Holiness and the Word

I am sharing a paper I recently wrote for my college Theology Class, thus the format. I came across some interesting thoughts and felt they might bless you as they blessed me. You might find a new perspective.

Introduction

            There are two words, or subjects, in the Bible that are of great fascination. These are the subjects of Holiness and the “Word.” There is not enough time or space to comprehensively cover these two subjects, for both of them reveals the nature of God to us. However, I would like to share a few thoughts concerning these two subjects that might both enlighten and bless. Holiness can be viewed as a lifestyle of worship and the “Word” can be seen as an action.

Holiness

Theological Definition

What is “holiness?” It is a word that appears frequently, 43 times, in the Bible. In the Old Testament we are instructed to worship God in the beauty of holiness. In the New Testament we are told to follow holiness because it is required of us if we are to see God.

            It is a word which, in the Old Testament, speaks of being set apart or to make sacredly. In the New Testament it signifies the same but goes further in that it speaks of a rightness with God and focuses on conduct and character.

Biblical Foundation

            In First Chronicles King David has led Israel in a great act of worship and honor by bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem, thereby placing it at the center of the nation’s attention. During the time of sacrifice and thanksgiving, that followed, David delivered a Psalm to Asaph, who was in charge of leading the worship. In this Psalm of Thanksgiving, David encourages Israel to, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness,” (1 Chronicles 16:29, King James Version).

            Paul encourages us to respond to the promises of God. The promises were he would be our Father and call us his children if we would separate ourselves from the uncleanliness of the unbeliever. Paul’s direction was, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” (2 Corinthians 7:1, King James Version).

            When writing to the Church in Ephesus, Paul instructs, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” (Ephesians 4:23-24, King James Version).

            The last time the word holiness is used, in the Bible, is in Hebrews 12:14. The writer of Hebrews wants the reader to understand that holiness is to be pursed. He encourages us to, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” (Hebrews 12:14, King James Version).

Practical Application

            When we look at the use of holiness in the Old Testament, it is often tied to worship and more than once described as beautiful. Holiness, worship and beauty create an astonishing picture of an act of separation, cause by the adoration for God by the worshiper. This adorns that worshiper in the splendor of that which is sacred and pure.

            Holiness in the New Testament speaks to us of a right relationship with God. It speaks of character and of character building. Not only does it encourage us to be separate and sacred, it also encourages us to pursue a good and a peaceful relationship with our neighbor as well as with God. Paul, in Ephesians 4:24 tells us to put on that new man who was created in holiness. He then explains some things we need to separate ourselves from such as lying, stealing, corrupt speech and more. In Romans 13:14, Paul tells us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, or again, holiness, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:16, King James Version).

            Combining the New and Old Testament uses of the word holiness paints a picture of worship that is beautiful to God not only in the actions of worship, it goes further to include worship that is beautiful because of character and right relationship with God. It portrays worship that is beautiful for more reasons than flowing words, rhymes and rhythms. But worship that is adorned by a character that is pursuing a right standing with God and portrays the sacredness of God in the life of the worshiper.

The Word

Theological Definition

            As we read the Bible we find an incredible importance attached to the “Word” of God. The Psalmist, in the 119 Psalm, focuses on the impact the “Word” of God has on a life with statements such as, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalms 119:9, King James Version) or “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee,” (Psalms 119:11, King James Version). We also find that the term “thy word” is used interchangeably throughout the Bible with words such as law, statute, judgments, commandments, precepts, testimonies, truth and scripture.

            In writing his Gospel, the Apostle John launches an explanation of the deity of Jesus Christ with this statement, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made,” (John 1:1, 3, King James Version). He then boldly proclaims, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,” (John 1:14a, King James Version). John later quotes Jesus Christ as saying, “thy word is truth,” (John 17:17b, King James Version).

            When we are speaking of the “Word” we are talking about more than letters written on paper or verbiage filling the air. We are talking about God himself being expressed to us through the written word as well as through his earthly life. Considering this, our view of the “Word” should be a view of love and adoration.

Biblical Foundation

            God has placed great importance upon his word. The Psalmist penned this declaration, in the 138 Psalm, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name,” (Psalms 138:2, King James Version). As great as his name is, it is above every name (Philippians 2:9), God has magnified, or made his word greater than his name. When telling of God coming to earth in the robe of human flesh, John identifies God, as the “Word,” the creator of all things, the light that shines in darkness and brings life. Jesus spoke of the word being truth. When teaching Nicodemus he explained that men loved darkness because their deeds were evil. Then, rather than speaking of men doing that which is “good,” which would seem to be the opposite of evil, he said, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light,” (John 3:21, King James Version). The only way to God is through the “Word.” Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” (John 14:6, King James Version).

Practical Application

            The “Word” of God is vitally important to our lives. We need it for direction and illumination as his, “Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” (Psalms 119:105, King James Version). The “Word” will help us to live a life of great peace no matter what the circumstances that we experience, (Psalms 119:165). By living truth, or living according to the “Word” we are brought closer to the light or to God. In fact, the only way we can come to God is by his word or through truth. There should be intense hunger or desire in the heart and mind of each believer for the “Word” of God. Job declared, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food,” (Job 23:12b, King James Version).

            It is impossible to have a stronger relationship with God if a person doesn’t love his “Word.” It is impossible to know how to live a life that is pleasing to him if a person does not love his “Word.” To deal successfully with the pitfalls of life one must use his “Word” as a lamp and guide. It is from his “Word” that a believer will come to know God and learn that he can trust God in all matters of life.

Conclusion

            Holiness is the determination to set apart your life, from the world, and to make it sacred to God. It is deciding to worship God, not only with your voice, but to worship him with your whole life. There is a decision made to take the “Word” of God and to hide it in your heart in order to draw near to him and learn of him.

Everyone Watched My Leg Grow!

This is the testimony of Natalie Dixon, who experienced a miracle healing in her life on January 14, 2012 at New Life in Osceola, Arkansas. Let her tell you about it...

Well, where do I start? From the time I was a baby I had a growth problem with my leg... When I was very young I started wearing a brace to hopefully stretch my ligaments to help me walk a little better. Although the stretching of the ligament was not going to grow my bones, it would help my leg some where I wouldn’t walk on my tiptoes. Which the length needed to grow too. But doctors cannot grow bones so they worked on the tendon.
Well my mom had to exercise my foot all the time and I had to wear a brace to school. The brace went up to my knees ...so it was very noticeable! So as a child I got all the jokes I could stand. Which we are human and we carry a lot of the bad comments into our adult life and after awhile you believe them.
After some time, I don’t remember my age.. My mother just got tired of the braces and exercising my foot so she just quit! So I’m a young child that is growing up walking on my tip toe and not to mention the length wasn’t the same.. So I really got the looks ridicule from all the people in high school.
I adjusted as life went on ... But my infirmity never stopped me from trying to live life to the fullest! I would run jump play anything I could! To make a long story short.. I have done a lot of things with this infirmity... I went to college, got married, became a mom...
When I got in church and God filled me with the Holy Ghost in on April 20 th, 1997!! Wow! How amazing! God loved me despite all the harsh words I had heard from people in my life!!! How that I was crippled and made fun of but inspite of all that the God of Heaven still loved me!!!
I really enjoyed church! I loved soul-winning and was on fire for God! The infirmity that I had in my leg never stopped me from witnessing! I was going to win people to God walking straight or not!! Now through life I always got prayer for my leg and my foot! Don’t get me wrong… I did! I did not make an issue about it.. just would always go get prayer. If God healed me… “Wonderful” and if God didn’t heal me,” Wonderful!” My infirmity never stopped my walk with the Lord!
On January 14, 2012 , like any other day , I got up getting ready to start my day. I knew that Bro. Doran’s in Osceola was having revival! I just felt an overwhelming desire to go, which I love to go to church anyways but this was like overwhelming! So , I went to church that night! I knew God must have something special and amazing in this service so I was on my way! I never dreamed that I would be the miracle that was so profound that night!
After the preaching, there was an alter call , so I went! I always go try to give things to God and to cleanse myself from the message being taught that night! People prayed for a while in the alter and God was moving greatly! Bro. Brandon Houseworth asked , “Is there a person here that has a problem with their right leg?” Well, I just raised my hands and said, “I do!” He asked, “What’s wrong with your leg? “ I said, well, my right leg is shorter than the left leg.” I think Bro. Houseworth said, Well, that’s a good problem.. lol.. or something to that nature. So, prayer began and then Bro. Houseworth wanted me to sit in a chair, so I did! Well, a lady laid her hands on my feet and prayer began again! I was enjoying just the presence of God , when all of the sudden, I here a “ahhhhhh” and people praising God! I was like that has got to be good!!! Are you ready? EVERYONE WATCHED MY LEG GROW IN FRONT OF THEIR EYES!!!! IT GREW 2 INCHES OR MORE! I was like such in shock to the miracle it never really came into my spirit till the next morning. I woke up and both feet hit the floor. NO MORE TIPTOEING! I tried to walk like I used to and when I did my right leg would raise up too high!!!There was no need to do that because God gave me new bones! I now walk flat-footed! My bones in my hip do not hurt!! It is truly amazing! Im still in awe!! I DON’T WALK LIKE I USED TO WALK..HE MADE THE DIFFERENCE!!!!
I was chatting with a friend.. she said , that the man that was at the pool of Bethesda was there for 38 years! Well, I am 39! A baby usually starts walking good after the first year! So, I was healed of an infirmity that I had for 38 years!! My story goes along so much with this story! When God healed the man , the Lord healed him “wholly” which is his body , spirit and soul!! Every since I have received this miracle, I feel like I have been healed entirely, “wholly” . All the pain from the past and years of emotional abuse from having an infirmity feel erased from my mind! Because humans are cruel and after years of hearing comments when I was young , you really feel like you are not good enough!! Or that you will never be good enough! But praise be to God, I’m healed body soul and spirit now!! God is amazing! I love Him!

Note: A little information about Natalie Dixon: I'm a blessed beyond measure! I have a wonderful husband! I have 3 wonderful children that I love with all my heart. I have the greastest church family. Im involved with the work of God as much as possible. I love Him , I love Him, I love Him!!!!!

I work with the deaf at our church. Christian Life Center in Brookland, Arkansas. Besides I think sign language is beautiful ..just another wonderful way to glorify God! Thanks for your goodness Lord!

Im just a good apostolic lady who loves serving God and being in His Kingdom! Anything to help His kingdom florish that is my desire! Im pretty easy going , love people , love soul-winning! Never meet a stranger.

Words of Delight

As the bus pulled away from the stop, this morning, a passage of scripture came to my mind. I was very upset! Actually, to be honest, I was very angry! I was angry enough, now I am just telling you how I felt, that I wanted to take someone out behind the woodshed and give them a beating. Whoa! Now I have some folk’s attention.

No, I wasn’t angry at any of the passengers on my bus, they have all been well behaved and quiet this week. No, I wasn’t angry at any of the children’s parents. We all get along very well. No, I wasn’t angry with any of the co-workers on my bus, there was only one on there at the time and he was upset also. No, I wasn’t angry at a thoughtless driver. The road was empty. However, I was very angry and it was because of the thoughtlessness of a parent.

As we were loading a child on the bus I had asked their parent if they were ready for Thanksgiving in a couple of days. The parent looked at me and said, “If it were just my child and I having it together I would be ready. But we will be going to my Dad’s and I would just as soon not go there.”

I was a bit taken back by their honesty and wasn’t sure how I wanted to respond. My co-worker said something to the effect they should be happy to be with their parent and enjoy the time together. To this statement the parent replied, “I would and understand what you are saying, however, I am not looking forward to being called stupid and many other names. That is how my dad is and I will deal with it but I would rather not.”

I looked into the eyes of this forty-year-old parent and could see the raw pain in their eyes and recognized they were speaking from their heart. In just that moment I was given a glimpse of years of pain caused by thoughtless words that hurt beyond belief, leaving wounds that are open and bleeding. I saw years of compounded damage and pain.

After a few more comments about Thanksgiving day, the parent turned and left. I shut the bus door and looked in the mirrors before pulling out into the empty street and said, “That makes me so angry! How can a parent be so cruel to their children as to call them stupid?”

As I seethed at the thoughtless deeds of the unknown parent a passage of scripture came to my mind, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” Psalms 19:14. As it ran through my mind I focused on this part, “Let the words of my mouth . . . be acceptable in your sight, O Lord!”

It is amazing how powerful words are! They can be destructive, tearing down and destroying a person. Words can also be constructive, building and strengthening someone. It is our choice in how we use them. Words can hurt and words can heal. Again, it is our choice how we use them.

The words that comes from my mouth need to be words that would be acceptable as far as God is concerned. The word “acceptable” comes from the Hebrew word “ratson” and means delight. So if my prayer is, “Lord let my words be acceptable to you,” I am actually praying, “Lord, let what I say bring you delight!”

I realize that there is nothing I can do about the thoughtless father who spoke words that have hurt and scarred his child. That is beyond my control. My anger was only for a few moments and quickly turned to tears as I felt the pain of that child. Still, there is little I can do to erase the damage that has been done. However, one thing that can happen, and I am praying it will, and that is I can be much more careful how I speak to others in the future.

God, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight. Let what I say bring delight to you. May the words that comes from my tongue be words that lift up and encourage. Help me to speak words of blessing and promise, words of life. Let my words be words of delight!

Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

40 Days to Focused Life Summit Benton, AR Summary

40 Days to Focused Life Summit
Benton, AR
April 18 - May 21-23, 2010

Seeking to be Released into the Spirit of Apostolic Revival!

On April 18th Apostolic Tabernacle and TEAM Ministry launched 40 Days to Focused Life Summit. Actually it was 33 days because the launch had to be put off a week because of death in the Church family.

God met in a special way that evening as the Church made commitments to pray a committed number of minutes a day. They focused on praying for a spirit of unity in the Church, for God to do a supernatural and spiritual work in their lives, to renew their first love for the Word of God and for lost souls. They committed to fast a committed number of days each week. This included fasting food and also the media (radio, video, internet, tv, etc.) They committed to reading the Book of Acts through during this time and asking God to us the vision of the Early Church. They committed to a financial commitment to help with extra expenses.

Pastor Jay Emerson and Youth Pastor Jared Doran began teaching prepared lessons to the Adults and Youth. These lessons covered Healing for the Church, Spiritual Warfare, Created for Wholeness and The Apostolic Church. These lessons were designed to help bring into Focus what God desires for our lives and what He has put at our disposal to accomplish it.

On May 2, Don Doran came and taught the lesson Created for Wholeness. God created us in His image, complete. Sin has broken and destroyed our lives. God wants to bring us back to that completeness He designed for us. The power of God fell and many lives were touched that night as God began to heal broken hearts.

On May 16, Don Doran again came and preached Forgiveness is Not an Option! It is impossible to have a relationship with Jesus Christ without forgiving others. It is impossible to feel good about ourselves and not carry condemnation and shame if we have an unforgiving spirit. Again, God began to deal with our hearts as we asked Him to reveal the unforgiveness in our lives.

On May 21, Tim Doran, pastor of Osceola UPC, preached a powerful message on being full of the Spirit. God began to fill lives and miracles and wonders began to take place. In that service one received the baptism of the Holy Ghost after seeking it for ten years. Another was healed of kidney failure. There is no way to tell how many hearts and lives were healed.

May 22, Jared Doran, Youth Pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle of Benton, preached on Jesus Christ being our refreshing. We will go through desert places but can be refreshed by Jesus Christ. Again, many were on their faces before God seeking that refreshment.

May 23 AM, Don Doran, evangelist from Conway, Arkansas preached on God is on a Leash! The only limit that God knows is the one we put on Him. He can do anything we want or ask, if we take the leash off and let God go! Don challenged the Church to get a "New Revelation of God’s Love for Them!" God, again, began to minister to hearts as people began to release God to do the work they needed done in their lives.

May 23 PM, God preached! Don Doran was scheduled to preach but, during a song about how much God loves me and you, God poured out His Spirit in a powerful way. People were slain in the Spirit! Others just began to weep in the sweet presence of the Holy Ghost. After a while a Brother came to the front and began to tell of a vision that God had just given him which reassured this Brother that God really did love him. He said he had been going through a desert and unable to cry for a couple of years. He had wondered at times where God was. God had just revealed He was there all the time, loving him and he wept! A Sister got up next and said God had revealed his love to her too. Taking her to times when He had been there caring and loving! Oh what a time we had that night.

I can talk about this but thought you might be better blessed with testimonies of some who were there and what they felt.

I feel like I have been in a cracked, dry desert place...flooded by cool refreshing rain! God is SO good! It blessed me immensely to be a part of these services. I regret having to work on Friday evening. Witnessing God touch my three guys was amazing. -VK

God healed me in many ways mainly my heart. Throughout the weeks prior I had been dealing with feelings of depression, inadequacy and some others mainly because of my lack of employment. I had applied for a job that I had thought was going to work out to be something really good for me. Upon finding out that they had filled the job I began to have some issues with self degradation.On the Thursday before summit Jared asked if I had finished reading acts and, of course, I had not. He then preceded with the words "read it and be encouraged. Your faith is low right now and u need strength" or at least it was something along those lines. For the next 18-24 hrs I began where I had stopped (Acts8) and read it through, almost unable to put it down. By Friday night I was focused again on God, however my faith was still very, very low. The pivotal moment didn't come in praise and worship nor did it even come in what we would consider the technical "alter call" it came when Bro. Tim went around praying healing into peoples hearts and lives. He came to me looked me square in the eye and said " do you have a job yet?" and I said no. At that moment he placed his hand on my head and prayed encouragement, healing, and faith into my life when he spoke the words "let it happen this week" I believed him, not because of the faith I had in the man but because I had never said a word to him about the issues with which I was dealing thus his knowledge of said issues had to have been divinely given him. I basically said all of that to say this. I had revelation this weekend of Gods love for me. What did it mean to me? Everything. Had I not gotten what I got, had I not felt what I did, I'm convinced my life would have spun out of control. I just had to learn to UNLEASH God in my life and let Him do what He does best...everything. - DK

This past week I applied for the Math and Science School in Hot Springs. I wasn't sure whether or not it was God's will for me to go. Friday I asked God to help me make the decision if I'm accepted and when Bro. Tim Doran prayed for me he told me "To go after my dreams, God will make a way" it was so amazing how God used him to speak to me.This is just one way. My heart was also healed and I let go of many things.Thank You! The Summit was incredible. - CS.

The Summit changed my life in a way that I have been hoping and praying for. Due to my busy schedule, I usually do not attend many extra services. On Wednesday night before that Friday Bro. Jared was sharing what Bro. Don and he had been discussing on the patio. He said that God was going to heal the broken hearted and heal the sick. I have had such a longing to see some old time miracles I told myself I am not going to miss this! I am so glad I pushed my old self aside and went to church! Not only did my husband receive the Holy Ghost after ten years of praying but, I have been praying for a change in our church for a long time. I have been praying that God restore that first love in me. I have also been praying that the church get a burden and love for lost souls. - KB.

I feel like God renewed . . . refreshed , , , restored . . . re-energized . . . re-vitalized . . . reestablished me. I appreciated all God did. - DE.

Wow, what can I say? It just shows what can happen when you FOCUS on a move of God! God healed broken hearts and did some physical healing at this Summit! My mom was healed of a kidney disease that has had her down physically and spiritually. She had immediate results! Bro Tim Doran said he noticed immediate color in her cheeks. She had so much energy right away, it was amazing! She said there was evidence by the next day that she felt her kidneys were healed! God is so Awesome, He knows exactly what we need when we need it!It really showed in the ministry of Bro Tim, Bro Jared, and Bro Don Doran that we had FOCUSED and they had FOCUSED on a move of God! I'm so excited to see what God is going to do for Apostolic Tabernacle of Benton, AR!-MD.

Bro. Doran on Friday night God really did some Amazing things in my life but the one thing that really blew my mind was I got an answer for something I have been praying about for many years. I had prayed and prayed and asked God to give me an answer and I started to think it would never come but God gave it to me on Friday night. I will never forget that service it really has change my life forever. I'm so excited about what God has done and is doing! God bless, AD.

God blesses when we Focus our lives on Him desiring a to be released into the Spirit of Apostolic Revival! Thank you for all your prayers and intercession. There were many from TEAM Ministry Group on Face Book who contacted us to say the were praying and fasting with us for these services. Many texts came in saying they were praying while we were ministering. You will never know the strength and boldness that allows to minister in the Holy Ghost. God Bless and TEAM!

Acceptable Worship

There are two subjects in the Bible that I love to study. The first is the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. The second is worship. Both are very important and vital in our relationship with God.
As a teen, our Sunday School class spent a year studying the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. Our Sunday School teacher, Mike Power, who later had the privilege of being my father-in-law (maybe that should be the other way around) used a unique method in teaching us about the Tabernacle. We would come to class and for one hour we would study the Tabernacle. We dissected it and looked at each part and its significance. There was no item, piece of material or article of clothing for the priest that was not studied. The second hour of our class was spent building a model replica of the Tabernacle. Again, time was spent on each and every item making sure it was done as close as possible to the original. We even tried to make shew bread just to know what it tasted like.
Later, as a Pastor, I again became fascinated with the Tabernacle. I was given a set of lessons by one of my mentors, Elder Kenneth Baglin, and taught for eighteen weeks on the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. I was able to find some slides, for the overhead projector, that were of a model of the Tabernacle.
Now, understand that this doesn’t make me an expert on the Tabernacle by any stretch. It just means that I really enjoy studying about it. One of the reasons for this is that there are so many types and shadows and parallels found in the Tabernacle. It was laid in the shape of a cross. It speaks of our approach to God. It speaks of the plan of salvation. It speaks of worship and our relationship with God. In fact Paul, in Hebrews, goes back to the Tabernacle and uses the rituals to explain the role of Jesus Christ in our being able to obtain mercy.
Worship, of course is something that should be important to all of us. It is paramount in our relationship to Jesus Christ. In fact, I will go so far as to say, without worship there is no relationship.
There is a difference between praise and worship. Praise is simply telling how good and how great God is. It is bragging on God for what He has done. It is telling what God can do. It is thanking Him for His blessings. Praise is vital and important. We are instructed to approach God with praise and thanksgiving. We do this because He is deserving and we want to let Him know that we hold Him in the highest regards.
Worship is the result of praise. Worship happens as we enter into His presence and begin to realize we are in the presence of the Most High. Worship is recognizing who He is. He is God. He is the Almighty. He is the Creator of all. He is wonderful. It isn’t about what He has done, but who He is. As the song says, ". . . it is not about what He did, it is all about who He was. If He never worked a single miracle, Jesus would have still been God."
Our worship is so important to God. He wants us to worship Him and yet at the same time He is very particular how we worship Him. Because of who He is and because of His Holiness just any type or form of worship isn’t acceptable to Him. Let me show you what I mean.
When you approach the Tabernacle of Moses you see a tent with an outer court which has walls which were made from fabric stretched between post made of wood overlaid with gold. As you enter into the outer court, the first thing you will see is a large altar that was used to offer the sacrifices of the people. Just beyond the altar was a large basin which was called the "Brazen Laver." This was used by the priest to cleanse himself before they were allowed to enter into the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle of Moses was a large tent. It had walls that were again made of wood and overlaid with gold. These walls were not seen from the outside because of several layers of fabric that covered them. When you passed the curtain and entered into the Tabernacle you saw three articles of furniture. There was the Table of Shew Bread, the Seven Gold Candlesticks and the Altar of Incense. This is where the priest ministered on a daily basis. It was called the Holy Place.
Dividing the Tabernacle was a large curtain or veil. Behind this veil was another room where only the High Priest was allowed to enter and they could enter only one time each year. In this room, called the Holy of Holies, was the Ark of the Covenant and atop the Ark set the Mercy seat. It was here that the High Priest would apply the blood from the sacrifice once a year.
When the priest entered the Holy Place he had to be careful to first cleanse himself. A sacrifice had to be made. Cleansing had to take place at the Laver. It wasn’t good enough to have cleaned up at home. It had to take place at the Laver after the sacrifice was made. After washing the priest was allowed to enter into the Tabernacle.
The Altar of Sacrifice is a type or symbol of repentance. It speaks to us of repenting of or confessing our sins to God. 1John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Just as the priest offered the sacrifice and cleansed himself at the Laver, we are to die to sin and allow God to cleanse us.
The Laver is a type of water baptism. The second step in the salvation plan is to be water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission or removal of our sins. The priest had to cleanse himself at the Laver to remove all that was unclean and unworthy to be in the presence of God. As we confess our sins, God is always faithful to forgive and cleanse us.
The priest then entered into the Holy Place. He ministered to God there. This is a type of our praise. Our praise is not about getting a blessing! Our praise is about ministering to God. Here they ministered with the Shew Bread which is a type or symbol of the Word of God or Truth. They also were able to see to minister because of the Seven Golden Candlesticks which were always lit and was the only light in the Holy Place. They refilled the oil on a daily basis in the Candlesticks. This is a type of the Holy Ghost. Oil in the Bible always speaks of the Holy Ghost in our lives. It has to be refilled on a daily basis. It is the illumination to the Word or Truth. The Bible speaks of worshiping Him in Spirit and in Truth. The third article of furniture was the Altar of Incense which stood just in front of the veil. The aroma of the incense filled the Tabernacle. The Bible speaks of our prayer with uplifted hands coming up before God as incense or aroma and the evening sacrifice (Psalms 141:2). One of the Hebrew words for praise is Towdah. This word speaks of the extension of the hand in acknowledgment, acceptance or adoration. To honor God by taking Him at His word. The Altar of Incense is a type of our vocal praise to God as we enter into worship.
Now, I want you to notice something of great importance. In Leviticus 10:1 we are told of two men, Nadab and Abihu who were sons of Aaron. They came to the Altar of Incense with fire they had gotten from somewhere other than the Altar of Sacrifice. God sent fire from heaven that killed them. The Lord then spoke to Moses and had him give Aaron this message, "Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified . . ." (Lev 10:3) God demands those who approach Him in praise and worship must be cleansed.
Let me break this down a bit and try to explain what I am trying to say. When we come to God in praise and worship, there is a proper way to approach Him. Our hearts and minds need to be cleansed and pure before God in order for our praise and worship to be acceptable and blessed. Time should be taken to come before Him in repentance and humility. We should stop and realize that we all are sinners and need to confess and repent before God. John reminds us that we all have sin in our lives and if we say we are not sinners we are liars and the truth is far from us. However if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Then we are ready to enter into praise and worship. We have stopped at the Altar of Sacrifice and the Lave to cleanse ourselves. We are now ready to worship in Spirit and Truth.
When we begin to praise. Him. As we lift our voices to brag on who He is and what He has done. As we begin to talk of the blessings that He has bestowed upon us, we steadily approach the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The uplifted voice and extended hand! The offering of a sweet-smelling sacrifice from our lips takes us to a place where our whole attention becomes focused on God! Who God is! We enter into a spirit of worship.
It is in the Holy of Holies that the Ark of the Covenant or Testimony was placed. This was a symbol to Israel of the presence of God. It was upon the Ark that the Mercy Seat was placed. It sat between the Cherubims which sat facing each other atop the Ark. Listen to the promise that God gave Moses for Israel.
　
"And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two Cherubims which are upon the ark . . ." Ex 25:22
We no longer have to go through the physical rituals with a High Priest, animal sacrifices and the shedding of blood. We no longer have to depend upon a man to take our atonement before God and hope that all is acceptable. We are now able to enter into the very presence of God through our worship. Hebrew 4:16 speaks of us now, as New Testament believers being able to come boldly to God to obtain mercy. We enter into that Holy of Holies, approaching the place where God will meet with us and commune with us. We can obtain mercy! We can obtain help! We can further a relationship with God.
The Psalmist asks the question, who can stand in the Holy Place? Then he answers, he that has clean hands and a pure heart and he will be blessed of the Lord. Clean hands and a pure heart come from repentance.
Being careful to approach God in our praise and worship by first taking time to purify yourself before Him is so important. Praise comes more readily. Worship becomes the spontaneous product of our praise. God’s blessings are poured out in response to the pure praise and worship. There is now nothing standing between us and God. There is now nothing hindering our praise and worship. There is now nothing causing us to feel guilty or condemned.
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." ( Heb 10:19-22)
Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .

Weekend of Minsitry and Blessings

What a wonderful experience in the presence of the Lord this weekend! I love it when God shows off!

TEAM Ministry traveled to Osceola, Arkansas on Saturday August 8 to enjoy Praise Break ‘09 with the saints of the United Pentecostal Church Worship Center of Osceola. Pastor Tim and Cristie Doran are part of TEAM Ministry who were the host of this wonderful service.

There were about a 130 in attendance, which packed out the church with chairs down the hallway. Pastors from nearby churches brought their young people and singing groups to take part in this wonderful time of worship. Young and old alike sang with great anointing and inspiration. Several signing groups blessed us with audio and visual singing. Sister Dyson brought the house down as she sang, “He’s an On Time God!”

Churches represented, that I was able to catch the names of, were Leechville, Arkansas with Pastor Jerry Johnson, Wilson, Arkansas with Pastor Keith Stokes, and Kennett, Missouri with Pastor David Henderson. There were also several members of TEAM Ministry Group in attendance Royce Henderson, Todd Henderson, Shirley McCoy, Karynn Doran and Yvonne Hinshaw. We had the privilege of meeting TEAM Ministry Group members Jade Gonzales and Nancy Brooks for the first time.

Sunday afternoon we enjoy being God’s blessings once again with another divine visitation as we ministered in Osceola. Pastor Tim ministered to the children while the rest of us joined in on the fun and blessings. God spoke to us about His love for us. Our lives were touched. Several left changed!

After a quick meal and time of fellowship, we rushed to Calvary UPC in Jonesboro, Arkansas and enjoyed a great time of worship and the preaching of the Word of God. Evangelist Robert and Deborah Tisdale were ministering at Calvary. They are friends of ours of many years. We were neighboring pastors in Northern California in the 1990’s and shared pulpits on many occasions.

Evangelist Tisdale preached “Don’t Touch Me I Am Going Up!” I am not staying in this situation; God has called me to something greater. I will not allow circumstances to bind me God has called me UP! What a powerful message. Three people received the wonderful baptism of the Holy Ghost during this service. One of those was from the Church in Osceola. What a wonderful was to end a blessed weekend.

We enjoyed the hospitality of Pastors Tim and Cristie Doran of Osceola. We also enjoyed meeting and fellowshipping with Pastors John and Bonnie Chance of Jonesboro. These folks have enjoyed a wonderful move of the Holy Ghost and have seen 103 baptized with the Holy Ghost in ten weeks. Thank you Pastors Chance for allowing TEAM Ministry to be blessed.

Thank you for your prayers TEAM, they were felt and rewarded. Together Enjoying Apostolic Ministry!

Evil is Present

Have you ever tried to do the right thing and it seems every way that you turn there is something blocking you from getting it done? Maybe you are doing chores around the house and the phone rings. Of course with caller ID we know not to pick up the sales call or the bill collectors calls, but we will stop and talk with a friend because our curiosity won’t let us miss that call. Just when you start back to the chore that is demanding your attention one of the children comes crying and needs your love and attention. Finally you return to the demanding chore when the doorbell rings. Thank God for garages to hide the car in and peep-holes in the door so you can check and see who is there. No it isn’t Avon calling, but a neighbor with a three layer chocolate cake in her hand. Gotta be neighborly even if the chore is calling.

Paul made a statement in Romans that came to my mind today. He said, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good , evil is present with me.” Romans 7:21 I know that his reference here is to the war of the flesh against spiritual things. When we try to live for God and serve Him with all of our hearts, our flesh is going to fight against that happening. There is an ongoing struggle between the flesh or carnal man and the spiritual man.

However, let me take this just a bit further and maybe look at it from a different point of view. Have you noticed when you try to do something more for God, evil is present. I am not talking, now, about your flesh warring against the spirit. I am talking about outside forces that try to hinder, stop or discourage you from doing more for God.

Let me give you an example that comes to mind. I know of a case several years ago where some young people were desiring to have a deeper relationship with God. They wanted God to do something out of the ordinary in their lives. They began to pray, fast and read their Bibles. They began to become more focused in their worship. They would spend hours at the church praying and seeking God. They spent extra time in Bible Study. They were hungry for a move of God in their lives. Yet while this was going on there were others who were criticizing them. Trying to distract them from continuing. There was evil present when they were trying to do good.

Paul encountered this more than once in his ministry. I recall he is on his way to Jerusalem. He stops to visit a church and while there the people beg him not to go. Prophecies are made of beatings and imprisonment. I am not accusing these people of being evil, but I am saying there was evil present to stop him from obeying the call of God in his life. Paul asked them to stop breaking his heart! He had to obey that call.

Ordinary things happen to people who are content with the ordinary. Just give us the “common place events“. We are happy with the “run of the mill” accomplishments in our lives. We are content with the mundane, humdrum that has been going on in their lives. Don’t rock the boat is our motto and it is a motto we are too often happy to live by.

However, when we become disillusioned with the ordinary and long for the extraordinary, things will change! Once we get a taste for the astonishing power of God doing the unexpected and surprising us, there is no going back. Step into the realm of a supernatural experience with God and you can never be content with the ordinary again. Once you see God touch a life that you have influenced for Him, you will never be the same. Once you see a healing take place you will not be willing to have it any other way.

Just recently I was asked to come teach in a church on a Sunday morning and Sunday night. The subject was one where people will not be running the aisles or swinging from the rafters. In fact, you will be fortunate to get a few amen’s. I had been asked to teach on giving! All week I prayed and told God how I felt. I love teaching on Apostolic giving! I love teaching that God loves cheerful givers! I love teaching people that God has a financial plan for His church and when we test God, look out! However, I wanted God to show His pleasure in His Word and that is what I asked Him to do. As I was teaching I could feel resistance from some of those that were there, they didn‘t like the subject matter nor did they agree with my teaching. However, at the end of the one hour and thirty minutes of teaching on that Sunday night the majority of the people rose and with cheerful excitement came and gave to God, for a second time that night, a love offering. The power of God fell in a mighty way as people began to worship God. I looked over and witnessed a lady being healed right there in that offering time!

When I would do good… I can’t let anything or anybody stop me from doing the good God has impressed upon my heart. I can’t let anything stop me from the relationship with God that He is drawing me to. Years ago someone said, “They never built a statue to a critic.” There will be those who will stand around and criticize me for what I am doing and desiring from God, however, they will not be standing in my place before God and answering Him to why I didn’t heed His direction. I am the one who will have to answer that question.

Let me assure you there will be evil present to stop you from experiencing that extraordinary. Jesus experienced it from His closest friends and His reply was, “Get behind me Satan…” No He wasn’t saying Peter was Satan! He was, however, saying the spirit that was being shown there was evil. When I want to do good, evil is present…

Just a thought! God Bless…
　

TEAM Ministry in Salem, Arkansas

This past Sunday TEAM Ministry ministered in Salem, Arkansas with Pastor and Sister Art DeAscentis.

We ministered Sunday morning with Jared preaching of how God wants to refreshing our souls and spirits. God touched the hearts of both young and old alike. (Sorry we forgot the camera!)

Sunday night God met with us again as we ministered of the signs of the Apostolic Church and how God wants to start making a difference in our lives.

There was a tremendous resposnse to the manifestation of the power of God. Young people began to touch God and allow Him to begin working in the spirits.

As it began to slow a bit there was a such sweet spirit that swept over us and we began to sing that old song, "Jesus...there's just something about that name..." God spoke to us again, confirming His Word with tongues and interpretation confirming His love to His children.

We were blessed with a surprise visit from Jarus David from Colton, California. We have known Jarus and his family for over twenty years. It was wonderful to be with an old young friend.

There is nothing as beautiful as young people who have been worshipping, praying and allowing God to touch their lives. We appreciate Shelisa's intercession for the service.

What a wonderful time we had in the precense of the Lord! Please keep this church in your prayers. A year ago this week their building was destroyed in an arson fire. They are now worshipping in what will be the fellowship hall of their new building and need a financial blessing to be able to finish the work.

God Bless!

TEAM Ministry in Benton, Arkansas

Refreshed! Lives being touched and changed by the wonderful Spirit of God! Healings! Renewals! Born again of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in a brand new language! Together Experiencing Apostolic Ministry!

This past weekend TEAM Ministry was blessed to be in services with Pastor Jay Emerson of Apostolic Tabernacle in Benton, Arkansas. This was a rare occasion for TEAM because several of the members and MVPs were together in service. Jared Doran, Faye Doran, Shelisa Doran, Margie Power, Melinda and Don Doran were all together. What a wonderful time we had.

We were blessed in both services with a surprise appearance of a friend from the past. We were all surprised when Jarus David of Colton, California came walking into the service. Jarus is a mutual friend with Pastor Emerson, the Kennedy family of Benton, and the Doran's. His father held several revivals for my father and then myself. We have also preached for them on numerous occasions through the years. We enjoyed and were blessed by the musical ministry of Jarus and his sweet spirit.

Jared preached Sunday morning about "Refreshing" which comes from God. It is God's desire to refresh us with His Spirit, making us a new. Sunday night I brought a message about the Signs of the Believer. God blessed His Word in both services. Hearts were touched and spirits renewed. In Sunday night's service God ministered throughout the service and confirmed His Word with the infilling of the Holy Ghost of a young lady. Others expressed how God had touched their hearts and had started a healing in their lives.

It was wonderful to witness God blessing both the young and the old. Meeting the needs of the Church and the individual simultaneously. Using the young person and allowing them to be blessed and a blessing. Ministering to and through the more "mature" meeting needs and healing wounds from the past.

Together Experiencing Apostolic Ministry! Witnesses the power of God as he heals the broken hearted, delivers the captive, opens the sight of those that are blind and setting at liberty those who have been bruised. This is the acceptable time for God to meet the need!

God you are great and greatly to be praised! Oh magnify the Lord with us and let us exalt His name together!

The Great God of Comfort is Still Available!

Have you ever had one of those moments which stand out so vividly in your mind that many years later you can remember ever detail of it as if it had just happened? It can sometimes be a catastrophic event! It might even be just one of those special moments when the occasion is so momentous to you it is like it is etched in stone, like the birth of a child. Maybe it is a time when God had a divine appointment with you, like the one I want to share.
I will never forget this day as long as I live. It was in January of 1997. We were pastoring Triumphant Life Center in Rio Dell, California. That Friday morning I had gone to Eureka, California which was twenty-five miles away to take care of some business. One of my favorite things to do, if time permitted, was to go by the One Way Bible Book Store and browse. They had a good selection of books and a wonderful selection of used Christian books. Even when I didn’t have money to spend I would drop in and just look through the books. I love to read and I love books, so it was a great place to hide for a while.
I had looked around the store and it was time to leave so I approached the checkout with my purchase. The clerk had stepped into an office area behind the counter and was talking to a customer on the phone. I wasn’t in a real hurry so I took advantage of the wait to turn and look at some of the books and magazines in the checkout area. I wasn’t paying attention to the clerk or the conversation but as I stood with my back to the counter and office it was as if suddenly their voice was amplified. I heard the clerk state to the person on the phone, “I am sorry but the great God of comfort is not available!”
Now I don’t really know what they were talking about. Obviously considering where I was at the time, they were either talking about a book or some type of recording which had that name but when they made this statement a feeling went all over me. I suddenly felt something rise up within me and wanted to shout to the top of my lungs, “The Great God of Comfort is always available!”
As I left the store I couldn’t get away from that statement, it just kept rolling over in my mind. How terrible it would be to feel the great God of comfort was not available! How could you deal with life? How could you face tomorrow? How could you go on if you believed the great God of comfort was not available?
That Sunday night, as you might have already figured out, that is what I felt to preach about. God led me to a passage that I had not paid any attention to prior to this time. Paul is greeting the church in Corinth in his second letter and makes this statement as part of his greeting:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.“ 2 Cor 1:3-4

I preached a message entitled, “The Great God of Comfort is Always Available!” No matter what the problem is, the Great God of Comfort is always available! No matter how great the trial, the Great God of Comfort is always available! No matter how deep the valley or how lonely the night, the Great God of Comfort is always available! He will walk with you through those times when you feel you can’t walk another step! He will comfort you when you feel comfortless. He is always available.
The following Thursday I was again on my way to Eureka this time going with my son Justin to get his drivers license. On our way we stopped in Fortuna to take care of some other errands. As we were leaving town we passed my brother Tim and his wife Cristie and we all waved at each other. Justin and I were surprised when just a few miles up the freeway Tim pulled alongside of us and motioned he needed to talk to us. We took the next exit and they pulled up at the stop sign and told us they had been to the doctor and he was sending them to the hospital to run some tests.
Cristie was expecting their second child and was about thirty-five weeks into the pregnancy. They had just been to the doctor for a checkup and he thought they should go to the hospital to run some additional tests. I asked Tim if I needed to go with him but he said no, everything was fine. Just wanted to let us know so we could pray.
About two or three hours later, as we were returning home, my pager began to vibrate. There was a message to call my wife. My mobile phone was mounted in my truck which she had so I couldn’t call right away. The pager went off again, this time the call was from my mobile phone in the truck!
I was now getting nervous! My father was very ill and I was sure that he had fallen or something else had happened to him. I told Justin to stop in Fortuna and I would find a pay phone to call. We found a phone and I called the truck. There was no answer. I called the house and again there was no answer. About that time my pager went off a third time and this time it was a call from the hospital. I decided not to even call the hospital just to go directly there and find out what was going on.
When I arrived at the hospital I walked directly into the reception area. I had spent so much time there with family and saints the person at the desk recognized me. Before I could say anything she said, “They are all in the chapel!”
My heart sank! My feet became lead! I was wondering what could have happened so quickly that they would already be in the chapel? When I opened the door my wife looked at me with a warning look and eyes filled with tears. I quickly looked around and in the room was several other family members all focusing their attention on Tim and Cristie. I walked over to them and asked what was wrong. Tim, only twenty-two years old, looked at me with a shocked look and said, “They can’t find a heart beat for the baby and are sure we have lost him!”
From that point on things become a bit of a blur. This was my little brother and sister. They were my kids. Tim is eighteen years younger than I and I helped raise him. Cristie was a perfect fit in our family and we have always loved her as one of us. Now they were hurting so bad and I couldn’t help them. I remember taking them aside to talk to them and try to say something right for them. I told them that they could trust God in this and He would help them through this. They could trust Him and He would receive the glory from whatever came from it.
I will never forget as this young couple who were just starting life together and just starting a ministry together looked at me and said, “If the devil thinks this will stop us from living for God and having revival in our lives he is wrong. He is in for a fight!”
Sunday night Tim and Cristie came to church although I had told them if they weren’t up to it I would understand. Tim asked if it would be alright to arrive a bit later than usual and sit in the back as they didn’t feel like answering a lot of questions but did want to be in Church. I, of course, said that would be fine. So they came to Church that night.
Church started in a tentative manner. It was as if everybody was afraid to worship because they knew Tim and Cristie was there. Maybe we were wondering what they would think. We were also feeling their pain and loss. The worship leader started us in the old chorus, “Won’t We Have a Time When We get over yonder?” As we sang it through a time or two it was as if we didn’t believe the song. Suddenly I heard a commotion and looked up. Down the aisle dancing for all he was worth came Tim! He danced to the front of the Church and reached up and took the microphone from the praise leader. With the microphone in one hand and the other raised to his Comforter he began to dance and sing that song giving it a brand new meaning. Several times through the next weeks and months this couple would refer to a divine appointment they had on a Sunday night with God. God met with them and sent them a personal message, “The Great God of All Comfort is Always Available!”
A little over a year ago I received a phone call at work and was told that a Sister in the church we attend had a son pass away that day. The son was in his early thirties and had died unexpectedly!
The following Sunday morning, just a day or so later, I was surprised when his grieving mother came into the Church. I was further surprised a little while later when she alone stood to her feet, raised her hands to heaven and began worshiping her God with all of her heart, just like she always does.
My brother Tim was sitting in front of me and a while later passed me a note that said, “Hey, the Great God of Comfort is still available, put that in a book!”
This past week, while in prayer, I once again felt led of God to share this thought. I still would rather not share it because I can’t without weeping and reliving those moments, it still tears at my heart! However, I feel there are those who are in need of the reassurance that in your moment of despair you can know the Great God of All Comfort is Still Available! It doesn’t matter what your tribulation is, He is available. Be assured He will Comfort you! Be assured He will take you through this time of tribulation! Be assured that from this time of receiving comfort from Him you will be able to share that Comfort with someone else in their time of tribulation.
Before I posted this blog I asked permission of Tim and Cristie to use their story. I knew if it affected me so deeply it would do the same to them. In fact, I sent them a second letter saying I had changed my mind and wasn’t going to post it. However, God once again let me know someone needs to hear this story. I received the following words:

“I don't have a problem with you using our story. Tim preaches about it occasionally, and I know that's part of the reason God let it happen to us, to use it help others. So whatever you feel like doing is fine with me.
By the way, did you realize today was Tyler's birthday? January 30, 1997...now I can kind of look back on it as a beautiful day. I don't cringe anymore when this day comes along.…”

The Great God of Comfort is Always Available!
Today, November 8, 2012, I opened my Facebook page and Cristie had posted something she was thankful for. It touched me so much I had to pull this story out and add her testimony and share it again. Cristie Doran:Today I'm thankful for my second born, Tyler. I carried him in my body for 35 weeks, in my arms for just a few moments, but I carry him in my heart forever. I was taught some invaluable lessons through having loved this baby boy. Just a few of them: The great God of comfort is always available, there really is a peace that passes all understanding, and God really can heal the broken heart. Just a thought! God Bless…

Do You Love Miracles?

Have you ever seen a miracle? I mean a real live miracle like you read about in the Bible? You know a miracle where the lame walk, blinded eyes are opened, or deaf ears are unstopped. Not a miracle that we title that way just to hide our surprise. “Wow, she made it to church on time, what a miracle!” Or, “I couldn’t believe I found a parking spot next to the door of the mall, God worked a miracle!”

I love it when God shows off with a miracle. I remember one service in which we had several miraculous healings all at once. We were worshipping God and a lady had her foot healed, broken bones mended right there. She began to scream “I’m healed!” She jumped up and down on that foot. About that time another person let out a shout they also had been healed. They felt God touch and heal their heart! Miracles are awesome!

I recently read a book by a well known evangelist who said the day of miracles were past. I thought, friend you and I need to have a little talk because I have seen some miracles in my life! I love miracles.

Another thing that I really love is the way God provides for us. He does this in so many different ways. I remember when I was very young my Dad preached a revival in a country Church. The last night of the revival we went to get in the car to go home and the people had filled our car with groceries. The trunk and back seat were stacked full of home grown provisions. The monetary offering was fairly small but the food offering was incredible. There were several dozens of eggs in the offering. It took several weeks to go through all of them. I remember when Mom opened the last dozen there was a ten dollar bill lying right on top. Finances were tight, at that time, and you could buy a lot for ten dollars. What was amazing is the money was in the last carton, not the first or middle. Provision when we needed it.

I love the word of God. I love to read it! I love to hear it preached! I can remember messages I heard preached decades ago because something from the Word of God blessed my soul. I can remember scriptures that I read years ago and for the first time something in the passage spoke to my soul. Many years later I remember the time and the place. The Word of God is powerful!

When God spoke to Moses about building the Tabernacle it was to be a place where Israel could come to meet with God and God would meet with Israel. It was placed in the center of the camp of Israel; every tent was to face the Tabernacle. God was very detailed and specific in the instructions to the Tabernacle. He detailed its location, dimensions, materials to be used and furnishings. Even with the furnishings he was as detailed in His instructions, even to the point of their placement within the Tabernacle itself.

The Tabernacle was a type for the New Testament. It represents our relationship with God. The Tabernacle was located in the center of Israel with all of Israel focused upon it. God is to be the center of our lives with our focus on Him.

The Tabernacle was covered with badger skins on the outside, yet on the inside, hidden and revealed only to those who entered, it was beautiful. The colors of the drapery and covering were scarlet, purple, and white accenting the gold of the furnishings highlighted by the flickering lights of the Golden Candlesticks; it must have been breath taking. This is typical of our spiritual relationship with God. To the outsider it might seem unattractive but when you enter into the Spirit of God it is so beautiful words are so inadequate to explain its splendor.

As you approached the Tabernacle you saw the Altar of Sacrifice and the Brazen Laver. This was where the priest offered the sacrifice for the sins of the people. They would then wash themselves at the Brazen Laver before entering into the Tabernacle. This is a type of repentance and baptism. We must repent and be baptized before we can enter into a relationship with God. We also need to repent and allow God to cleanse us each time we come to worship Him.

Entering the Tabernacle you stepped into a room called the Holy Place. In this room there were three articles of furniture. These pieces were The Table of Shew Bread, The Golden Candlesticks and the Altar of Incense. They were a type of the Word of God, the Holy Ghost and our worship to God.

Behind the Altar of Incense was a thick curtain or veil. In the room behind that, called the Holiest of Holies, was one piece of furniture which was called the Ark of the Covenant. This room was only available to one person in Israel and that was only one time a year. Moses could not enter here nor could Joshua or any other man. Only the High Priest could come in and only when it was time to apply the blood offering to the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant. This is a type of Jesus Christ obtaining mercy for us. This was where God met with man and showed his mercy. It is also a type of you and me entering into a worship attitude that takes us beyond the veil of this flesh into communion with God in the Spirit! We no longer have to have a man represent us; we can come boldly before God and obtain mercy and help. We can fellowship directly with Him.

The Ark of the Covenant was a type of God being with man. It was not God, but represented several things about God. On the cover of the Ark were two cherubim facing one another. Between then was the Mercy Seat. Inside the Ark there were three things: Aaron’s rod that budded, this was an almond stick that had budded although it was dead, a testimony of God’s miraculous power and authority. There was a pot of manna from the wilderness which was a testimony of God’s miraculous provision. There was also the table of stone on which the Covenant had been recorded that was between God and Israel. It was a reminder of God’s promise to Israel and what God expected of them. It was His Word.

Many years later Israel carried the Ark of the Covenant into battle as a “good luck charm.” However they lost both the battle and the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines. The Philistines put it in the temple of their god’s and much to their dismay God destroyed their gods and wrecked havoc in their temple. They moved it from place to place with continued disastrous results until finally they put it on a cart and sent it back to Israel.

Generations later Solomon has built a temple to God. At the dedication of the temple he brings the Ark of the Covenant into the temple and bestows upon it its place of honor. The Bible tells us that at this time all that was in the Ark of the Covenant was the “two tables which Moses put therein” or the Word of God. The Philistines had taken out the rod that budded and the pot of manna.

You know, that is like so many people in our world today. They want God to do miracles and they want God’s provision but they will leave behind the Word of God. Give us something that sparkles! Give us something that makes us feel good! We don’t need the Word it is tough and boring! It isn’t for us today!

Take a moment to notice this. The Philistines were afflicted in their secret parts! They had the miracles and the provisions but they couldn’t get rid of the Ark fast enough because they couldn’t handle the power it brought. Paul speaks of these types of people in 2 Timothy 3, they want to look good, they want the miracles and provision, however, they deny the power that brings it about and makes it real. They don’t want to live by the Word of God. They don’t love the Word of God. Paul said to get away from these types of people! You can’t run fast enough, spiritually!

Miracles are wonderful but God gave them to the Church to confirm His Word. Provision is wonderful and needed, however it is a physical manifestation of God’s love for His people which He tells us of in His Word. When the Ark came back to Israel, it came back with out the rod or the pot, but the Spirit of God was still with it. You can know God without the miracles or the provision but you can never know Him without His Word!

Today, as never before, I pray God give me a love for you Word. Job put it this way: “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food,” Job 23:12

Do you love miracles? Do you love God’s provision? I do! However, I love His Word more than all else!

Just a thought! God Bless.

Waters to Swim In

Do you enjoy swimming? To me there is nothing as refreshing on a hot day as getting into the swimming pool and just letting the water totally cover you! It seems like every part of your body is refreshed and cooled.

I remember when we were kids we lived just a little ways from the river. In fact, you could see the Eel River from our back porch. We would spend as much time as possible at the river playing, hunting, and fishing. However, we were never allowed to swim unless we had an adult with us. For some reason my Mom is terrified of water. My Dad didn’t learn how to swim. He said his Dad threw him in the creek and told him to swim out! He sank to the bottom and walked out. He and his Dad repeated this a few times and finally his Dad gave up.

When we could talk Mom into taking us swimming, which would happen only one or two times a summer, she was very rigid in what we could do. We were never allowed to get in the water past our knees. Really! If we went out past our knees she would panic and make us come back.
Now the problem with this is simply it is hard to get wet and have a great time in knee deep water. You can’t swim! You can’t really float! All you can do is splash around a bit and maybe lay in the water, moving around with your hands on the bottom. It is not really fun, but it is better than nothing.

I will never forget the summer when I was able to go without Mom’s permission. A couple of friends and I went to a swimming hole and I learned to swim. One of my friends had some ski belts which we put on. We climbed up on this log and jumped into about 12 feet of water. It was so awesome! This is how I learned to swim. I loved it because I found out that water that is over your head enables you to do so much more and have so much more fun.

It reminds me of the passage where Ezekiel speaks of being taken out into the water. It started out shallow but eventually he was led into water that was waters to swim in. I remember my Dad preaching from this passage many times a message called “Wade out into the Deep!” He would preach about our relationship with God and how some people are happy to stay close to shore just kicking around in shallow water. We need to venture out into the deeper waters that we are able to swim in.

The same is true in our worship. Many times we are content to splash around in the shallow waters. I want to be very careful because I have no intention of making light of any sacrifice of praise that is made to the Lord, so please stay with me. Yet we go home and have never left sight of the shore. We have not gone far enough to get into the water to swim in; we have hung around the shore, that which is safe and familiar.

Let me give you an example that I have seen happen many times through the years. We come to Church really excited about the service. We are remembering past services and the touch of God we have received upon our lives. We begin to sing praises to Him. We sing of His mercy and grace. We sing of His name and heaven. At first it is just “our self” that is doing it but soon we begin to feel a little something! The more we praise Him the better we feel and others are feeling it too. Someone might begin to jump up and down a bit! Someone might break into a run or a dance! There are times when this might go on for a time period of great praise to the Lord.
How many times do we stop there? How many times do we stop and catch our breath and say, “We could go home now. We have already had Church?” Many times we do just that. My question is simply this, what would happen if we pressed on into deeper waters. What would happen if we would wade on out until we were in waters in which we were totally submerged in the Spirit? Let’s think about this for a moment.

The word “baptize” is used five times in the New Testament in three different scriptures. In three of those scriptures it is quoting John the Baptist prophesying that Jesus would come and baptize us with the Holy Ghost. We know that baptism only happens when you are totally submerged. We know that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God. I do not believe the baptism of the Holy Ghost to be only a one time event in our life. I do believe that God wants to baptize us repeatedly with His Spirit. We have to wade out into the swimming waters in order for this to happen.

Every day we deal with life. We deal with hurts and disappointments. We deal with anger, pain, bitterness, abuse, fear, deceit and all of the other things that life throws our way on a daily basis. Being emotional we feel these pains and our soul filters these emotions. After awhile the filter will become clogged with the debris of life. At that point we come to the place where we feel we can’t take any more. We become overwhelmed!

However, when we push past the familiar in our praise, we begin to allow God to do a work in us. Let me share this thought. There are seven words in the Old Testament for praise, I won’t take time to go into all of them, but I noticed many of them were words, powerful words, which just speak of a commitment of our relationship with God, whether or not we are feeling anything special. They speak of raising our hands, being thankful, shouting, playing music, to boast, and to celebrate. All of these are wonderful and I love them, they are so much a part of who we are. Yet I also noticed that in part they are a testimony to others, as well as God, of how we feel about God and His goodness. There is also one word that is a little different and it speaks of blessing the Lord from a prostrate position.

Now I am not bringing about a new doctrine, I am just sharing a thought that has been on my heart for a while. If you look this word up in the scripture you will find that it is the same word that is used when God blesses us. Let’s take a look at a couple of Psalms where it is used.

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” Ps 95:6

This is more of a positional type of worship, whether physically or spiritually and emotionally, we bow before Him. It also speaks of adoration. So the reason we bow before Him is because we adore Him. Let’s go a bit further.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Ps 100:4

This speaks to me of going further than praise and thanksgiving, which seem to be the starting point. This speaks to me of entering into a worshipful attitude that is deeper. With this thought in mind, check this out…

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” Ps 103:1-2

The rest of the Psalms list the reasons to adore Him, all of reasons we should adore Him. This is, to me, speaking of wading into those waters where you totally become submerged in the Spirit of God, waters to swim in. You are worshipping Him with all that is within you! Every part of your being adores Him.

Consider this! Jesus takes a little side trip to Samaria. There He meets a lady and begins to talk to her of Spiritual things. She spoke to Him of His being a Prophet and of places to worship. Jesus said there would come a time when worship would not be required to happen in a certain place. He went on to say that it was time when those who worshipped God openly would do so in spirit and in truth.

He then makes this statement which I will quote because of the power of it:

“…for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

The words used here speak of worship meant to adore. It also means to kiss like a dog licking his master’s hand. It means to prostrate your self before Him in adoration. It goes on to use the words spirit and truth. Spirit speaks of God’s Spirit, entering into a realm beyond our spirit to where the Spirit of God is one with ours. Truth speaks of verity or something real, true, genuine. Men will worship Him in unity with His Spirit in a real and genuine manner. The most powerful part of everything Jesus says to the woman is this, “God is looking for us to worship Him in this manner.”

This is worship that cannot take place in the shallow water; this is when you get out in the waters to swim in. This is when you have lowered yourself and exalted Him in your adoration. This is when you magnify the Lord and exalt His name. You adore Him!

Let’s go back to the filter we spoke of earlier. Jesus stood on the last day of the Feast and said if any man is thirsty he can come to me and drink. If He believes on me scripturally out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water. Then the writer makes sure we understand that Jesus was talking of the Holy Ghost. When we begin to worship God as a true believer, one who adores Him, the Holy Ghost is going to flow through our heart. All of the debris that has been caught in our filter is going to be flushed out by the power of the Holy Ghost. There will be a flowing of the Spirit. Our emotions will be cleaned as our spirit communes with the Spirit of God.

Paul tells us to be filled with the Spirit of God. He is telling us to come under the influence of God’s Spirit. He tells us to allow the Spirit to control us. Could I go as far as to say, to wade out from our comfort zone into the swimming waters!

Just a thought! God Bless.