek the Truth. Choose real Life.

Test all things; hold fast what is good.---I Thessalonians 5.21

...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.---Ephesians 5.11

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.---I John 3.7-8

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."---Matthew 19.14

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Q & A to Shaken, But Not Stirred

2005-07-09T21:24:00.000-05:00

The question has been asked : What does it mean, spiritually, to be poured from vessel to vessel?
In the last article, Shaken, But Not Stirred, Jeremiah 48.11 was referenced and it mentions being poured, as wine, from vessel to vessel. The wine sits in one vessel for a time in which impurities (dregs) settle to the bottom. Then it is poured into another vessel wherein the dregs settle again. Each time in this process, the wine clarifies and purifies and becomes less bitter, and better to the taste.
I believe the question actually centers on the phrase 'vessel to vessel'. The Bible, and our experience, teach us that, in the Christian walk of experience, we are said to go from faith to faith or step by step, and even from glory to glory. Peter wrote of adding one characteristic to another (II Peter 1.4-8). Paul wrote of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22-24). Godly character and fruit are a result of refinement and development. They don't happen overnight.
Also stated in the article was an important point. God never changes---but He does deal with us as individuals and according to the light that we have and the integrity with which we respond to Him. Hence, His dealings with each of us can change from person to person according to our understanding (revelation). He teaches, guides, chastens and molds each person individually by the Holy Spirit. That is why the baptism in the Holy Spirit is so important. So, inasmuch as we are all different, we are all led indivudually (although there are many similarities) as we are faithful to have a personal relationship with Him. Only the Holy Spirit can do this.
Let's face it. For many people the school of hard knocks get the job done. None of us can deny the fact that trials and tests of hardship streamline our spiritual focus to where He has our full attention. Remember, however, He will not allow us to be tempted or tried beyond that which we are able. Most of our times of distress, discontentment, lack, and 'rough waters' are designed as 'attention-getters' so that He can work better with(in) us--it seems that these are the times when most people are most repentant, pliable and receptive.
However, 'vessel to vessel' doesn't necessarily have to mean 'hardship to hardship'. Although, we know that it is by many trials and tribulations that we enter the kingdom of God, these times of hardship are not the only means of spiritual development. I, personally, do not believe that they are God's first choice of means.
Let's remember that God wants to be a personal God. It is He that created us to begin with. And although perfect fellowship, as originally experienced by Adam and Eve, was broken, it is His desire to fully restore that fellowship. The study or eating of God's word is more than a spiritual dietary supplement. David said, "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against you." One of the best means of growth is to have a good diet and the word of God should be the main course. David also said "his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." The other side of the coin to the word of God is obedience. In James, we are told to be doers of the word, and not hearers only and that "he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word, this one will be blessed in what he does.
This is growth.
Lastly, the most powerful means of change, that is, going from step to step, faith to faith and vessel to vessel, is the presence of God. There is no substitute for seeking and finding Him; for spending time with and in His presence, to learn and listen to His voice. For me, nothing dispels insecurities, fears, the weakness of my own humanity and the old nature better than the quiet fire of His presence. The end result is spiritual sanctification and purification--to overcome all obstacles by means of the Holy Spirit within. He's there, but we have to let Him breathe and as everyone knows, good wine has to breathe.

"Shaken, But Not Stirred"

2005-07-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Those were the words I heard. It wasn't "shaken, not stirred" like out of the 007 movies, but "shaken, but not stirred".
A couple of weeks ago I returned home from a day of deep sea fishing. I was standing in the kitchen cutting long strips (they fileted them at the dock in long sections) of fish into smaller, equal-sized sections for freezing and I was using a very sharp knife, so my full attention was on what I was doing as I don't do this that often. Very unexpectedly, I heard those words--shaken but not stirred--just as clear as if somebody behind me had spoken them. Even then I didn't pay rapt attention, but I did begin to wonder. It began to become clear, very quickly, that the Lord was speaking a short but precise word as he clarified the meaning of the phrase.

The Lord says that in this hour and season, He has called, beckoned, and even shaken His people in an attempt to get their full attention. An attention that has often been led astray from His voice and presence to the things, the carnal things, the ambitions and cares and the burdens and desires of this life. It is for that reason that many have endured times of trial and adversity and even of distress and discontentment. The Lord says that though this shaking is unsettling and upsetting, disturbing and disquieting for a season, it is for a greater good that He is shaking---to cause His people to stir. When one is stirred, they are aroused as if awakened from slumber or animated from apathy. God is shaking in this hour to stir his people as a spark ignites a fire. It is not uncharacteristic for God to shake His people for a time to produce a greater result. God is shaking to produce change---much needed change and growth. Some people have and are responding, but many have not and do not discern the times or even their own circumstances.

This word is predominantly for American Christianity. We, who have the greatest natural blessings and freedom in the world, need to use our circumstances, capabalities, resources, grace and liberty wisely (to whom much is given, much is required). Much of Christianity in the rest of the world is oppressed and persecuted, some even unto death, and it is sad to note that, at the same time, much (not all) of American Christianity is settled, complacent, and apathetic to the appeal, purpose, and moving of God's Spirit, having a form of godliness but denying the fullness of His Spirit and His power thereof.

After speaking this word to me, the Lord led me, during the next two days, to Jeremiah 48.11. It should be noted here that, when making wine, they would let it sit in one vessel or container until the impurities (which cause bitterness of taste) would settle to the bottom, and then they would pour it off in the next container to allow more impurities (lees and dregs) to settle and be separated. The verse is actually about the unrighteous nation of Moab and reads as follows:
Moab has been at ease from his youth
He has settled on his dregs
And has not not been emptied from vessel to vessel.
Nor has he gone into captivity (exile or removal)
Therefore his taste remained in him
And his scent has not changed.
Obviously, this verse was called to my attention for spiritual interpretation and application (I don't know anybody named Moab). The Lord is saying that many have not stirred. Many have been shaken but have only settled on their dregs or given in to their circumstances. They have not allowed themselves to be poured from vessel to vessel and yet remain in their negative positions and old ways (their taste and scent remain unchanged), and so have not yielded to the prompting, moving and redisposition of the Spirit for purity and clarity. God is wanting to stir us to a deeper walk followed and accompanied by a greater anointing , blessings, and responsibility resulting in a more abundant life and harvest.
This word may initially sound negatively alarming to some. And yet it is, if it is unheeded in one's life as it applies. However, God loves those he chastens or shall we say pours from vessel to vessel for positive change. If heeded by the necessary hearing ears, it is a positive message and a good word in season, for as it is written---Eyes has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God (I Cor. 2.9-10).

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An Increasing Share Of A Diminishing Market

2005-07-01T23:23:00.000-05:00

All I'm doing with this writing is paraphrasing, editorializing, expanding, and passing on a portion of a message given by Mark Rutland (President of Southeastern University) a few years ago. The message was entitled, "Prophetic Ministry In A Materialistic Age", and it's still fresh. Thanks Mark.

Years ago, early in the 20th century, about a hundred years past, Henry Ford and the horseless carriage, the automobile, began to make its advent into American society. Up until that time, the horse-drawn wagon was one of the prime means of transportation--at least for more than one person and light cargo anyway. As in all markets of a capitalistic society, there were probably many makers of wood wheels for these wagons. However, with the increasing success of the auto, on rubber wheels, Goodyear and others began to make their names known and the need for wood wagon wheels began to lessen and decline with each passing year. So too did the manufacturers of the wagon wheel. Why wouldn't they?---there was less demand to sustain them! However, any one wood wagon wheel maker/distributor who held on, let's say the Acme Wood Wagon Wheel Company, began to find it was getting a greater percentage of the sales of this product as its' competitors fell out of the business one by one. Although the Acme Wood Wagon Wheel Co. was boasting in its capture of this 'wheeling' retail, their days were marked and numbered, their doom sealed, and they would soon fold too, simply because they had fallen into the mold of merchandising mortality---an increasing share of a diminishing market---one that simply would not continue to perpetuate either growth or livelihood.

God has always dealt with His people on a personal basis. The Bible is full of names, not statistics. In the Old Testament, we read that His thoughts toward us would outnumber the sand. In the New Testament, we read that the very hairs of our head are known and numbered. God has been and will always be a personal God---not some distant creator on the backside of the universe or some non-relative entity that wound up the world and let it go to see what would happen. Throughout the history of His people and the church, He has regarded, responded, and related to them as individuals dealing with them (us) on a generation to generation basis. God has always been faithful to lead His people according to the light that each generation has had. God is still leading and guiding today---if we let Him. If we follow. To follow, we must hear and see Him. Spiritually speaking of course. Even as the children of Israel in the wilderness were guided by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night, we must be faithful to look for and follow Him.....and flexible to change when He moves right or left, even when He moves differently than that to which we are accustomed.
Two nights ago, I was going through some cassette tapes looking for an old musical recording I hadn't heard in years. I ran across one of my own messages to a group from about two or three years ago. Strangely enough, it was stopped on this very same point I am emphasizing now; that is, God has dealt faithfully with every generation individually as He wills and sees best. I don't think that was a coincidence. The other side of the coin is this: It is incumbent on the church to reach the world, to change the world, to bring restoration to a world that is more lost, more dying and more aberrent each day---just watch the news---not just the local and national, but also the world news. One of the worst things that can happen to the church of this generation (any generation) is for it to not have effect on their community and world. However, if we rely on yesterdays' experience and motivation to reach our world, we will (and are) find(ing) ourselves with an increasing share of a diminishing market. We must be open and flexible to change---for growth and progress. (Now, let's make this perfectly clear. This is not to say that the nature and attributes of God change. In other words, God will always be omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and a God who is and personifies truth, righteous judgement, mercy and grace---always).

Many people today enjoy their 'church experience' the way it is. Many people today are encouraged with the apparent success of the purpose-driven life quest, and the apparent growth of the community church. Conversely, there are those that question the overall state of 'church life' and impact of this current 'movement' as it relates to the 'realtime' advancement of the kingdom of heaven. In other words, is it really doing any good for, making an impression, and having a positive lasting effect on the world we live in? In more other words, are we having an effect or just perpetuating our own private social clubs (wood wagon wheel makers)?
As I visit different churches, both denominational and nondenominational, I see many people, (if I can be so bold, direct and colloquial), who are simply bored with their religion........and, frankly speaking, need relationship. Relationship, true fulfilling heart-relationship, is the only experience that will cause one's spirit to be enlightened, lightened, rejuvenated and effectual to even become evident to the world, and whereby, we will get a greater share of the market ( forgive the analogy--it seems to fail here as human life should never be considered a market--but you know what I mean).
God is calling His people, right now, to stop, look, and listen...to be flexible for change as He sees it. God is calling for change in His church, that is , in the hearts of individuals first and in the corporate church. Not initially or necessarily by more fevered service or legwork, brighter ideas, bigger buildings or more programs and busyness, but by getting in touch with the changemaker. Truly productive, worthwhile, lasting changes only come via the heart authored by the Changemaker. We cannot afford our wheels to stay rutted in the old 'method'. Paul said, "...my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." Remember, new wine cannot be put in old wineskins. We, as the church, the body of Christ, are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world---not hidden---but seen readily---as leaders. Light, in darkness, shows the way!

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Q & A to Matthew 1 1 : 1 2

2005-06-26T18:30:00.000-05:00

This is a Question and Answer to the last article posted, "Matthew 11.12". One reader has asked the question: What was meant (in reference to David) by "spiritually inbred identity that produced vision unto victory"? That sounds like a good question so I'll answer it by posting and sharing it with everyone.
As we all know, we human beings have a spirit that can be trained and developed just as we have a physical body---the outer man. Our physical appearance, demeanor, and well-being (health) is basically constituted and represented by what we eat or fuel that body with and how we exercise it. So it is with our spiritual man---the inner man.

David, the youngest of eight brothers, was a shepherd. In other words, he tended his flocks / herds in the neighboring hills surrounding his homeland. Those days, alone, with God, were a great influence upon him (as evidenced by his actions and writings-how many young boys do you know that have single-handedly killed a lion and a bear?). No one can spend quality time, especially long, solitary hours with God, the most influential presence and all-encompassing, omniscient and omnipotent being in our world ( and universe), and not come away changed---profoundly affected. This is good breeding. Something had to have happened to David as a young man in those solitary hills to cause him to have the reaction (to Goliath) and subsequent actions that he did. David was offended that Goliath would rail against the army of the living God and not be dealt with. Something caused him not to fear but stand face to face with the giant. Why did he, basically a mere sheepherder and musician, see things in a totally different light, understanding, and perspective than all the others? What was in him, spiritually inbred in him, that enabled him to break free from and rise above the fear that gripped, paralyzed, and neutralized all the rest? And not just talk---but purposed, focused, single-minded, unrehearsed, straightforward, deliberate action. David had within him a disposition and capability enabled by an abiding presence greater than himself.....One that defined his very own identity.....An identity, more than his mere self, that produced a vision that others didn't have; one that saw the victory, without question, before it happened and produced corresponding actions that resulted in success---according to God's will and by His hand.

Good breeding doesn't necessarily have to happen when one is young. Look at Paul. Paul was not exactly in his budding youth (as David) when he met the Lord via a blinding light on the road to Damascus. He had already been higher-educated and was earning position and status in his society. However, he was arrested. Arrested for higher-breeding. After his initial conversion, Spirit baptism and introduction into a cautious (to accept him) Christian community, we see him disappear for about 12-14 years. When he emerged, after those silent years, he became a respected leader and voice wherever he went--to Gentile or Jew. Something had happened to him during those years. Something was bred into him that changed his nature, redefined his identity and prepared him for the historic and revolutionary apostolic mission that lay ahead.
It was something so deep and consuming that was a relative follow-up to his blinding light conversion that enabled him to impart revelations (the predominant contributor to the New Testament) as well as endure years of faithful service, hard travels, multiple confrontations, brutal persecutions, long unjust imprisonments and ultimately death.

Imprisonments. Joseph would never have become the second most powerful man in Egypt if it hadn't have been for his imprisonments. But only because he handled them right. Joseph was first thrown into a pit by his own brothers (first imprisonment) and then sold to the Ishmaelites (second imprisonment). He, then, became a slave to Potiphar (third imprisonment) where he responded favorably even though falsely accused and thrown into the king's prison (last imprisonment). Josephs' faith was made known in prison and he was ultimately exalted in due season. It was, however, those years of imprisonment and endurance that produced a man that would one day rule the powerful Egyptian nation. We know Joseph had Godly breeding (Jacob, his father). But his faith was tested and refined to produce an identity that was unknown in the alien land he was destined to govern. There are many people today who feel that they, too, have been imprisoned---held back or limited by circumstances or even God---unable to breakthrough, deferred to a menial or lesser role in God's kingdom. These same people must realize that we are in a season of change, a period of transition, a time of breeding, development, breakthrough and positioning.
We are speaking of God's positioning---not mans'; we are speaking of identity with God and the heart and purpose of God in this hour. Moses was a man who had a lofty position and identity in the family of Pharaoh as the adopted son of the kings' daughter. However, it took 40 years on the back side of the desert, the quiet years, after his opulent, favored upbringing, to produce a different identity and vision....One that would lead to a nation of people being set free from bondage by the miraculous hand of God after 400 years!

Lastly, Jesus, whom we know to have been bred both physically and spiritually by the Holy Spirit, was known to separate himself from others to be alone with and renewed by his Source of identity. He did this all the way to the garden of Gethsemane where he maintained the vision, and, as we all know, produced the greatest victory ever.

M a t t h e w 1 1 : 1 2

2005-06-21T17:27:00.000-05:00

I would say point blank that the key word in this verse is violent. No word game here. This verse says "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force." Actually , this whole sentence is key. Key for today. It almost sounds like an oxymoron...kingdom of heaven and violence.
Jesus' ministry began after he was baptized by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit came upon him (as a dove). After that he was led into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. We see that Jesus immediately was in warfare with the enemy. And so it is today. Who takes the kingdom of heaven?---the violent! How do they take it?---by force! Jesus said it! In my Bible, those words are in red. This doesn't sound like passive Christianity to me. There's a war going on and those that act and act boldly and aggressively will win this war. There is a war for power in and over this world and the souls of mankind everywhere are at stake. Who will ultimately win this war? Those who put their hand to the plow and do not let go or look back; those who watch, stand fast in the faith, are brave and strong; those who take the horns of the altar and refuse to let go.
Violence and force, to some, is antithetical to the popular, present-day conception of Christianity---such as being passive, long-suffering, meek, and one who turns the other cheek---and these traits are Christian. However, let's look at the words used in this verse closer. The Greek word used for force in this verse means 'to snatch or seize' ---doesn't sound passive to me---more like aggressively active. As for violent, my trusty dictionaries define it like this:
1-marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity
2-caused by or showing strong feeling
3-passionate, intense
4-emotionally agitated to the point of loss of self-control
5-caused by force : not natural

We see this boldness, this passion, this intensity throughout the Bible. I'm not talking about brassy bravado or flashy zeal. This is focused purpose. This is singleness of mind and heart. This is people who knew whom they have believed and that he is able. These are those who have had an encounter with the master of all life and creation and know him as an anchor of the soul and power of an endless life.
Paul had an encounter on the road to Damascus that caused his life to do a 180 degree about face never to turn back. Paul received his revelations First-Hand. He then, inspired by the 'living revelation', proceeded to establish the gospel to the Gentile world enduring great perils, travail, and finally loss of his own life.
David, who spent many solitary hours alone in the hills tending to his flocks, had a spiritually inbred identity that produced a vision unto victory that no one else could see or attain. When Goliath vaunted himself and taunted the armies of Israel, all others were intimidated and paralyzed with fear. But David, full of true righteous indignation, was compelled to say, "who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" Not only did he square off with the giant face to face, but he spoke back at him proclaiming that he would take his head and, then, ran to meet him and did exactly that---no turning the other cheek here.
Jacob, under threat of death from his brother for his deceptive birthright-blessing theft, wrestled till dawn with the Angel of God, and would not let go, even though injured, until he was blessed by God. He was blessed---with a new name and identity---because he prevailed with God and men.
In Mark 10, there is the story of a blind man (Bartimaeus) who sat by the roadside--how he wanted to see. One day he heard Jesus was coming by. As a crowd gathered and Jesus neared, he began to call for his attention. He yelled so loudly that people began to tell him to quiet down---but he wouldn't. He cried all the louder as he had an intense need. He wouldn't and didn't stop until Jesus, even amidst all that crowd, heard his cry and actually stood still asking that he be brought to him. Bartimaeus, upon hearing that he had been heard and summoned, actually threw his garment aside and went forward without it. Now, I have read that these 'garments' were important to blind people as this is how they were led around. This was their connection to the seeing world. This was their link to direction and guidance. This man received what he desparately needed because he knew where to get it and didn't give up even when confronted by others. He had great faith that things were about to change when he cast his garment aside even before he was actually healed. He, like Jacob, took advantage or 'snatched and seized' the situation and didn't let go until he received a response.
Paul had an intense passion and purpose as David had a clear focus and identity that could not be matched or overcome. Jacob and blind Bartimaeus had this same fervency and would not take no for an answer. All were charged beyond self control and looking beyond the natural to something greater. They were in control but propelled and motivated by a higher calling for something better---the kingdom of heaven here on earth............
The righteous are bold as a lion-Proverbs 28.1 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.-James 5.16
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The Duck That Might Have Been

2005-06-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Arthur Burt is a 90+ year old minister living in Wales. I read his autobiography, Around the World in 88 Years, a couple of years ago---one of the best books about a life lived by faith that I've ever read. Arthur has another book out titled Cock-A-Doodle-Doo. This book has been described as "light-hearted, but gut-wrenching..." It is a simply written book with Emma the Hen telling her tales but passing along foundational and growth-inspiring truths and thoughts at the same time. I would like to pass along one of them now:

I think my life as a tame old duck,
Dibbling 'round in the farmyard muck,
Fat and lazy with useless wings.
But sometimes when the northwind sings,
Oh...and the wild ducks hurtle overhead,
Something stirs that was lost and dead.
And he cocks a wary and puzzled eye,
Makes a feeble attempt to fly.
He's fairly content with the state he's in.
But he's not the duck he might have been.

This short simple poem is about a duck in the farmyard, who, for all intents and purposes, lives his life like a chicken. Oh, he has the wings to fly---but he doesn't use them. Now, he doesn't have a bad life---he's taken care of and fairly content with his life. But, every now and then, he looks up and sees other ducks on wing, using their wings for that which they were intended and going places.

The phrase "might have been" is almost haunting. Many of us have probably, at some point, looked back in our lives and wondered what might have been if certain circumstances had been different or if we had reacted differently to those circumstances. There may have been a point when we turned left instead of right or shouldn't have turned at all. However, with God, mistakes, misses and misfires are all recoverable---at any point in life. In other words, God can right our ship when it is blown off course, when it lists to one side, founders, or even shipwrecks. This is the merciful grace and power of God in our lives at work if we allow it. But, woe unto the ship that never sets sail...who never leaves the harbor...who never experiences the balmy, blue, breezy billows, never encounters the headwinds of stormy seas and never sets out for the purpose and destination it was intended.

I cannot think many things worse than to one day, at the end of my life, to look back and say,'I wonder what might have been'... what I might have been or had done if I had only allowed myself to chart my course by faith in the greatest navigator of life in the universe.
I want to fulfill my mission. I want to run the race. I want to finish the course. I want one day to hear "well done good and faithful servant."
Yep, I want to be a duck that flies.
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The Peter Principle : The Change

2005-06-12T22:45:00.000-05:00

Luke 22.31-34: At the last supper Jesus had a conversation with Peter in which he used the phrase "when you are converted." Peter thought that he was ready to walk with Jesus, even unto death. Yet, in a very short period of time, it was revealed to him, by the reaction of his own nature to adverse circumstances, that he could not even speak His name.
Here was a man who had walked, travelled, eaten---literally lived with Jesus. He had witnessed the multiple healings and numerous miracles performed by the Lord as well as sat at Jesus' feet to hear His wisdom and teachings. He had, with James and John, been an inner circle of men closest to Jesus. Peter was well aware that by Jesus' name he, himself, could preach the kingdom, heal the sick, and cast out devils. Simply casting out devils was not the prime desire of Jesus for Peter(Luke 10.17-20). After all this time together, Jesus says to Peter, "when you are converted." Jesus knew that Peter had a greater need---Peter must be converted! Peter had to be changed. Even after all those years, Peter still had need for change. Why?

Luke 22.54-62: Only after Peter has sinned and stands before the Lord eye to eye in his sin does he come face to face with himself and realize his own unworthy nature. He was exposed, naked before the Lord with nowhere to hide and nothing to do but admit the truth. The man was made honest by the truth. He was made sober by the exposure of his own shortcoming and the revelation of his own spiritual poverty. Probably for the first time in his life, he wept for his sins and from that point on he is converted. After all these years with Jesus, they finally see eye to eye because Peter has realized the truth. Up until this point, Peter, himself, has not fully understood---in his heart---what the Lord is all about, except that he did great things and was good to listen to--He was different. He knew that Jesus was someone special but he did not really understand.

The importance of Peter's conversion to us is that we are the same. We must look into the face of Jesus and admit our own spiritual poverty. God desires us to be honest. We must tell the truth concerning ourselves. We must be of a broken and contrite heart before God because of our need of Him (Psalm 34.18). This is our starting point. Many people cannot get to or past that real starting gate. They enter in but go no further. They have some truth, some understanding, some commitment but not commitment unto death on the cross. Many people are simply entertained and soulishly appeased by the 'modern day Gospel'. Maybe they love to hear the truth, the things about and to do with God, but are not in love with God. In recent years, it has been popular practice to pay homage to God, but not to give God a home. Multitudes have come on board the boat, but have not set sail into the deeper waters of God's fulness by the direction of the wind of the Spirit; but, instead, are yet anchored in the harbor of this present day carnally-comfortable world. It is contrary to the present day move of the Spirit to continue to wear a religious cloak, to be a spiritual fake or farce who endeavors in his own strength to present himself with an outer facade of false spiritual health and happiness. Paul exhorted Timothy regarding the importance of a pure heart and unfeigned faith (I Tim. 1.15). It is not enough to walk the walk and talk the talk just because that is what the letter of the law demands. We must not cover our real selves with garments of good conduct and a righteousness by the law. It is good that God has delivered us from the carnal to the spiritual. However, God does not desire for us to live in Him mechanically, but naturally---by His Spirit. God wants to deliver us from spirituality and into the Spirit. The Word of God has been errantly presented to imply that we must devote our energy to rid ourselves of unrighteousness and then we are acceptable to God. For so long we have endeavored to be good by overcoming the bad. But, good is not the absence of bad. Good is a real fruit. It stands by itself. You do not try to light a room by catching the darkness and throwing it out. The very presence of light dispels darkness (John 1.5). How then does this become fluent in our lives?

As with Peter, we must come face to face before God as we really are---to the point that it causes us to become honest and broken. We must be broken of our own will and our own righteousness. Jacob wrestled with God and would not let go. He came face to face with the Lord and was left broken. He was also left with a new name and identity (Genesis 32.24-30). "So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel"(Face of God) "for I have seen God face to face..."
Jacob was converted---changed. This brokeness (honesty and humility) will cause us to yield ourselves to the Lord as a sacrifice for service and fellowship. As we continually yield to the Lord, we cease from our own works, will, selfish ambition and desires, etc. This will produce a rest which will allow fruit to develop. This is a process. It is in effect a weaning process (Psalm 131.1-2). Thank you Lord for not snatching our spiritual rubber duckies from us all at once. But, God is saying in this hour to put up the old toys and wait on Him---He will give us something new. He is weaning us from our old way of life. He is destroying the walls and foundation of the things of this world, renewing and reprogramming our thinking and transforming our lives
to something that is better, more stable and sure---particularly, with regard to the move of the Spirit in this hour. It is necessary for us to transfer our lives from being based on the law of the spirit of death to the law of the Spirit of life. This life we live requires energy day to day. The law of sin and death (natural, carnal life) consumes that energy, but the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus refuels that energy---a hidden source of life in the Spirit accessed by the unveilling of our heart before God and then the renewing of our heart by God (Psalm 51.6-10). We must be still and allow God to operate (Psalm 46.10). We must be weaned of the old things that fill up our daily lives and cost us the fellowship of God. You cannot wake up one morning and expect this to happen. You can only be willing and yield and Jeremiah 29.13.

...All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes.-Job 14.14

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J o n a h at 9 0 %

2005-06-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

We live in a day and period of time when many people say they know the Lord and even give credit or gratitude to God for good things that happen in their lives. Athletes do it, movie and tv stars do it and even some politicians do it. But, how many really know His heart. Or better yet, how many really have given Him their full heart---100%.
What does it mean to be 100%? There is a vast difference between 90% and 100% in the realm of the spirit with God. Many devoted believers usually make it to 90% fairly quickly, easily and willingly (quickly and easily because of willingly). Yes, making it from 0 - 90% is probably easier than making it from 90 - 100%. It's that last 10% that seems to be the 'sticky point'. Holding a little back--for whatever reason, unknowingly or willingly, can have a tremendous effect on one's life. It can make a contrasting difference in the outcome, produce, value and harvest of one's years of life on earth. It is that last 10% that seems to be the hardest to accomplish---that 10% obstacle(s)...... that thing(s) that holds one back from being 'average good' to being 'Godly great'-as He desires. Richard Wurmbrand, the Romanian Jewish author (Tortured for Christ) who gave up atheism for Christianity in his youth and worked for years as a pastor in the secret underground church, posed this question : "Are you a good Christian or a great Christian?" Trick question? Not really, but one that should cause us to think and soul-search a little. One that you really can't win or answer satisfactorily unless you know yourself to be a great Christian which can only come by living 100% in and by the Spirit as Jesus did.
God desires 100% of a person. He will not overwhelm anyone and take it by force. He stands at the door and knocks. People need to realize that the reason God desires full control and influence in a person's life is for their own good and benefit. Ultimately, complete intimacy and closeness to God will only reap great reward for the individual and even those whom he is associated. It is God's desire to invest Himself, His divine nature, in His highest form of creation, us, so that we can have life and life more abundantly---but He will not force the issue. He must be invited and allowed.
Many people today believe that they are doing right in the eyes of God and their fellow man. Many believe they are doing good because of an absence of bad in their life. However, good is not the absence of bad. Drawing near to God is not accomplished solely by weeding out bad habits, influences and actions in your life. This is necessary, but there is more. Many Christians today believe they are doing their 'godly' service. They probably attend church, pay tithes, are raising their children morally, obey the laws of the land, practice responsible citizenship, even go the extra mile for a friend or neighbor and yes, even attempt to be a better person as their lives progress. All that is good. Most of them would probably consider themselves as doing the will of God in their life. Some have even come a long way and made great changes and progress. They are born again, baptized in the Holy Spirit, have overcome obstacles, and have even shown fruit. Most of these people would probably grade themself an 'A' for Christian living. However, beyond the initial call to new life, beyond the willing elimination of sinful (destructive/vain) practices, and beyond the comfort zone of 'clean living', there is a call to answer. It is the call of a Father's voice. It is the call to a higher ground and yet deeper relationship. It is the call of 100%. 100% into the presence of God. It is the call to learn the lesson of Jonah. Jonah at 90%.

Jonahs' name, to most people, probably carries somewhat of a negative connotation. Jonah is known for disobeying and running from God and ending up in the belly of a great big fish.
Jonah was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel. To paraphrase, Jonah was a minister to his people----Jonah was no novice! He knew God and the voice of God and feared God (see 1:9). God spoke to Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh, (the capital of Assyria) and preach to the city that their wickedness was well known and that He was not pleased. However, Jonah disobeyed and actually left by ship in the exact opposite direction. Now, we can conjecture as to why Jonah brazenly disobeyed God although it is not the point here. Most likely, Jonah hated the Ninevites as Assyria was regarded by Israel as a hostile nation and a threat due to their historical wickedness and brutality. Also, possibly, Jonah was afraid to go to such a wicked city fearing what may lay in store for him as a repercussion to his strong message. Also, possibly, Jonah simply decided, on his own, that it would be fruitless and do no good to speak to such an idolatrous people. Whatever the reason, the point is Jonah did disobey God even though he was 'hand-selected' for the job. Jonah was a man considered by God to be 'mature' enough for the job but yet, obviously, was one that didn't quite measure up to 100% expectations. Jonah was a good and respected man who failed at 90%---letting that one obstacle stop him. We know the rest of the story. Jonah was given another chance though he had to be convinced by almost certain death. Jonah went on to complete his mission-----he preached to Nineveh and a great conviction, repentance, salvation and change came to this city as a result.
We should take a lesson here. It seemingly takes 90% of most of our efforts, energy and lives to bring ourself to where we should be with God. However, let us not stop there and be satisfied. It is that last 10% that we attain that bears great fruit in the lives of others. Good people acknowledge and fear God and take care of themselves, great people know and love God and take care of others.

P u l l i n g W e e d s

2005-06-05T18:49:00.000-05:00

No, it couldn't be! My beautiful bermuda grass coming up in my hand with a nasty clump of weeds. I laid the sod myself last year. The nerve of those weeds to attack my beautiful (once beautiful), pristine sod. However, that's what weeds do----infiltrate, invade, and infest the good stuff.

Most of us have weeds though. I'm not talking about just in our grass---but in our lives. Weeds of the spirit, emotions, and mind do the same things as those nasty gaggles of unwanted
greenery in our grass. Especially in the setting of our inner man, their presence is magnified as they cramp, choke, and congest the work the Holy Spirit seeks to do within us. The Holy Spirit, who took the form of a dove at the baptism of Jesus, non-aggressive and un-invading, will only do as much in our lives as we allow.

Now, I'm not saying pulling weeds is an art form, but, there is a way to do it and not to do it. If I just reached down, grabbed, and pulled, I would always end up with as much grass as weed and a big, ugly, bare spot. When we pull weeds ourselves, we usually end up treating symptons and not getting to the root of a problem. However, if I went down to the base of the cluster and pulled by the roots, the whole thing would come up with less grass leaving a smaller, sometimes almost unnoticeable bare spot. This is how the Holy Spirit seeks to work within us. The Spirit doesn't move in and try to clear house all at one 'wholesale whack' leaving us spiritually rumpled, razed and routed. Many people have misinterpreted growth with the excisement of bad habits, thoughts, and feelings and, on their own, tried to 'deliver' themself from their problems. This is focusing on the wrong thing. Although, many of these same people are well-intentioned, this negative approach is actually a characteristic of 'anti-Christ' and 'other-than Christ' religions, cults, and religious legalism. When one allows the focus to be on growth by the Holy Spirit, the negative traits will have to go as the Spirit takes precedence. This is growth. This is progress. This is the work of the Holy Spirit----the best weed-killer in the business----killing weeds at the roots and not just treating symptoms. God wants to eliminate the weed by the root, getting rid of the entire problem and not hurting the integrity of the surrounding area.

Most of us know what some of our own weeds are, but it takes the illuminating eye of the Holy Spirit to expose the darker corners that we cannot so easily detect. I noticed, as I was pulling weeds out of my grass, that there were several kinds of weeds. One kind was not so easily spotted. It was a low-lying, low-growing weed with spreading tentacle-like arms reaching out in all directions never growing up but low and out making it hard to see at first. However, once exposed, it actually pulled out easily. Many people do not take on the problem of weeding their own yard ( heart). Many people let the weeds exist with the grass trying to just keep it all 'mowed' down where its not too evident. That, obviously, doesn't take care of the problem and, moreover, can cause slow growth, if any at all, and possibly stagnancy. Stagnancy inevitably leads to disappointment, discouragement, and apathy. To truly help God help you, you must be willing to expose the weed (bring it to God) and be willing and yielded. This may not (and probably won't) happen overnight. The key is to stay attentive and diligent and keep the water and light of God's word shed abroad in the area. I noticed, in one area of my yard, that the whole reason I had to sod to begin with was because much of the old grass had died out and left nothing but these huge, mostly dirt patches. This was due to the fact that they were in almost continuous shade not receiving ample light to grow full, healthy grass. After cutting down some unnecessary trees and pruning others, I now have green grass and a yard that isn't a choking dust bowl nuisance when I mow it. Light is important. The word of God is a light unto our feet and a lamp unto our path.

It always happens. You probably have one too. I'm talking about that neighbor that always knows a little more than you do. Just before I ordered the sod, I told a neighbor I was thinking about putting down bermuda. "Yeah", he said, "it looks nice but its just so susceptible to weeds in this area." Well, it pays to take good advice---but that's another topic--maybe the parable of the sower?

A c t s 1:8

2005-06-01T08:49:00.000-05:00

More than once, when speaking to groups, I have played a little game with the above referenced chapter and verse. The question (game) is simple---What is the most important word in Acts 1.8? Oddly enough, no one has got it right yet. Go ahead and read it. What do you think?

Before Jesus left the earth, he promised that he would not leave his disciples alone but would send help---a guide, a comforter, a teacher, and to endue them with power from on high. The promise of all this was encompassed and fulfilled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the power from on high, was sent after he left to empower them to be his witnesses and continue the work that he had started. That's why he said in John 14.12 that "he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do..." and why John wrote "as He is, so are we in this world" (I Jn. 4.17). Jesus would not have made the statement he did if he didn't expect something from us. He expects us to bear fruit and as he said in Acts 1.8, "you shall be my witnesses..."(getting warmer?).
But, guess what? Jesus never intended for us to put on an act---that is, to act like he was when he was here. You can't do it anyway!---not by yourself. But, many try. Trying to be holy is frustrating and ill-fated. Acting righteous does not score any points with God either. God tells us to "be holy as I am holy." He would never have told us that if He didn't make it possible. However, at present, the church at large (what Paul called the body of Christ) is full of actors. I am not belittling anyone. However well-intended people may be, Christianity as an act is a burden! The Holy Spirit came to help us be something that we weren't before and cannot be on our own. He doesn't indwell us to make us good actors. He empowers us from the inside out. Many people, Christian or not, live their life as a reaction. They live their lives as a rebound to whatever circumstances are presented them and by whatever the finite nature of their self-composition and limitations allows them to be. Reaction? Limitations? Sound familiar? We've got to start thinking differently!

Jesus always acted fresh---offensively---real---from the inside out. Let me illustrate. Paul said in Galatians 4.4 that "when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son...". Not 1000 or 100 years before or after but at the right time, when the earth was ripe for his birth and ministry. Now get this. Try and follow closely and get this picture. Six months before Jesus was born, John the Baptist was born. John the Baptist was a blood relative of Jesus (some say cousin) as their mothers (Elizabeth and Mary) were related. We know that John grew to become very aware of his calling---to proclaim or introduce the ministry of Jesus---the redeemer. I have got to believe that these two (Jesus and John) had to be close, not just because of their family ties but because of their spiritual bond (John, still in Elizabeth's womb, leaped for joy when Elizabeth heard Mary's voice for the first time after Mary was blessed by divine conception).....and because of the fact of their assimilation into a focused mission by the Holy Spirit to initiate the greatest generational period of time and ministry known to man. Only these two! Only these two understood fully what the other and each other was about, the gravity of assignment, and universal responsibility that had been laid at their charge.
In Matthew 14, we find John in prison by the hand of Herod. Herod foolishly promises the head of John to the daughter of Herodias (whom Herod had unlawful union with---openly contested by John) at his birthday party after she (the daughter) danced for them. Herod reluctantly keeps his promise and has John the Baptist beheaded and the head presented to Herodias' daughter.
John's disciples inform Jesus of his death. The death of the one man on the whole earth who understood him best, who understood what his mission was, who was wholly dedicated and immersed with the revelation of the Christ, Immanuel---God with us. John the Baptist, suddenly and brutally taken. First, what did Jesus not do? He didn't respond in anger and take his disciples to Herod's party house and do them in. He didn't retaliate by calling legions of angels to obliterate them from the face of the earth. He didn't groan and sulk over this 'unfortunate turn of events.' Jesus did, however, separate from everyone to a deserted place by himself. Do you think he was shaken? Do you think he was moved? Do you think he cried? I do. But the people found out where he was and followed him.
Even then, he didn't tell them to get lost, I'm busy, I need some time alone. No, Jesus acted fresh---out of compassion--- and began to heal the sick and after that worked the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes. Even in his time of sorrow, Jesus struck an offensive blow against the works of the enemy and, by not imploding, acted from the inside out. Jesus, by the Spirit, acted instinctively and positively, not out of a do-the -right-thing compulsion, but out of a Godly compassion (power).

Religious compulsion. Religious service. Unfortunately, that is the way a lot of people live. Many Christians expend much energy by trying to chase down and drive out the bad things while trying to 'grunt' out a few good things---two of which are going to church and paying tithes. Anybody can do that! However, God has not called us to live by performance or by the letter of the law. He does not require fevered service and 'labors' of piety pumped out like some automated machine. "It is here important to recognise that Scripture is fundamentally a guide to principle, and in that sense is also an infallible guide to practice; but it is not a list of precedents which are to be mechanically and slavishly followed."(The Torch of the Testimony).

Some years ago, I think it was around the time of the 'abscam' scandal in Washington, DC, some state politicians here in South Carolina were also caught in a sting. Of course, it was all over the news, especially with an election year coming up. I'll never forget driving down the road and seeing a sign for someone running for office. It said, "Vote For Me---I'll Be Good!" The thought immediately occurred to me, especially in light of the stings, accusations, convictions, and wrongdoings, that what he was really saying was that he would not be bad---as some of his predecessors had been. However, not being bad does not mean you are good. In other words, good is not the absence of bad! Good is something. It has its' own entity. It has its' own works and essence in and by itself, just as light is more than the absence of darkness ( although darkness is the absence of light). You must have an offense---a produce---fruit---to be good. What good is a football team if all they have is a good defense and no offense? They would never score. If they never scored, they would never win. Right?(ok, ok, just for some of you football purists--I know the defense could score--but, you know what I mean). Jesus was never on the defensive. He was always on the offensive. He was always producing, never defending, never caught off guard. Jesus never tried to be, he was!--just as the God of the Old Testament said I AM THAT I AM. Jesus didn't try to be Jesus no more than a tree tries to be a tree, or the sky tries to be blue, or water tries to be wet. Jesus could be successful because he lived by the Spirit within---and so can you "if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you"(Romans 8.11). So, how do you let the Spirit empower you? A good start is to be yourself and be honest.

Well, did you guess the right word? You should have. I only used it 20 times since I first asked the question.

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net

Modern Diet

2005-05-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

There is a saying---"you are what you eat." Most of us probably don't want to hear that. There is another saying that goes something like---"trash in, trash out"---like the computer.

In modern day America, much attention and interest is paid to the daily diet. Millions of Americans, each year, spend millions more (probably billions) on diet books, diet plans, diet videos, and dieticians to find that special key to healthy living. It is part and parcel of the modern American sub-culture established so to change one's image. However, there is another type of diet of which to be concerned. One that doesn't garner quite the same attention timewise or dollarwise.

Last weekend, Star Wars:Episode III, is reported to have broken the all time box office record for opening day attendance.(By the way, the movie is fiction). It was also reported, just last week, on a leading morning news show that the 'celeb weekly' magazine is this nation's fastest growing type of publication. I think we all know that there are those that can make literally millions of dollars a year for throwing a ball, tossing one through a hoop or knocking one in a hole. Let's not forget that the popular music industry has become one of the biggest purveyors of bad diet in our history and is a billion dollar industry while doing it. It is amazing to me just how many movies incorporate murder as their plot or subplot--I'm talking about human bloodshed--not to mention the violence and graphic sexuality. It is amazing to me how captivated people can become with the lives of the 'stars' and discuss the so-called reported facts about them like they're talking about their next door neighbor (don't tell me inquiring minds want to know). It is amazing to me how easily acceptable it is to many to think that a man is qualified to run for public office just because he made a name for himself by his ball handling one way or the other.
Now, please don't misinterpret me. I like a good movie--at the cinema or at home. I like a good ballgame at the stadium, on the course, or at home. I actually believe a couple of former players graduated from their 'sporting' days to become reputable statesmen. And yes, I am curious (to some degree anyway) as to how the Michael Jackson trial will turn out. However, I do believe there is a healthy balance to be maintained. Somewhere, in all this, you can easily cross the line to an unhealthy, unbalanced diet if you're not careful. As with all diets, the bad stuff is so easily attained and in such abundance---just like fast food on every corner.

You may or may not have noticed I didn't mention television---tv..........yet. Well, let me mention it then. The University of Michigan Health Systems reports the following:

* In a typical American home, the tv set is on for over 7 hours a day.

*The average child spends more time watching tv than in school.

*On average, kids spend about 20 or more hours each week watching tv, which
is more time than is spent in any other activity besides sleeping.

*An average person will have watched 7 -10 years of tv by age 70.

*People (including children) see 1000-2000 tv ads for alcohol each year.

*The average person (including children) will see about 10,000 rapes, assaults and
murders in one year on television.

*Fears caused by tv can cause sleep problems

Let's face it, prime time tv is rife with much subject matter that vaunts itself against the knowledge, order and authority of God---and a balanced diet.

In 1958, a young minister from the hill country of Pennsylvania who used to watch the late movie every night made the decision to sell his tv. The time he once spent watching the late show was now used in prayer and meditation with the Lord in his study. To make a long story short, one night he spots a Life magazine in his office and his attention is drawn to several young gangmembers on trial for a brutal murder. The Spirit of the Lord led him to New York City where these boys lived and exposed this young minister to the empty, violent, futile, drug-infested street life of many such young boys and girls. Out of his visits to this city and by specific direction of the Holy Spirit was birthed a new ministry to these street people---the helpless drug-addict. This ministry was named Teen Challenge and the young minister was David Wilkerson, now in his 70s and director of World Challenge. Teen Challenge went on to become the most successful drug rehabilitation program in our nation and is now worldwide.

Now, I am not suggesting selling your television(s). Why, that would be radical! However, if there are those out there that hear a different voice or feel a special wind blowing, try starting a new diet by turning your radio and tv off---but keep watching and listening. Somebody has something to say. Here's to your health.

Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared.--Proverbs 6.27-28

For more research reading on modern television, go to www.tvturnoff.org
Also, please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net

The Rain Lamp

2005-05-26T18:34:00.000-05:00

One morning I was half awake and half asleep when I saw an image of a rain lamp. (I have since then found out that is what this type of lamp is called). This type of lamp (usually hanging) has strings from top to bottom around its complete circumference. These strings look like thin strands of angel hair spaghetti. Each string has beads of oil silently coursing its way down its length while the lamp is lighted at the top and bottom giving the impression of a silent rainfall.
This lamp is like a fire----you know how you can sit and watch a fire in a fireplace and get lost in thought while losing all sense of time and cares. The vision of this rain lamp was so peaceful to watch--it seemed like the oil flowed down the lighted stringed paths without effort or strain----so fluid, so soft, so quiet and yet so in unison and accord because of the multitude of oil beads gently cascading down their multi-string-guided paths.
It wasn't so much the fact of the light, or the oil, or the strings that impressed me so much individually, or even collectively, in its artistic and aesthetic appeal---though they were on all accounts---but it was its overall affect of serenity, of peace, of movement without struggle or discord. It was restful to watch. It was like watching rest in motion and at the same time it was so simple in its presentation---just beads of oil falling down strings in a light fixture.

I beleive God wants that kind of peace and rest in all of our lives. I believe God wants the oil of the Holy Spirit to flow simply, freely, and unrestricted in our lives without discord, confusion, or disillusionent. 'There remains therefore a rest for the people of God."(Hebrews 4.9)
Finally, it should be noted that the oil in this particular type of lamp, the rain lamp, does not flow until the light is turned on. And why should it? You couldn't see the flow of oil anyway without the light and, after all, isn't that what a lamp is for---to give light?

The Way Things Work Best

2005-05-19T20:50:00.000-05:00

All God is trying to do is get a message across.......as well as make a connection.......with us!

I have noticed in my experiences that a sure way to turn some people off during a conversation is to mention certain buzzwords. Words like God, Jesus, Bible, Christian, and , sometimes, even church. There certainly are misconceptions regarding God in this day and age. The misconceptions seem to be largely concerning His nature and His manner in dealing with and intent towards mankind---us---His creation.
I have seen it written in construction contracts that the contractor would be granted more time to complete his work if he was delayed by windstorms, hailstorms, flooding, earthquake, lightning strikes and other acts of God! That's not all He gets the blame for either. Haven't you ever heard, after someone prematurely dies in a car accident, train wreck, airplane crash, or drowning, someone say, "Well, it must have been his time to go and God took him".......or, how about this---Four kids die in a house fire and someone says, "Well, God loved them so much, He wanted them up there with Him."? Please!! I could go on, but, you know what I mean. I think God has gotten a bad rap!......and I think I know where a lot of that started.

I believe a lot of the negative stigma stems from a man who came down a mountain about 3000 years with 10 'Thou Shalt Nots'. (Moses only carried the 10 commandments like he was told- the second time). The Ten Commandments, generally, take on a connotation of strict rules and regulations that are to be rigidly adhered to and if transgressed will only result in the certain disfavor of God. Rules and regulations? In the same stream of thought or misunderstanding, God is considered to be an authoritative, impersonal, unapproachable 'Oz-like' figure seeking to impose His will on a lower order of life. (This view will not take you to the head of the class). Let's rethink this.

I have said for years that the 10 commandments are not strict rules and regulations enforced by some iron-fisted, legalistic taskmaster with severe penalties for lawbreakers. The commandments are, in fact, a letter from a compassionate Father to those He loves simply stating the way things work best. What things? Your life....my life....= our world. As expressed in The Maker's Diet, the commandments are "moral guidelines" that preserve "spiritual purity, social order, family stability, and community prosperity." Each commandment exhorts a principle revealed by God on 'how to get along' in this life and each commandment is actually bigger and deeper than it's face value. For example, "Honor thy Father and Mother" not only serves to establish family stability but teaches respect for authority--a community essential for success. Another example, "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" teaches us that rest from our labor is essential to spiritual, mental and physical health and to dedicate a time for being with God and pursuing Him----it's not just saying to go to church on Sunday. One more example, "You shall have no other Gods before Me" is not just referring to Buddha, Confucious, or Mohammed. Other gods in our lives can easily be wealth and material possessions, reputation, careers, entertainment,etc.,etc. Each commandment is a precept in itself that along with the others, if adopted and followed, will make our world the place it was created to be. Each commandment is like a gear that, when working with all the other gears (commandments), will engage each other to drive or put in motion the wheels that will carry one through life with purpose and reward .

Now, I am not proposing as some, that the commandments are mere suggestions either. They do have negative consequences if ignored and dishonored. Most people know that these same commandments are under attack in our very own country----our very own backyard so to speak. Even though our nation's capital city is full of engravings in wood, etchings in stone and graphic references to scriptures and the commandments, the ACLU still wages a hostile assault by eliciting "their supporters to hunt down every display of the Ten Commandments for the purpose of eradicating them by judicial action"(The Ten Offenses-Pat Robertson). (If the ACLU attacks it, you know they gotta be good!). Can you believe there are those that are attempting to destroy the very foundation on which and for which this country was founded? I am reminded of Proverbs 22.28 which says, "Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set". And not just our country. These same commandments have trans-religious influence and fundamental signficance among three of the largest and most notable church organizations in the world----the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish faiths.

It is God that started this whole thing of life and creation. He ought to know what is good for it and how things work best. It only seems right to play by His rules-----oops, did I say rules?!

seeing eyeS, hearing earS

2005-05-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

It's not backwards. I meant to do that. I meant to capitalize the Ss in the title. I know, usually, initial letters are capitalized. Not in this 'case'. The final letter in the two words are capitalized to emphasize and draw attention to their plurality---more than one!

God gave us two eyes and two ears. We seem to work better that way. We seem to have better visual acuity, peripheral range, depth perception, auditory definition and acoustical acumen with the concerted use of a pair.......one eye working with the other and one ear working with its mate. Each member of a pair complements or better completes the function and service of the other (after all, God even made a pair of human beings in this manner). We are replete in our physical makeup in this fashion---i.e., arms, legs, lungs, etc. To put it in a nutshell, in this way, we have a better sense of balance. Of course, this speaks of the laws of physics and the natural man, but, how about our spiritual eyes and ears?

Many years ago, I was sitting at home on a Saturday afternoon eating a hamburger when I was impressed to take a drive downtown. I don't think I even finished my burger. I went downtown and came across a man preaching on the corner. I befriended this street preacher (I called him Z---short for Zowaskie) and ended up attending several Bible studies at his home. Z had a term for not giving God your full attention or for not completely committing your spiritual life to God. He called it "half-steppin".

Many people today want to know God and to have a blessed life (there is such a thing). Many people today want to have a purpose-driven life and be able to expect God's guidance. However, many of these same people are only using one spiritual eye and one spiritual ear (if any at all)---'half-steppin'. This usually ends up as paying impersonal homage to God or scratching a religious itch (conviction) or trying a spiritual formula---which usually ends up formalized and ritualistic. Moreover, they end up with a lack of Godly vision and direction. Let's face it, you can't know God just by reading a book, going to church or saying a prayer once in awhile ...or even as a programmed agenda.

One of my favorite quotes came from a minister I've known for years and respect a lot. I remember him saying, "God does not reveal himself to the casual inquirer"! Conversely, if two people ate lunch together everyday, they would, without fail, get to know each other better---and better and better. So it is in the spiritual realm. Our full set of eyes and ears must be attuned, daily, to God to know Him better and what His will and ways are. This is why, in Isaiah 30.21, the prophet wrote "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." A key to good hearing and seeing, however, is revealed in a previous verse in that same chapter. Verse 15 says, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Elijah did not hear the Lord in the strong wind, or the quaking earth, or the blazing fire. He did hear Him as a still small voice (I Kings 19.11-12). Anyone can hear a strong wind, anyone can see an earthquake, and anyone can hear and see fire. But, you must get quiet to hear the still small voice.

A rabbit is generally regarded as a victim of prey. He is , however, equipped with large eyes set laterally on his head. This gives the rabbit excellent peripheral vision for detecting and evading predators before it is too late. We, too, must have good peripheral vision as our enemy walks about as a roaring lion seeking those whom he may devour---those not paying attention and using their spiritual vision. Proverbs says that where there is no vision, the people perish.
This means that without spiritual guidance and insight, people are without direction and focus and will ultimately wander without purpose, naked to the influences of the world and wiles of the enemy, vulnerable to be blown about by every wind. Spiritual perception is important in this hour as depth perception is important to our natural vision. Depth perception or three dimensional sight is when each eye sends its own view to our brain. The two views are sent simultaneously and are combined to produce one image or one big picture. This three dimensional visual ability is called stereoscopic vision. The word stereoscopic comes from the Greek word stereos (from which we also get the word stereophonic). The word stereos means firm or solid. With stereoscopic vision, depth perception, we have a much better view of the world around us and can maneuver through life with greater ease and confidence (try threading a needle or pouring a glass of water with one eye closed). So it is in the spiritual realm. Spiritual perception allows us to discern the times we live in (see the big picture) as well as live a firm, solid, healthy, focused life. You can't do that on your own. But, with both spiritual eyes open and both spiritual ears listening (in stereo) in the right direction you can. Half-steppin will not do it, but, by reason of use our senses are exercised and developed for clear discernment (Hebrews 5.14) and good balance.
It is by reason of use that a musician has trained his ear to discern what is harmonic balance--or more commonly stated, that which is in tune--being neither sharp or flat.
The other night driving down the road, I decided to play a cd. Now, I don't have a built-in cd player in my car so I use a portable one played through the tape cassette via a power cord from the power outlet. Well, I turned it on and something just didn't sound right. It didn't sound full and balanced---harmonic. Something was missing. I discovered that the cord from the cd player to the tape cassette was only half in and , therefore, coming through only one speaker. After plugging it in completely, the sound was....of course....twice as good....full and resonant. (That's how I got the idea for this writing). This is how we must be in our spiritual lives----totally plugged in for the life described in Ephesians 3.16-20 to hear and see totally and receive fully from God.

Flat Stick

2005-05-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

I watched, again, the old movie, The Grapes of Wrath, the other day. You never know what will stick with you or come back to memory....and it's funny how you can see something several times and seemingly see something you never saw before for the first time.
Well, as some of you may or may not know, this movie is set in the days of the great depression of the 1930s. I wasn't there but I've heard and read how bad it was as many people and businesses went bust and broke. Even whole families. The movie (based on John Steinbecks' book of the same name) depicts the life of the Joad family during this period of struggle and uncertainty. This family had to leave their home and land of many years and go west to California where they had heard of a chance at a new and better life picking fruit. So, they(about 10-12 in all covering three generations with one on the way) loaded up an old half-broken down truck with their meager essential belongings and each other and headed out of the dust-laden flats of Oklahoma. They were poor. Nothing but the clothes on their back and what was on the truck with an unknown road ahead and nothing behind. On the way they lost one generation-Grandpa and Grandma died. With little money in their pockets they continued west. At one point, trying to stretch their dollars and cents, they try to buy a piece of a loaf of bread for 10 cents but were sold the whole loaf for 10 cents (and then were sold two nickel-a-piece candies at two-for-a-penny --for the kids). They took a bath out in the open in the river. They bought gas, but didn't fill up, but put a whopping one gallon in the tank.
Well, as the story goes , they stopped over at a transient camp which was about as far opposite from prosperity and hope on the scale as you could get----full of people who wore simple clothes, lived in ragged tents and piecework lean-tos, and looked like they had a death sentence hanging over their heads. They must not have gotten their three square meals a day either because as Ma Joad was cooking stew over a fire in the kettle, about a dozen barefaced kids semi-circled her and watched longingly as she cooked. Well, Ma had as big a heart as she was round. After she doled out meager portions to her family she told those hungry little fellers to go and get a flat stick and they could have what was left. Well, the excited kids scattered and came back---because they were hungry. When I heard that the other day, I was quizzical. A flat stick? I mean, really, how much can you put on a flat stick?

A couple of days later, this scene came back to mind as I was driving down the road. No, you can't put much on a flat stick....but it is something....and something is better than nothing and it is a start. In this hour, for whatever reason, there are many people who have not nor do they think that they can get anything from God on their own. Now, I'm not talking about the getting of material things necessarily. I'm talking about a full, rich, vibrant relationship with God that leads to an abundant life---an effective, soul-satisfying relationship that matters today and everyday. There are many people today with differing misconceptions. Many think that they are not right with God or cannot get the blessings of God in their life because of past deeds and present imperfections in their life....or because they don't attend church enough or give enough money....or they think that they have to go through a priest or a pastor or some religious sanctification. Let's face it, many people just don't think they're good enough for God to listen to them! In fact, the opposite is true. The person who recognizes a need or lack or hunger in their life and is honest enough to admit it is in prime position for knowing God. All they have to do is be willing and to come. All you have to do is to come to God with what you have--even if it is only a flat stick!
The Spirit speaks expressly in this hour saying, "Ho!"(that means Yo, stop, listen). "Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT PRICE."(see Isaiah 55.1-2). Don't settle for a 10 cent piece of loaf relationship. God is willing to give the whole loaf of bread and then some. God is willing to 'sell' nickel candies two for a penny to those who are willing and will come. Every house or building must have a site or foundation before it can even be built. But, you must first go to the site and break ground. Hebrews 11.6 (one of my favorites) says "....he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." So, you must start.......and be diligent---that means consistent. And....you have to want it.......it.......it what?.......life.......meaningful, purposeful life......abundant life.....the life of God.....eternal life. Eternal life, believe it or not, begins on this earth---now.
God rewards those that consistently come to Him. Before you know it, your flat stick will be a ladle, and then a bowl, and then a pool, and then a river of life.
Come to God as you are---even if all you have is a flat stick!

WatchLine ?

2005-05-03T21:09:00.000-05:00

I'm sure some are wondering why the name WatchLine. Well, this homemade compound word is not found in the the dictionary. And so, I guess it is only appropriate to continue this 'net corner' introduction with a brief explanation and then we'll be on with it.

It's fitting enough that my initials, WCH, are in the word WatCH. My son and I would sometimes play a game and make words out of the 3 letters we'd see on car license plates here in Charleston, South Carolina.(I know, we all have slow days). Obviously, the word watch can be derived thence from my initials. More on that word later.

The word 'line' has several meanings. A straight line can be the shortest distance between two points. Or, it can mean a border, perimeter or boundary. Another definition is a course of action or direction of something in motion. One dictionary defines it as a "persuasive way of talking"...I would say an influential manner of speech or 'line' of thought. A reporter or writer is known to 'lay down some lines'. I like it better and more relevant here as "a source of information" and "insight".

The word 'watch' also has several meanings. And exceptionally important is its' Biblical use. Your local dictionary defines watch as "to be attentive or vigilant" and "to keep guard, wait and be expectant". A better way of saying it may be "the act of keeping awake to guard, protect, or attend". Peter (the apostle) must have read his Webster because he certainly used this context more than once (see I Peter 4.7 and 5.8), as did Paul (Ephesians 6.18 and I Timothy 4.5), as did John (Revelation 3.2-3 and 16.15)--to name a few. Another relevant description for watch here is "a notice or bulletin that alerts those listening to the possibility of severe conditions occurring in the near future." (I got that one from the wordsmith duo of Merriam and Webster). The prophetic duo of Isaiah and Ezekiel (though not concurrently) used this context (see Isaiah 21.5-6, 11-12 and Ezekiel 3.17).

I actually thought of the word watch first partly because of my initials....but, of course, the meaning of the word----with its' timely pertinence. But watch by itself just didn't seem right. It had a lack of completion and singularity. Well, hmmm, what else.....there's watchman (no, too subjective).....watchsign (no, too apocalyptic)......watch___?.....watch___?.....WatchLine! It actually came quicker than it took me to write it just now or you to read it. So, why WatchLine? Well, put two and two together---or one and one. Watch + Line. It is merely a means of expressing that which is seen and is worthy of note for 'food for thought' but hopefully, more importantly, as Paul said, for edification and exhortation and comfort.

I like the background for this site too. It may be a lighthouse but it reminds me of a lookout post or watchtower.

APRIL 28

2005-04-28T18:03:00.000-05:00

Today is April the 28th. It is my grandmothers' birthday. Grandma is 93 today. She told me not too long ago to write a little everyday. So, I have chosen her birthday to log the first entry to this site (or should I say blogspot?). Now, I don't know about everyday, Grandma--not right off the bat anyway, but maybe every other day or a near-daily average--we'll see. I look at this as a prelude or precursor to the website I have been threatening to launch for some time. Thankfully, writing is a good avenue of expression and communication--especially for those who might not be the best conversationalists or speakers around. Let's face it, sometimes you can just 'voice' in writing those things that can't easily be expressed and impressed face to face.
A 'net corner' like this will be a good sounding board. (It will be discipline enough for me to keep it short and sweet). However, fair warning, enter at your own risk...the subject matter may at times be somewhat challenging, straightforward, exploratory, personal, hopefully enlightening and edifying, and even may follow you to bed at night (when you are most on your own). Of course, on the 'net', you can always escape the kitchen if it gets too hot with the click of a button (or reply with a comment). And with regard to subject matter, feel free to submit candidate topics of interest for discussion and research ( you know, sort of like Limbaughs' 'open line Friday').
Well, I will endeavor to write as intimately as to one with the hope that it will be read generally by millions.
Oh yeah, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA !....Thanks for all 93 years and an invaluable spiritual heritage.