Sold Out To The Lord

September 24, 2011

I remember back in high school, a good friend of mine told me something that I’ve always remembered “If you gonna do something do it right, otherwise it’s not worth doing”. How true those words are to the “Christian life.”

As we all know, we are living in the very last days of this world. And we as people of God are called by our Lord “Laodiceans.” He describes us as ‘lukewarm.” So obviously He want’s  us to “come alive” and “be zealous.” I thought it would be helpful to show you an example of a Christian life that is—SOLD OUT TO THE LORD.

Another day has just begun, he opens his eyes, and the first thing he does is, to look up and say “Thank you Lord, for another day.” He remembers all those mornings when the Lord was the last thing on his mind as he awoke–what a change!

After he washes up, he grabs the bible and begins reading some scripture. It’s not alot of reading he does(maybe a chapter or two),  but he’s made a “new habit” of doing this FIRST since the Lord inspired him to do so. Before he had an idol, and unfortunately many Christians today still do–IT WAS THE COMPUTER! He would awake grab a drink in the kitchen and go right to the computer, searching, chatting, etc. Now that comes after he’s had a chance to commune with the Lord via scripture.

Today is another day of service calls. He’ll go to maybe 5 to 10 homes in the area and have a chance to meet many people. He’s made sure to be prepared for the Lord. As he drives many miles every day, he put  two bumper stickers on his truck. They say “The Seventh day is the Sabbath” on the left side of bumper, on the right it says “for God never changed it.” He figures he can silently testify for God’s Sabbath without getting out of the truck.

He arrives at his first call, it’s a nice older woman. He comes in and one of the first thing he notices is a picture of Jesus on the wall. That is his clue. For the Lord and him have a deal. If any customer has any thing showing Jesus or the cross in the house, that is our signal to give them “Steps to Christ”. Which he has a stack of in the truck. So he makes a mental note and when he’s done with the repair, he mentions “So you’re a Christian huh?”  The lady responds “Oh yes, for about 40 years.” He says “Hold on, I got a great little book for you.” He gives the book and she graciously thanks him.

He’s on his next call. He arrives and is greeted by a middle aged man. They chat a bit, then he begins the repair. After a short while the problem is discovered and he mentions to the man what it was. The man replies ‘Well G-D D—–.” There’s a short awkward moment then he says “You know sir, it’s better to say Gosh darn”  The man responds “oh, yes, you’re right, sorry.”  The job is completed and he leaves.

As he drives away he knows he’s done something good and upright for the Lord. He’s shown that he won’t tolerate his Lord’s name taken in vain AND just maybe when that man says it again, he’ll remember and think twice about it.

On to another job, he meets a woman who has a dryer problem. He takes it apart and it’s just a fuse. But he remembers the Lord’s words (1 Cor. 10:31) “…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” So he doesn’t just stop there while he has it apart he checks the lint housing. He knows God looks approving  on good hard honest labor—“If you’re gonna do something—-  well you know already 🙂 He always thinks carefully before charging. What is fair, what is right, he thinks before telling the lady the cost. He doesn’t want to break the 8th Commandment- Thou shall not steal.

It’s friday late afternoon and he arrives home. He knows it is Sabbath shortly so he get’s ready. After a long thorough shower, he begins the Sabbath with prayer. After this he begins to get “dressed up”  and guess what? —he lives alone! (at least until next year when his fiance comes) He get’s a shirt and tie on cause he knows it’s the “special day” –it’s the LORD’S DAY. He knows this day is holy, and he wants to be respectful to the Lord. No one sees but he know the Lord does.

The next day he again dresses up sharp. he remembers to bring his bible, tithe, extra Steps to Christ for the church. He also remembers that the bumper stickers are getting low at church, so he brings more to pass out.

In church he greets many friends. But he notices a man he’s been wanting to speak to. This man always wears a hat IN CHURCH even while praying. He remembers God’s word  (1 Cor. 11:4) “Every man praying or prophesying having his head covered, dishonors his head.”  He walks over and gently let’s him know it’s better if he doesn’t wear his hat in church. He is rebuffed. This is a “proud man.” So he has to walk away, sadly knowing this is the type of situation best helped by God, it’s between that man and God now. He has done his job (calling out sin when and where he see’s it).

The rest of the Sabbath is good and he goes home. After a short nap, he reads more inspired writings and does bible studies. Another Sabbath is about over and he prays once more, thanking Him for another beautiful Sabbath and speaking to Him about the upcoming week.

Hopefully this example will inspire you to do a few things you may not have thought of. Notice how all these “little things” add up to God. Your walk will not be lukewarm and you’ll discover, as you keep His ways and Laws, that a certain closeness comes. It is because you are—Sold out to the Lord.

In Christ, your brother, Rob

Ps. If you’d like to order the bumper stickers and the Steps to Christ, you can call Harvestime Books at 1-931-692-2777

Posted in Christian walk | 11 Comments »

The Sanctification Process

September 17, 2011

Sanctification in our Christian life is comparable to a ladder. Each step up, brings us closer to God, more Christ like. But we must continue to walk UP this ladder and not stay for long on the same step in our walk. Otherwise we will be found “lukewarm” and take the very real chance of being “sprewed out” when our Lord’s judgement comes. Let us look at the process of sanctification.

Perhaps the simplest way to view “sanctification” is think of it as getting cleaned up. In other words, sins are leaving and the Holy Spirit is taking over more and more, guiding you to be closer to our Lord. And the purer we get the more we can see two VERY IMPORTANT aspects of our life  –the terribleness of sin  and the clearer understanding of God’s written word. These two aspects make us walk much closer to our Lord. Let us look at the first of those aspects.

In my own Christian experience, I have seen the many sins I brought into my initial walk leave my life. I mean the tobacco, the idol music, the lust, the other idols (sports, poker, etc.) they were one by one, chopped out of my life. We can look at it like this. We each have a large tree stump of sin when we begin. And as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we are made aware of each and every sin and asked to chop that part out of our life. We then submit to the calling to eliminate it. We are walking UP the ladder.

The serious problem comes in our walk when we rationalize just this one “little sin”. It is that little sin that we hold on to that STOPS our walk upward. The big bad tree stump of sins is allowed to grow alittle more and we now have “two little sins” we hold onto. And it can snow ball from there. And if we continue this way, the devil will help guide us down the ladder, back to where we started!

We should be ever learning, searching, doing good works. Lukewarm is basically being satisfied and happy(stuck) in our routine. As Revelation says, we are in serious trouble when we think we are satisfied and in need of nothing. We are in need of growing and improving our walk, so as to go up another step of the ladder.

One of the greatest things I was shown in my walk,  by our Lord, was how to continue to chop away at my sins. It was to quote scripture when tempted. This was AWESOME!!!  Let’s use tobacco for instance. I had chewed it about 15 or 16 years prior to accepting Christ. Then the habit was still with me in my early walk, even I did it in church a few times!  I knew it had to go. The Holy Spirit was nudging me “Hey let’s get cleaned up here!” it said.

So I found that the Lord’s example of how He handled temptation (in the desert) was good enough for me–HE QUOTED SPECIFIC SCRIPTURE against the specific temptation. For instance when the devil tempted Him to create food to eat, He replied (Matt 4:4) “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”  and He got the victory! So I thought I’ll find one for tobacco. I did, it was (Psalms 23:1) “The  Lord is my shepherd, I shall NOT WANT”. In other words, not want tobacco.

So I began my “Scripture Quote” plan of attack. The first few days I had to quote it maybe 15 or 20 times a day, because of the many temptations I had at the beginning. At the end of my quote I always said to the devil — Be gone from me devil, in the name of Jesus!! And sure enough the urge to chew tobacco left me instantly. Wowsa!  I was onto something and I knew it. So soon after I was only quoting maybe 2 or 3 times in day and I was on my way to total elimination. Not even a small temptation now.

Now, about the other aspect– understanding God’s word. Again, I will use my own example. As sins left me, and I was getting more sanctified, God’s word was getting more and more clear. You see, God’s word is He Himself as the word says. Therefore when we get closer to Him by being holier, He says in effect ” My son (or daughter) come up here (higher rung of ladder) and behold my deeper truths of my word.

So I have come to a point where certain parts of scripture that were not understandable, now is clear. For instance , the many parts of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Malichi, etc  where they say  “In that day….”  or “In the Latter times it shall …..” I now know the meanings. The Bible “comes alive” as never before. Why? Because I have submitted to chopping sins from my life. The Holy 10 Commandments are my DAILY guide and not just some empty Laws to know. Rather they are MY LIFE’S RULES I live by.

So  my brothers and sisters, let us keep in mind that our sins cannot be ignored if we want to walk up the ladder of sanctification. If we pray this prayer often, He will hear us   ” Dear God, help me to know my sins clearly, so that I can address them, and walk uprightly in your site”

Amen , In Christ, Rob

Posted in Sanctification | 6 Comments »

Pray in the Spirit

September 10, 2011

There are basically two ways to pray — praying in the flesh (carnal)  and praying in the Spirit. It is a sad reality that the ability to communicate with our Lord through prayer is not a common occurance even though many “pray” on a frequent basis. Let us see clearly how we can pray in the Spirit, as God would have us.

Our  great King made His most passionate prayer in the garden of Gethsemane as he prayed (Mark 14:36)  ” Father, oh Father, all things are possible with You,  take this cup from Me, but neverthe less not what I will, but what You will .”  I believe there is a BIG key right there in that prayer and that is this. When we pray we should be mindful that if we ASK for something, we should conclude it with NOT MY WILL BE DONE BUT YOURS.

Many times I have used my own experiences, in this blog,  to bring home the point more clearly. In Novemeber of 2009 I posted a post under “prayers answered”  about how I was led to make a prayer prior to a court date for a ticket. 

To briefly explain, I received a red light camera ticket. I was guilty. I was ready to pay the ticket but when it came in mail and said 425.00!!  I said NO WAY! To me that was outright “stealing” and I knew governments can do this just as well as individuals. I mean I was prepared to pay something reasonable and fair (maybe like 200.00 or so). So I made up my mind to fight it to the end at court.

That morning of the court date, I knelt down in my room to pray. I started praying “Dear Lord, I don’t think this is fair, can you help get me off this…” But then suddenly the Holy Spirit began to guide me in the RIGHT prayer. I changed  it and said ” Lord, YOU do what YOU think is fair.”  I said it because I had in mind His Holy 8th Commandment  “Thou shall not steal”. So I was confident HE would make the right decision who was in the right, either it was them, with me running the red light   –or me, with them trying to steal way more than charge what was right.

Do you see how I placed it ALL into the Lord’s hand? Instead of thinking I DESERVE a good decision, I switched  it around and wanted the LORD”S RIGHTEOUS LAW UPHELD( His will be done). This is KEY to our prayers if we WANT something. It must be according to His will and LAW. The ticket was dismissed, even though it was my face in the photo(and my license plate)!  The Lord had made the judge see someone else’s  face in the photo, unbelievable! Guess the Lord doesn’t like thiefs, even if it’s the city government!

Recently I had a young gal write me about praying for her “big day” that was coming. It is to be a big financial decision made for  or against her. I wrote back and said “Sure, ofcourse I will, but  I want you to ask that HIS WILL BE DONE, not yours. And I want you to praise Him NO MATTER WHAT THE DECISION.”   This way, I told her,  God will certainly take care of you, whatever the decision.

Also, let us always remember to thank Him, for our prayers being LISTENED TO,   let alone even answered!

Finally, you should know God wants SPECIFIC prayers. A person wrote me awhile back and said “Please pray for me”. I said “what for?”  They were alittle taken aback–like  “uh I don’t know just pray.” That’s like you saying to your best friend “do something for me”  Huh?  God want’s to show you He’s listening and can do that which you ask, but you must know what to ask FIRST.And you must BELIEVE and WATCH, otherwise if you forget and aren’t watching–it won’t come. Please,  if you’re going to waste your words at least don’t waste them in speaking to God in prayer. For always remember we PRAISE HIM even in decisions that go against us.

In Christ, your servant, Rob

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“The Shaking”

September 3, 2011

Note: The following post is for Seventh Day Adventists. If you are not one, this post may not be understandable to you. Especially if you aren’t familiar with the inspired writings of Ellen G. White.

In EGW’s (her abbreviation) book called “Early Writings” she goes over a brief summary of the timeline of final events in her Chapter called “The Shaking” page 269-73. Additionally from there to the end of the book(page 297), she writes a picture perfect scenario of the final events to come in man’s history . I stand in awe of how God inspired this woman to so clearly write out the events,  so very soon, to come.

Here is why it is so important to have the “Spirit of Truth”  within you to discern these things–It is because many are asleep as to what will VERY SOON take place, it will catch them unaware!  These events the servant of the Lord describes are different in important areas than today’s accepted SDA beliefs in end times. For I dare say that the vast SDA  leadership has missed the correct prophectic final events so much and so far from the mark, it can only be the work of the dark one himself. Let’s look at her(God’s)  true  prophetic account.

In the shaking chapter, the first thing she describes are those  WITH STRONG FAITH who are of  “agonizing spirit.” Something is bothering them, they are in an internal  and spiritual struggle. Notice she puts the two main characteristic of “strong faith” and “agonizing spirit” together to describe these people she saw. Remember in her book, Testimonies to Ministers, page 445, EGW describes the great and dreadful act of the “sealing process” of Ezekiel 9. The ones sealed were the agonizing ones who were sighing and crying. It was because these agonizers were truly bothered by the sins done by the professed members of their own people. Honestly and purity according to God’s Law is what they simply wanted and sadly seldom found it!

Not only is the above the reason for this “agonizing” but it is because they are called upon by God to deliver a most “solemn” message. A message that “shakes” to the core God’s end day church–THE SDA! Let’s follow her continuing vision.

As she notices the agonizing ones, she also notices the “indifferent and careless” ones. As we undoubtably know this shaking vision is for the last days, so these can only be the Laodiceans!  Here is where the bomb is brought.  She then says ” I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown it was CAUSED by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness TO THE LAODICEANS.  The “shaking” will be caused by people within the SDA giving testimony to their own members!  Let’s look at this most revealing part.

Here it clearly shows that a “straight and solemn testimony” will be given to God’s own church!  The SDA. This testimony will be of such a powerful message that look what she next describes.

“Some will not BEAR THIS STRAIGHT TESTIMONY”. They will rise up against it, and THIS is what will cause the “shaking” among God’s people.”  Ok, we must ask ourselves what could this testimony be that is so solemn and straight?  Could it be the faithful testimony for several years (even decades) of the Shepherd’s Rod? Can we think of any other message telling of the true prophesy of God’s soon to come judgement upon His own church( a straight and solemn one indeed)?  No we cannot!  ” Too much to bear”  they cry. “God is too merciful to bring judgment upon His own people” they protest.  Yet the strong faithful  ones must do it and the obedient and God fearing ones in His church must embrace it.

Further she writes ” The solemn testimony of which the destiny of the church hangs, has been LIGHTLY ESTEEMED, IF NOT ENTIRELY DISREGARDED. This testimony must work deep repentance, all who will truly receive it, will obey it and be purified.” Again the true SROD testimony has almost entirely been ignored, even hated by many within the SDA church. But thank God many are throwing  away the devil’s phoney cover and examining these precious last day truths for themselves. These messages are also known as the “Last day Elijah  message”.

Again, what message today is directed  to own church that warns of God’s upcoming “purification”? What  message is “straight  and solemn”? What message won’t be ‘beared” by many and practically entirely “disregarded” ?  IT CAN ONLY BE THE SHEPHERD’S ROD MESSAGE. Who do you think has been behind this “smear campaign” against these faithful messengers? You got it–Satan himself!

Next she noticed the company who had been crying and praying in agony of Spirit. But now they we “clothed in armor”, as if God had greatly empowered them. After their trial of suffering, God had made then of one accord, she says ” they moved in exact order,like a company of soldiers”.  They now “shone with the light and glory of heaven”. But she says the careless and indifferent were “left behind in darkness”–not good!

So if we follow her timeline, it appears,  first there is an agonizing message (and crying to God)going out by the faithful. They are in turmoil but yet do as guided by the Holy Spirit, as faithful servants. Then she sees after this,  a “victory” for this company. This can only be the 144,000. No other company fits as perfectly described as this. Clad with “full armor” , in other words full power  of the Holy Spirit, this company is now ready to march forward into babylon. She describes their ability next.

“I heard those clothed with the armor, speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. ” Then a beautiful picture is shown how many are won over. Puzzled about this great change in God’s people she asked ” What made this great change?”  The Angel answered  ” it is the latter rain, the refreshing  from the presence of the Lord, the Loud Cry of the Third Angel.” Her excitement is shown forth by her again emphasising   ” Great power was with these chosen ones.”

Consider this—When these “chosen ones” are armored and ready to go for God, will they be coming back to God’s church every Sabbath and  co-mingling with the many “careless and indifferent” ones?  No, it will not happen. (Mal 3:3 “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:and shall purify the son’s of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness”

So we see the great work of calling out the people in babylon (false churches) cannot come until the church get’s purified. Just think about this– If God’s church today, with so many careless and indifferent ones, was to stay the same(without any change) could we really “call people out” from one sinning church to come into another sinning one?? Let’s get real.

Then EGW describes how the evil ones become enraged at the success of the armor ones and stirs the wicked people(the vast wicked earth) to go after them (then Sunday Law comes) and finally after the severe trial of waiting for the Lord amidst these most troubling times, the Lord comes to save His people (both the 144k servants and the great multitude that was called out of babylon).

So we see a short yet powerful condensed vision of the end times to come. This shaking is about to pick up among God’s church (SDA) are you ready to take a stand? Are you going to “follow” the crowd and believe what others say about God’s end time messengers, or are you going to say ” I will do it my  LORD  and search this last day message as taught by Shepherd’s Rod.”  If it is false the Holy Spirit will show it clearly  but after studying carefully and fully, you may be like me and say –” Let the Lord’s plan come. Your truth and will is my desire Lord”—- a solemn and straight testimony shall be given to my brothers and sisters before Your visitation to Your church,  Amen, in Christ, Rob

Ps.(Note, I understand that their website may be under remodeling so please call first to order properly)  For those of you who would would like more information concerning this last day “Elijah Message”  contact http://www.11th-hourministries.org/contact.html  ( 11th hour ministries) or call 1-845-434-5282  All Cd’s and literature is sent free of charge.

Posted in End times | 4 Comments »

Humor in the Bible

August 27, 2011

As the human story is one of mostly sorrow and redemption, there is not alot of humor in God’s word. But the few instances there are really stand out. As our Lord was not used to sin for possibly billions of years, when it came upon the scene, the bliss, happiness and even laughter came to a halt. But let us look at the situations where God directly or indirectly was connected with “humor” even amongst the sorrowful human condition.

The most direct evidence we have for God laughing is in Psalms.(Psalms 2:4) ” He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:the Lord shall have them in derision” (Psalms 59:8) says ” But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them; You shall have all nations in derision.”   (Psalms 37:13) ” The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.”

In those scriptures, our Lord shows a subtle confidence , against  fools who think they can pull something over on the Lord. Again in (Job 41:29) He shows the same confidence. “Darts are regarded as straw; He laughs at the threat of javelins.”

Even in God’s creation, it can be seen that He can make something beautiful and funny in the same creature. Take the Albatross for instance, it is so graceful in flight and is truly a beautiful thing to watch, but when it lands, it truly is funny. It kinda crash lands, falling all over the place (probably due to it’s extra large wing span). Not hurt, but giving quite a humorous show for sure.

Proverbs has a few good ones. These are my favorites. (Prov 21:19)” It is better to live alone in the desert, than with a crabby complaining wife”  (Prov 27:14)  “If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.”   That  one really cracks me up.

Then we have the Jonah story. Jonah preached impending doom. The King realized that if they repented God might change His mind.  So EVERYBODY repented and put on sackcloth, from the King on down. They even put sackcloth ON THE COWS! Who knows, maybe God was even chuckling at the site(secretly ofcourse), for it was a VERY funny one indeed.

Then we have the classic Elijah story. One of the truly funniest (in a mocking way) stories in the Bible. Elijah made the ultimatum to the people ,serve God or baal.He ordered a bullock sacrificed. The test was,which ever God answered their call to bring down fire to burn the bull, that would indeed be the true God. They agreed to this test, all 450 “prophets” against Elijah’s God. So Elijah (who knew what would really happen) let the Baal prophets go first.

So from morning to noon, the 450 men jumped up and down, dancing all around, calling out their god. Even dancing upon the alter.Probably bumping into each other in a desperate attempt to call upon their “Baal god”. We can imagine Elijah quietly chuckling and even smirking as it approached noon. Then as noon came Elijah jokingly mocked them saying “Cry louder, for he is a god, maybe he is talking or meditating, or he is busy, or on  a  journey, or maybe he is sleeping and needs to be awaken.”(1 Kings 18:27)

They became more desperate, even cutting themselves. They continued to the evening sacrafice time. No voice or fire was ever heard or seen. Talk about egg on faces! Finally Elijah stopped the nonsense and prayed aloud to the God of Israel, and fire came down. So we can see that God whole heartedly supported this important yet partly humorous show by Elijah, to show the true foolishness of   these   people.

Finally there is the one of my favorite little stories about Martha and Jesus. In this short little story we see our Lord’s SOFT heart and compassion. Two sisters were in the house, one KNEW the importance of the Lord, the other not so much. Then Martha had the lack of insight to “complain” to the God of the universe about a trifle thing. Can we not imagine our Lord looking up at her almost ready to gently chuckle, but says with a soft smile “Martha, Martha, thou are worried about many things…”. Kinda like a father listens to his little girl complain because of a ladybug landing on her. He wants to gently chuckle.

So as we go through our walk, let us realize that a laugh here and there really does lighten our spirit. As we’ve seen our God has a sense of humor, and there will be times when it’ll be a good thing   to  have  a good intention laugh occasionally amidst the many sorrows we’ll have.

In Christ,  your servant,  Rob

Posted in God's humor | 6 Comments »

The Lord’s Righteous Anger

August 20, 2011

I remember reading (for the first time in my life) the Old Testament from front to back, completely. One of the main things that struck me, was the Lord’s fury and anger. Often and repeatedly,  His anger was seen throughout the OT. But as we shall see God’s anger is NEVER a bad thing, and likewise our anger, when right, is also not a bad thing.  Let’s study and learn about this often overlooked and under reported trait of our King.

The first and most memorable example of our Lord’s anger is in (John 2:15-16) “When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers money and overturned the tables. And he said to those who sold doves “Take these things away!” Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

What we can see from the above is the absolute “pure motive” of our Lord. His anger was aroused because he saw utter contempt for the HOLY house of God. Now what do you think the FATHER was thinking as He saw our Lord do this?  Was He thinking, “Oh no this is bad my Son, you should have been more tactful, not been so upset with these people” ? No.  He saw the Son’s motive, and it was to UPHOLD RIGHTEOUSNESS.

 How many are saying today to those who get mad at sin, “Oh that’s wrong, be nice” ?   The lesson here is that we should HATE sin, even if we have to get mad at it. Now, does that mean we go around looking for people to yell at? God forbid. But there does come times when righteous anger is correct before the Lord.

Let me give you a personal example. In my line of work, I often do service calls. I have many times corrected a person who breaks the 3rd Commandment in my hearing. I am very polite about it, and say in a loving manner, “You know it’s better to say gosh darn”. But let’s say, even after I warned them, they continue to say GD this and GD that (hasn’t happened yet). I continue to hear it as I work, I slowly begin to get steamed about it. Finally I turn and say “Hey,Please knock it off!”  Am I wrong in this case? Absolutely not. For I am doing EXACTLY what our Lord did– I am showing righteous anger.

Let’s be clear about anger, the greater problem comes from unrighteous anger. This amounts to spiritual breaking of the 6th Commandment– Thou Shal Not Murder. Our Lord warned about that in (Matt 5:22) “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother WITHOUT CAUSE (meaning righteous cause) shall be in danger of the judgement…”  So Please be very careful in your anger, lest you fall into the all to common trap of unrighteous anger. 

The truth is that when we grow spiritually and we get holier (as we throw away our sins by the Holy Spirit) we discern situations where we get more indignation. The reason is that the purer you get the clearer you see sin, and since sin becomes more abhorent to you, you find more righteous anger within. But thank God, the Holy Spirit guides us in this regard. We can control it, and use it ONLY SPARINGLY, as our Lord did while he walked among us.

In these last days, our church is called the “Laodicean Church” and what is  most often thought of when mentioning this church?   Yes, LUKEWARMNESS. Now, as was just shown , righteous anger is NOT a lukewarm symtom. But if our Lord describes us as neither hot or cold, we’d better get off the fence and stop being mellow about sin, wouldn’t you say?

So let us remember that , though we don’t want to be angry with our fellow servants and friends, should a situation arise that calls for us to stick up for the Lord and His righteousness, we will do the right thing and admonish firmly if we must.

Next week, we’ll look at the humor of God and His servants.

In Christ,  Rob

Posted in Righteous Anger | 2 Comments »

Heaven Bound

August 13, 2011

Many times in our daily walk, we lose track of where we are heading. We get discouraged, frustrated. People we wanted to help show the light of truth, can’t see it, ignore it or argue against it.  We throw up our hands and say “where am I going with all this?” Thankfully God has told us , it’s  heaven bound!  Let’s look at what heaven will be like.

In (John 14:2-4) our Lord tells us where He’s going and what He’ll do. ” In My Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so , I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going”

We can see that we will have our own dwelling place, a home as it were. It will no doubt be beautiful and luxurious. Think of the most gorgeous mansion in the earth today. It could very well make it look like a “dungeon”.

I have had two different dreams in my life that can be interpreted as pertaining to heaven. The last one  (about a year ago) I was walking around heaven and I was feeling so excited and bliss, I turned to ask (don’t remember who) ” You mean we get to experience this everyday?”  The other was one I had as a kid (at least 3 or 4 times) in it I could fly. I was astonished at this, utterly amazed this was possible . Was God letting me know I could experience blissful things in heaven with these dreams? Yes, I believe He was.

We are told a most clear and beautiful picture of heaven in (Rev 21:10 to 22:5) The lighting, the gates, the gold streets, so much beauty–this is our home! We walk up and down pure gold streets like glass. Everything is first class built by that most excellent carpenter- our Lord! Day after day, these blissful surroundings are ours to behold. This is our reward for those painful agonizing days of  discouragement and trials.

But it does cost something, it’s NOT free. It cost’s a pure heart sold out to Jesus, willing to obey His Holy Commandments (and not just some of them). Infact after we are painted this most beautiful picture of our future home Apostle John is guided by our Lord ONE LAST TIME, to tell everyone the cost–(Rev. 22:14) “Blessed are they who DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, that they may have the right, to the tree of Life, and may enter through the gates into the city”.

Let us always remember where we are headed. Paul explained it when he said (Col. 3:1-3) “…set your hearts on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things. for you died and your life is now hidden with  Christ in God.”

Our life is but a mist in the eternalness of time, is it really worth it to get all these earthly pleasures, and then to sacrifice all the eternal bliss of everlasting heaven?  No my friends, it’s such an easy decision to make when you start dwelling on where you’re going!   In Christ’s love, Rob

Posted in Heaven | 8 Comments »

Ezekiel

August 6, 2011

Perhaps there is no book in the Bible (except Revelation) which has so much prophetic and mysterious things of God as – Ezekiel. From visions of “wheels within a wheel, wheels with eyes” and the “dry bones rising up and speaking” just to mention a few. This book is definitely the “full course steak dinner” for the serious Bible studier 🙂  Let’s look at how this book’s prophetic words will play a VERY IMPORTANT part in these last days.

It is extremely important to understand that we, as  those living in these last days, are going to be receiving clearer light and truths that perhaps have been hidden or just plain ignored previously. The powerful light that is just now beginning to awake is the “sealing” of Revelation. Many are discovering the merging of S.O.P (Spirit of Prophecy-Ellen G. White) and scripture as regards to this sealing. Let’s look at what the prophetess of God had to say about it.

In Her book “Testimonies to Ministers” page 445  EGW gives a pointed picture of the sealing, and how it is the pure in heart who get it. At the end of the page she writes about John’s  revelation vision of the sealing  by saying ” This sealing of the servants of God IS THE SAME THAT WAS SHOWN EZEKIEL”. There is only one place in the book of Ezekiel that describes a sealing, it’s chapter 9.

This sealing is done BEFORE the four winds are let loose*. EGW describes those winds as symbolic of religious strife and persection, held back to protect and mark the 144,000. So if the sealings are one and the same, what clues can we get from Ezekiel 9?  The most obvious is that the marks or “seals” are placed on those “who sigh and cry” for the abominations done in their midst (meaning within their professed brethren). So it shows we are NOT to be going through the motions (keeping the Commandments in form only), but rather being a watchman for our brothers and sisters!

Ezekiel, as God’s prophet was called by God–“A watchman” and as such his message was primarily one of warning. We find it very interesting that God tells Ezekiel to warn the people a most important message TWICE . Anytime God says a warning 2 or 3 times you can BANK ON IT–it is IMPORTANT! Let’s see what this message was. Could God be giving it in Ezekiel because HE KNEW that His seal was to be connected to this warning message? Yes, I think so.

In (Ezekiel 3:19) we read “If thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul”  Again the Lord says in (Ezekiel 33:9) ” Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, if he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered they soul” .

So we can see that the Lord provided key guidance in those warnings on “what” we are to do in these last days. Is not our Lord the searcher of hearts? Infact if I had to give him a job desciption, it would be just that–Searcher of Hearts. He KNOWS whether you are going through the motions and saying ” Oh I love the Lord, He’s so good” then the next day, for example, at Sabbath service you embrace a fellow member YOU KNOW is having a fornicating or homosexual relationship and say ” Oh my friend so nice to see you, Lord bless you”—-Falseness!!  And like a reader of this blog recently said ” You can’t FOOL God”. You may people though!

Now I am not under any illusion, being a watchman will make you, many times –unpopular. But look at what Paul said about this (Gal 1:10) “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ”.

Infact, when we warn our brothers or sisters, we are indeed caring for their souls. It is THEIR welfare we are desiring. This is what pleases our Lord! But sadly, we will in many cases see in a most clearly exposed way(when we warn them)–whether they want to walk uprightly or please God their own way. If they get upset with us or angry, it shows CLEARLY they don’t want the truth. They want to “come in another way”. It CANNOT be. God’s word is truth and all who ABIDE by it WILL BE SAVED. Sadly though scripture is clear–“Few find it”, or unbelievably–even WANT IT.

In summary, let’s let God know He can “count us in” for his truth by living it , proclaiming it, and WARNING when we need to.

In Christ, Rob

* There is a more in depth study of this vision if desired, let me know

Posted in Ezekiel | 8 Comments »

Prison Ministry Update

July 30, 2011

A few weeks ago I wrote a post called “From a Prison Cell” (listed under Witnessing). About how a prisoner named Eldon who was doing God’s work among his own fellow prisoners. My heart was gladdened this week as I read his latest letter. Let me share the good tidings.

Because he is under a “security system” there are many different checkpoints things must go through (including letters) before they can reach the individual prisoners. We had talked about me sending the two-part DVD set called “The Lord’s Day” to the prison to show the men a great video on the truth about the Sabbath. Finally after several weeks he has indicated we are on go for me to send it out. It’ll go through review then get forwarded to the Chaplin to arrange a showing. Praise the Lord, that powerful Sabbath tool will be seen by these hungry souls (spiritually).

There were several highpoints in his letter. He mentioned that he taught the Sabbath lesson (which was after the sermon). He was aware that some of my dear brothers and sisters would like to pen-pal with a prisoner, in hopes of strengthing them in their faith. As we know Jesus said HE WAS IN PRISON, remember? He wanted to know- did you visit Him?

 So he expected a couple hands to go up. NINE went up! You see, we must understand that these souls are hungry and lonely. Yes, they screwed up, but haven’t we all? Our Lord knows that some really want to get straight and if they reach out (Like Eldon) and seek the Lord, they will find Him right there  in prison!

Eldon also said he is getting ready to give next week’s sermon (pray for him) and it will be on — how keeping the Commandments are the result of KNOWING Jesus, not works of ourselves. When I read things like this from this prisoner I realize God shows His truth to any and all no matter their circumstances, they just gotta want to know it! Eldon is being given good light in which to lead his fellow inmates- Praise the Lord!

Now, that brings me to ask if any one who’s heart is touched wants to write one of those spiritually hungry hands that went up, let me know. I have 9 names and addresses. 2 people (responders of the last post) will be writing to two of them.

  in Christ, Rob

Posted in Prison ministry updates, Witnessing | 6 Comments »

Teachable Spirit

July 23, 2011

Being a professed teacher of the things of the Lord, there perhaps is no more fulfilling words to hear than “I want to learn and am a teachable spirit”. Those that possess this Spirit are whom the Lord delights. But the ones who say this must know (Isaiah 8:20) completely in their heart, for this is the GREAT STANDARD all teachers are judged. ” To the Law and to the Testimony, if they speak not these words, it is because they have no light in them”.

Once we know this standard for the teachers of Christ, we can look back upon history and see that the some of the teachers who were VERY popular in the world didn’t believe in the standard. They spoke a most solid message EXCEPT with subtle but important errors. Men like Martin Luther *  and Billy Graham * come to mind. But their comtemporaries–Oswald Glait , Andreas Karlstadt (during Luther’s time) and Joe Crews, all well known in their own time and taught at the same time,  yet never got the world wide following that these got. They taught the standard.

In (James 3:1) we read “My Brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgement”. These are stern and warning words that our teaching must be the truth. Our Lord does tell us that there is GREAT REWARD for the righteous teachers (Matt 5:19) “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of the Commandments and teaches others to do so, shall be called least in the kingdom of God, but whoever does and TEACHES THEM, he shall be called great in the kingdom of God”. Here the Lord equates Commandment teaching with “greatness”. This is something us teachers must always remember!

One of the greatest obstacles we as teachers face is pride. It truly saddens me when I try to show someone the truth according to scripture and it goes against their belief or learning they have been told. But when it comes to the opposite situation my joy is great– a open and humble “teachable spirit”. Let me give you a recent example. Her name is Teri.

In my post recently called “If we talk the talk, we must walk the walk” I tried to give a helpful guide to a righteous walk before the Lord. She received the post and was blessed by it. In her excitement she sent it off to her pastor. A SDA pastor no less. She was in mild shock when she received his response. In it he said some was good but alot was “legalistic”, sort of like the teachings of the Pharisees in Jesus’ time. Huh?  This was the same response Teri had. Teri wasted no time and sending an email back correcting him according to scripture (Ezekiel 3:19) “If you warn the wicked, and he does not turn  from his wickedness, nor turn from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you shall have delivered your soul”.

 Wow. I feel like Jesus did when the centurion so impressed Him with his words. She is really the example of a teachable spirit. Being in the Holy Spirit she reconized the post and the truth it was saying and was warmed by it. She didn’t cower and meekly “accept” his reproof. I honestly fear for people like this pastor. It shows me something is seriously amiss. When we teach that to obey the Commandments is VERY important and that we should teach others, and people find fault in it, I seriously become concerned.

I am also reminded of this very important point. In (John 14:26) we read “But the helper, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you”.  Here we see that it is the Holy Spirit who is our primary teacher.

The Holy Spirit is indeed helping us and giving us “Discernment” to know the truth and falsehood.Those who are secretly cherishing sins in their life CANNOT expect to have this clear discernment. As we let go of our sins, our vision and understanding of “Holy” things of God get more clear. I know in my own walk, as I have let go of my idols and many sins, my understanding of God’s word and truth is really clearer than anytime before.

In (Mal 2:7) God points out how the teachers (priests) should be  teachers of His Law (Holy 10 Commandments) “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the LAW from his mouth, for he is a messenger of the Lord of hosts.” 

Lastly, as a teacher, one of the most important things to remember is we must NEVER ignore questions directed to us.  This shows us to be either ignorant, prideful, or careless. All definitely not Christ like qualities.

So let us desire to use (Isaiah 8:20) as our guideline if we desire to teach. Praying often that we never think we have all the truth and can’t learn. Ellen White has said we will ever be learning new truths through out eternity, I can’t wait to know the vast truths that exist, I want to be a “teachable spirit”    amen.

In Christ, your servant, Rob

*  Many are well familar that pastor Graham taught Sunday was the Holy day of God. As far as Luther, it is well known among historians that he was anti- Sabbath as well http://concordiatheology.org/2010/05/luther%E2%80%99s-writing-against-emerging-sabbatarianism/

Posted in Christian walk, Proper teachings | 21 Comments »

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