Living in the Age of the Mystery

                                                                                                             

Aloha Dearest Family,

                 Most Christians understand and acknowledge that Jesus Christ died, was resurrected and ascended to God’s right hand more than 2,000 years ago. And most also know that sometime in the future, there will be a final judgement for all men and women. The righteous will live in paradise forever and the ungodly will be destroyed.

                 But what about the gap between these two monumental events? What does the Bible say about THIS time period that you and I are now living? The answer is wrapped up in a Mystery.

 What Mystery?

                In the Bible, God mentions a mystery, a sacred secret, that NO ONE knew but God alone. The Old Testament does not mention it and the prophets of old never wrote about it. This is because it was a secret that was “hid in God” from before the world began.

                 “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,” (Romans 16;25)

                  “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” (Ephesians 3:9)

                “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations…” (Colossians 1:26a)

 This mystery God kept to Himself. A secret so precious that, had the devil know about it, he never would have crucified Jesus Christ.

                 “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the rulers of this age knew (the devil spirt realm); for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (I Corinthians 2;7 and 8) (WOW!)

 This mystery that was hidden by God since before the world began, was finally revealed to the Apostle Paul.

                “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (here it is) That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” (Ephesians 3:4-6)

  This is the mystery that had been hidden in God alone for eons of time. This may not seem like a big deal to us today, but to the first century church, it was earth shattering. We must remember that Israel had been God’s chosen people for thousands of years. Gentiles (anyone who was not of the house of Israel) were excluded from the promises of God. Gentiles were considered by Israel as filthy dogs. They were common and uncircumcised, the scum of the earth. This is how Judeans viewed anyone not of the seed of Abraham – unclean dogs. But now, because of the work of Jesus Christ, anyone that confesses Jesus as their Lord, is now a fellow-heir and in the same body (the body of Christ) and partakers of God’s promises. The new birth changed everything. Salvation was now open to EVERYONE. Now whether you were a Jew or a Gentile, you could now have “Christ within”.

                 This is why, if the devil would have known this secret, he never would have crucified Jesus Christ. Jesus could only be in one place, at one time. But now everyone who is born again has CHRIST IN YOU. (Colossians 1:27) So whenever a believer walks in, Christ walks in. Satan would rather have had Jesus himself to deal with than to have tens of thousands with the spirit of Christ within.

                 The NEW BIRTH was the mystery that God had kept hidden for so long.

 Living in the Age of the Mystery.

                The new birth was the secret of all secrets and it has been available since the Day of Pentecost, over two thousand years ago. Remember that this period in time that you and I are living was known to God alone, therefore He did not have it recorded in any of the ancient scriptures. However, many Old Testament prophets did try to find out about this time period but could not find it. By studying the scriptures, they knew there a time gap between Christ’s suffering and Christ’s glory. But all they knew was that there would be a period of grace when the spirit would be within people; but they knew nothing about it or how long it would last.

                 “Concerning this salvation (the Mystery of the New Birth), the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow…. even angels long to look into these things.” (I Peter 1:10, 11 and 12b)

 Even the angels of God longed to look into and discover what the mystery of this period of time was but even they could not find it out – because only God knew it.

                It wasn’t until after the day of Pentecost that God could reveal His most closely guarded secret to the Apostle Paul. The greatness and magnitude of this mystery is written about in Paul’s seven church epistles -  Romans through Thessalonians.

 WE are living in this time period that was kept hidden since before the world began. We are living in the Age of Grace where salvation is open to all, where forgiveness is available to everyone and eternal life is given to all who have confessed Jesus as their Lord. This is the time where the spirit has been poured out freely to all of God’s children, guaranteeing their future in paradise to come.

                                     Love Always Ray      

The Artist

                                                                                                             

Aloha Dearest Family,

              I’ve always loved museums. I could spend many hours looking at all the exhibits on display and admiring the artist’s work. Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. The property that is now the Lightner Museum was at one time a very popular hotel called the Hotel Alcazar built by railroad magnate Henry Flaglar. This hotel was built in 1887 and was very popular during the American Guilded Age for guests traveling to Florida by railway. Now the hotel is a museum and home to many, many incredible collections from the 1870s-1920s.

                During my visit I was amazed at the intricate works in bronze, ceramic, stone, ivory, crystal and glass (just to name a few) and pieces collected from just about every country in the world. I gazed in wonder at the most astounding pieces I have ever seen. I even remember asking myself, “How does someone even begin to design this piece, let alone make it?” I came to the conclusion that there have always been artists in every time period, working in every genre of art. As I admired these wonderful pieces, I also recognized that this was man’s best effort. This started me thinking about the greatest designer and craftsman of all time – God Almighty.

        Because God wanted a family, He created man to enjoy continual fellowship with him. But first He had to create the perfect habitation for man to live.              

                 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. “ (Genesis 1:1)

 The first thing we learn is that GOD created the heaven and the earth. HE is the designer, planner and architect. He created a place that would have to sustain man for eons of time. This first creation would have to last forever and would never die out.

                 “He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.” (Psalm 104:5)

                 “And He built His sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which He has established forever.” (Psalm 78:69)

 In God’s wisdom, He created the earth and placed it in the perfect place in the universe. If you look at a diagram of our solar system, you might think that the placement of the earth is random and that the earth looks like an insignificant tiny blue speck in the vast array of other stars and planets. Nothing could be further from the truth. As we will see in this study, God chose the perfect place for us to live and enjoy.     

        “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;” (Proverbs 3:19)

 By His wisdom, God created a world that would be self-perpetuating. Meaning once He set the earth’s systems in order, these systems would keep the earth continually running, without any further alteration. Remember that God is perfect and so His designs and the functions within the designs will be perfect and unstoppable. Through His wisdom in setting the earth in order, we will see God as the master-craftsman of the earth. Here are just a few examples of why the earth is such a precious place.

  -The presence and abundance of liquid water supports all carbon-based life forms on earth. The earth is abundant in the one thing that living things need most-water.

 -The earth is kept warm by an insulating atmosphere.

 -The earth is the perfect distance from the sun. Just a few degrees closer or further from the sun, and all life on earth could not be sustained.

 -The earth has the right chemical ingredients for life. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are abundant on the earth.

 -The rotation of the earth and moon maintains our seasons. The moon ensures that the earth stays on its axis and maintains its gravity.

  -The earth is protected from harmful radiation from the sun by an electro-magnetic field. The ozone layer in our stratosphere absorbs from 97-99 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet light which would damage life on earth. The reporting that there is a “hole in the ozone layer” is strictly man’s perception, not God’s.

 These systems, just to name a few, interact with each other in order for men, plants and animals to survive. With these systems in place, the earth can be self-generating forever.

         The most astonishing aspect of God’s earth is that He created it so that we could OBSERVE our universe. Our atmosphere is transparent so as to allow us to see God’s handiwork from the earth into the heavens. If the earth was placed in any other place in our solar system, this would not be possible. We can gaze up at other stars and planets and stand in awe of what God has created for us. For the stars themselves tell of God’s glory and unfathomable wisdom.

                 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1 and 2)

                                              Love Always, Ray

                 The ancient astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (the first scientist to postulate that the earth and planets revolved around the sun) once observed:

               “The mechanism of the universe wrought for us by a supremely good and orderly Creator…the system the best and most orderly artist of all, framed for our benefit.”

Simeon

                                                                                                                  

Aloha Dearest Family,

                In the Gospel of Luke, chapter two, God tells us about a wonderful man that will be the focus of today’s sharing. His name was Simeon.

    As the chapter begins, we learn that 8 days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary went to the temple in Jerusalem to name and circumcise the child in keeping with the Law of Moses.

                “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Luke 2:21)

      While they were there, a man named Simeon comes in to view the child. We don’t know much about him, but what God tells us is wondrous.

                “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the holy spirit was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law.” (Verses 25-27)

God had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. We don’t know how old Simeon was or how long ago God had given him this promise, but by reading the record, we get the idea that Simeon had been waiting a long time.

                “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now let thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Verses 28-32)

                Simeon had finally seen the savior of the world that would not only be the glory of Israel but would also be a light to the other nations as well. Joseph and Mary were amazed at the words Simeon spoke to them.

                “And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.”

Then Simon turns and speaks to Mary in particular.

               

                “And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (v 34)

He tells Mary the future of this child and that because of him, many in Israel would rise or fall. What Simeon says next perplexed me for a long time.

   (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” ( v 35)

    

Why would a sword piercing Mary’s soul be the revealing of many hearts? I had not read anything regarding this in other scriptures. I didn’t understand what this meant. It wasn’t until I looked at other translations that I discovered something.  In several translations, the two phrases in verse 35 are reversed. Therefore verses 34 and 35 should read:

               

“…This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed…”

God revealed to Simeon, who told Mary, the effect this child would have on Israel. Now you would think that Jesus' birth would bring freedom and peace to people. But Jesus himself said:

“

Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” (Matthew 10: 34-36)

Jesus Christ, God's own son, the savior of the world, bringing a sword that would divide families? How would he do this?

It must be understood that it wasn’t the work that he accomplished for the Father in dying on the cross that would cause division. It would be the response to Christ that would bring a sword to divide. Jesus Christ is the fulcrum that all humanity is balanced upon. Eternal salvation itself hinges on the belief or unbelief as Jesus being the savior. He is the ONLY WAY to God. The belief in this one concept, would divide families like a sword. Believing in Jesus as the son of God reveals the heart- whether it is to be saved or is destined for judgement. And it is still the same today.

                The Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders of Israel, rejected their own Messiah. To them, Jesus was an irritation and a threat to their power structure among the people. He must not be allowed to live. Their heart was revealed by their own actions.

                The sign that would be spoken against, is referring to the his resurrection. After hearing the report of what the Roman guards saw at the tomb, the religious leaders bribed them saying that his disciples had stolen the body of Jesus as the guards slept. This report was still going around when the gospels were being written.

               

                  “So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.” (Matthew 28:15)

 

The last part of Simeon’s prophecy must have troubled Mary.

                "'… a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also”

Anyone that has a child wants that child to grow up happy, healthy and prosperous in all that they do. The parents look forward to seeing them succeed in life and raise a family of their own. But Mary would not have this privilege with her first-born son. Even though in his life, Jesus would change the lives of many, he would also be hated and spoken against. On many occasions the people would try to stone him. His words would cut the hearts of many who would betray him, beat him and put him to death as a common criminal. Think of the pain this must have caused Mary. Remember that she was AT THE CROSS. You can see Simeon’s prophecy come true in Mary’s life.

                God’s man Simeon would reveal to Jesus’ parents what their son’s life would mean to the world as well as the tumult that his life would bring. But he also blessed them both and encouraged them.

                After this day, Simeon could die in peace, knowing that God had fulfilled His promise to him. For he had seen with his eyes the Lord’s Christ - the savior of the world.

 

                                Love Always, Ray

Gems

                                                                                                               

Aloha Dearest Family,

                 In 1848 gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in Colona, California. In the next 7 years more than 300,000 people would flood into California for the chance to prospect for gold and strike it rich. Most did not.

                 48 years later, in 1896, gold was again discovered in the Klondike in North Western Canada. Over 100,000 people sold all they to make the arduous journey to the Canadian gold fields. The trip to the Klondike proved too much for many and they gave up but it didn’t deter the majority for the chance to find gold.

                 Mining for gold and other precious gems is nothing new. In fact, the book of Job speaks about it in the 28th chapter.

                 “There is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. Mortals put an end to the darkness; they search out the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness. Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft, in places untouched by human feet; far from other people they dangle and sway…lapis lazuli (sapphires) comes from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold…People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains. They tunnel through the rock; their eyes see all its treasures. They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light.” (Job 28:11)

 These verses describe well what men do to uncovered precious gems and find riches. And they are still at it today. (It is astounding how much Job knew about mining, even in his day).

  But there is another gem that men cannot find, and most are not looking for it.

                 Job asks, “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knows not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.” ( Verses 12 and 13)

 Job recognizes that wisdom, what people need the most, cannot be found in the earth. He also knew that true wisdom was worth more than all the treasures on earth. 

                 “The depth says, it (wisdom) is not in me: and the sea says, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.” (verses 14-19)

 The most precious of all gems, wisdom, cannot be found among men. People today have many ideas, theories and philosophies about life and living and have written countless books detailing “their own opinions.” What are these all worth? If God is not included in their theories and conclusions, they are worth NOTHING. Man himself cannot and will not find “wisdom” because wisdom is hidden, not in the earth, but in God alone. Job goes on to tell us where wisdom is found.

                 “God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. (verse 23) Only God knows of wisdom and understanding.

 Job then concludes the chapter with what God says. “And unto man he (God) said, Behold, the fear (reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (verse 28)

    This chapter from Job sounds a lot like the book of Proverbs.

                 “The fear (reverence or awe) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me (wisdom) thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.“  (Proverbs 9:10 and 11)

 The reverence of God is the “beginning” of wisdom. This is very first precept one should learn. All wisdom is based upon this simple principle. This is why all the people who we look to as intelligent or wise, unless they have learned this first lesson, they have already proven to be lacking.

                 It is interesting to note that in the ancient East, the book of Proverbs was taught to all young men so that they would be able to live life pleasing to God and man. And as they grew, they never forgot these basic principles of wisdom. All young people today (and older people as well) should study the book of Proverbs as their elementary education for the practical keys to live by. Proverbs also have some familiar scriptures that we saw in Job.

                 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18)

                  All of the gold and silver that you could possess cannot compare to the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. God said so. And He is the designer of life.

                                                 Love Always, Ray

 

 

Elisha and the Syrian Soldiers

                                                                                                                 

Aloha Dearest Family,

 

                Today we will study a remarkable record of a mighty prophet, a mighty vision and one more example of God’s mighty compassion.

 

                In II Kings 6 we read that the kingdom of Syria is at war with Israel. But the King of Israel has a “secret weapon” -  Elisha the prophet of God. It seems that whenever the King of Syria came up with a battle strategy to come against Israel, God would tell Elisha, who would in turn tell the King of Israel what Syria was about to do. In this way the king of Israel would be able to counter the moves of the king of Syria. This happened time and time again and the king of Syria was getting more and more frustrated. Surely, he must have a spy in his midst that was relaying his battle plans to the enemy.

 

                “Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?” (II Kings 6:11)

But one of his servants told the king the real reason why his plans were continually being thwarted.

 

                “And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that thou speak in thy bedchamber.” (Verse 12)         

 

This prophet seems to know the deepest secrets of the king, even what he speaks about in his bedroom. This prophet must be stopped. So, when they found that Elisha was staying in the town of Dothan, the king sent a band of soldiers to capture him.

 

                The following morning, Elisha’s servant wakes up and finds that the city is surrounded by soldiers. His master must be warned! But God had already shown Elisha how the Lord was protecting them.

 

                “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (Verses 15-17)

 

The servant’s jaw must have hit the ground when he saw this magnificent sight. It is wonderful to see how God protects His faithful men and women when they love and obey Him.

 

                God then tells Elisha what He plans on doing with the Syrian soldiers. This is a lesson that they would never forget.

 

                “And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.” (Verses 18 and 19)

 

We are not certain how big the city of Dothan was, but we can assume that there are at least a couple hundred soldiers surrounding the city. But all at once, they had all become blind. Can you imagine the fear and the confusion among the soldiers? Then imagine Elisha leading these blind men to Samaria with their chariots and horses; a trip of about 10 to 12 miles. You can add the word spectacular to the list of God’s attributes.

 

                “And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.” (Verse 20)

 

If you were wondering about these soldiers’ state of mind when they were blind, what do you think they thought when they could see again and they were in the midst of their enemy’s capitol city, Samaria? I’m sure they thought they would surely be killed. But what happens next is not what anyone expected.

 

                “And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands (raiding parties) of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.“ (Verses 21-23)

 

                The raiding bands of Syria never bothered Israel after this. The kindness showed to these soldiers from Israel, their enemy, changed the hearts and minds of the enemy. This is a tale that these soldiers would tell their grandkids for years afterwards, I’m sure.

 

                In our world today, division among people seems to permeate every category of life. If you listen to the news media (which you should NEVER do), they will tell you that hatred is everywhere and if someone does not agree with your opinion, they are your enemy. But this is man’s way, not God’s way. God’s way is love and man’s way is to manufacture strife. Maybe it’s time to start taking Elisha’s example to heart and start treating others with kindness and compassion. Even people who disagree with us and hate us. God’s Word tells us the attitude we should have towards others.

 

                “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21) 

 

                “Heaping burning coals on his head” doesn’t mean we want to “burn” our enemies. This refers to an oriental custom that was understood at the time the Bible was written. What this verse is saying is that when we give food and drink to our enemies, we will warm them with compassion. We can clearly see this from the record of Elisha and the soldiers.

 

                As God’s children we should endeavor to imitate our Father. Our Father’s ways are above our ways and are not like the ways of people in the world. God does not treat others by what they deserve, but by His unconditional love for them. We should treat others this way same.

 

                “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:43-45a)

 

                                                    Love Always, Ray 

Led by the Spirit

                                                                                                           

Aloha Dearest Family,

                 “The great work of the spirit is to direct the mind”

I heard this phrase years ago but I didn’t grasp it’s full meaning until just recently. We as God’s sons and daughters have been given His spirit to communicate with our Heavenly Father. We can enjoy continual and close fellowship with Him and we can also ask for His direction in our lives.

                “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Solomon wrote this proverb many years ago, probably from personal experience. When we ask Him to, God, by way of His spirit within us, will direct our paths. He’ll show us the way to go and teach us what we are to do. You can find this all through scripture.

       Whenever David would go out to battle, he would first ask for God’s direction.

“And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there... (I Chronicles 14:9-11a)

God also instructed David when NOT to go.

“And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley. Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.” (Verses 13 and 14)

Because he was obedient to God’s guidance David was able to achieve victory over the Philistines.

               “David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.” (Verse 16)

We also find this spirit-directed life in Paul’s ministry. When he and his companions were traveling from town to town spreading the gospel, he followed the spirit’s direction.

  “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not (did not permit them to go). And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.” (Acts 16:6-8)

Even though Paul knew that he was sent to preach to other towns and regions, when the spirit instructed him NOT to go, he obeyed. But Paul did not stop. He kept traveling and God gave him a vision in a dream to go into Macedonia. This was the direction he’d been looking for. Also, God knew that Paul would obey because he had a heart of service. Paul listened and obeyed the direction from God.

                When the apostles were commanded to go into all the world and make disciples of every nation, they wouldn’t have to figure out HOW to accomplish this for the spirit would be with them and in them to direct them. They went with a willing heart to listen and, again, obey.

                 “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” (Mark 16:20)

How was the Lord working with them? By way of his spirit that was in them, directing them. This was the secret of their success.

                We are ALL members of the greatest club of all time – the body of Christ. We are Christ’s body but HE is our head. The way God set up the working of the human body, the brain is the organ that gives direction to the rest of the parts of the body. If the brain says, “lift the arm”, the arm lifts. Why? Because the arm is taking direction from the brain. This happens in a nanosecond; no thinking is required. The brain sends off millions of signals to other parts of the body to perform and the body responds.

                Likewise, the same is true in the body of Christ. As members of his body, we don’t operate independently without first receiving direction from Christ. We wait for his direction, then we move. Maybe we have made operating our church functions too complicated. He will not only instruct us when to go to work, but he will also teach us HOW to operate our ministry. Cool stuff.

                 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

“Walking in the spirit” means we take our cues from the spirit what we are to do and what we are to say. Whether we recognize it or not, the Lord is always leading, but are we following? If we love God and want to do His Will, we will follow the spirit’s direction. So, I ask you, what has He been leading you to do?  

                Love Always, Ray

                “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

Confession of Belief

                                                                                                                                 

Aloha Dearest Family,

 

                “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)

 

As Christians, we know that life has many trials and challenges. It is important to NOT CONFESS our present situation but confess the victory that God has for us. It may be challenging because many of us listen to the people around us and tend to repeat their negative language. God has given us many promises in His Word for us to claim so that we can always be victorious, no matter the situation we may be facing. One such situation is recorded in Exodus chapter 14.

           After more than 400 years, God’s people, Israel, are finally leaving Egypt. After 10 devastating plagues, the Pharaoh had finally ordered Israel to leave the country. Israel wasted no time and left in haste. This was God’s orchestration and He directed the people exactly where to go. They ended up stopped at the Red Sea, not able to go any further.

               

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. You are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal-zephon.” (Exodus 14:1 and 2)

 

                Meanwhile, Pharaoh and his advisors realized what they had done in letting their slaves go and decided to go after them. (One needs to wonder about the sanity of Pharaoh at this point. The plagues had decimated his country and the first-born of every household had been killed – including his own).

               

                “When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him. He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt* so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly. The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon.” (Verses 5-9 )

                *(It is important to understand that God always gives us free will to make our own decisions. God never forces His Wil upon us. In this verse the figure of speech of “permission” is employed. It is more accurate to say that God ALLOWED Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened).

                Pharaoh called together his army with his chariots and best soldiers to bring back their slaves. Israel was now hemmed in and capture seemed imminent. When the people saw Pharaoh’s mighty army on the hill, all hope was lost and they told Moses this.

               

                “As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” (verses 10-12)

Moses could have been swayed by their words but Moses refused to be moved by their fear and unbelief. God had promised that He would bring His people out of Egypt and Moses would stand firm on this promise. The situation was most desperate and Moses knew that the only way out now was for God to perform a miracle. Moses believed that God would stay true to His promise so instead of confessing defeat, he confessed total victory.

 

“But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Verses 13 and 14)

Moses wasn’t sure WHAT God would do, but he was convinced that God WOULD deliver His people this day. Moses told the people to “stand still”, but God said, “Don’t stand still-GET GOING!” God told Moses to lift his staff over the Red Sea and as he did, the Red Sea parted. The scope of such an event is almost beyond imagining. It’s only because of movies like The Ten Commandments that I can even picturing it happening. But our God is a God of the impossible. Also on this day, Pharaoh would lose his entire army - drown in the Red Sea.  

 

When you know that God is on your side, the impossible becomes possible. So why not confess victorious thoughts instead of thoughts that will limit God? God wants to go to work in our lives, but it is us who limit Him. When we confess our own words or thoughts, we will remain defeated in life. But when our words “mirror” God’s words, we will be confessing what God has already declared as true. If we confess that our sins have been forgiven, we are just confessing what God has already told us. When we believe God’s Words and confess them, we are confessing the victory that God already says is ours. It’s simple.

God has promised the believer:

    Health

    Prosperity

    Peace

    Guidance

    Love

    Spiritual Power

    Wisdom

    And much more

God can promise these to us because of the finished work of His son Jesus Christ. God has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Why not confess some of them in our lives today.  

                We have been conditioned to confess what we feel and declare what we are seeing. But this will never change our situation. Let’s re-train ourselves to always confess God’s words of power instead of our own words of lack. Let’s introduce “words of truth” in our lives and see things change.

What you confess in your life is what you will see.

                          Love Always, Ray

 

          “Confession of belief equals receipt of confession.”