Tag: god

An Addendum To The Election

Reflecting back to when these posts began, they were given ‘birth’ by a poster carried by a protester after Donald Trump was elected President in 2016.

I believe it was in January 2017.

That’s a long time ago.

The sign said, ‘be ungoverned’.

What does ‘be ungoverned’ mean: lawlessness.

Quoting Got Questions, What does the Bible say about lawlessness?, the opening paragraph says, “To be lawless is to be contrary to the law or to act without regard to the law. Laws are necessary in a sinful world (I Timothy 1:9), and those who choose to act lawlessly further sin in the world. The word for “lawlessness” in the Bible is often translated “iniquity”. According to the Bible, the root of all lawlessness is rebellion.”

What have we witnessed in our nation as a result of his election in 2016?

The growth lawlessness that has borne the ‘fruit’ of those ‘two words’ written on that cardboard sign.

Those ‘two words’ are still resounding loud and clear today in 2025.

Their boisterousness has enlarged since the 2016 Presidential election.

The growth of lawlessness has resulted in chaos, confusion, corruption, and consternation in our nation.

What took place in 2016 at the election polls in 2016 repeated itself at the election polls in 2024.

Donald Trump was elected to be the President of the United States.

I know this is redundant; but the rhetoric against his re-election is still loud, disruptive, and irrational.

Mr. Trump promised change, if elected.

He was elected because he promised change; and now having been re-elected, he is following through with his promises of change.

There has been, literal, ‘screaming’ coming from those who oppose him; vehemently voicing their disapproval.

What will be the outcome of this political earthquake?

Only time will tell?

What I see happening, and many others also see happening , is the uncovering of the ‘deeds of darkness’ that have been overshadowing and influencing our nation for many years.

This uncovering of ‘darkness’ is the result of many praying for our nation.

I believe that the Lord will fulfill the words of Psalm 64.

Please read Psalm 64.

[If you are interested, please read the post, THE A.R.R.O.W. OF GOD]

God has shot His Arrow. (Psalm 64:7)

There will be ‘Adonai’s Righteous Revelation Of Wrongdoing.’

The evil words that have been spewed out over our nation (Psalm 64: 1-4) will come back upon those that spoke them, and they will be wounded by their own words. (Psalm 64:7-8)

Humanity will witness God’s uncovering; the effect of the wounding that occurs; and will know that it is a Heavenly Coming of God. (Psalm 64:8-9)

God ‘comes down’ in His own way;He sees the evil that prevails; and He exercises judgment and salvation according to His will and purpose. (Psalm 64:9)

[God ‘sought out’ Adam and Eve; God ‘came down’ in the days of Noah; God ‘came down’ in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah; God ‘came down’ in the days of Israel in Egypt… and we can follow this pattern throughout the Bible.]

God is a Righteous Judge.

He rules and reigns.

He is in complete control.

He is Sovereign.

In the context of Psalm 64:

Psalm 64:10 (Amplified Version) says, “The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; All the upright in heart will glory and offer praise.”

In our ‘days of evil’ (Ephesians 5:16), what is the Church responsible to do?

1. Remember Romans 13:1-7.

It’s all about who has the authority and why.

2. Remember I Timothy 2:1-7.

It’s all about praying for those in authority.

3. Remember Ephesians 6:5-9

It’s all about being submissive and obedient to authority.

4. Remember John 17:14-16

It’s all about Jesus’ prayer for us.

We are to be responsible citizens in the nation we live in; however, our primary responsibility is to our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are, first, the citizens of another kingdom, the Kingdom of God; then we are citizens of the nation in which we live.

Paul instructs the Church in Ephesus about how to live.

Read Ephesians 4-6

As followers of Christ, we are to be governed by Christ, obedient to His Word, guided and taught by the Holy Spirit, pleasing our God and our Father, to Whom, all praise, glory, and honor is due.

Remember, the ‘days are evil’ (Ephesians 5:16, 2 Timothy 3:1-17)

This is not something new.

Nevertheless, in our walk with the Lord, we need to be mindful to Whom our ultimate loyalty belongs.

When opposition comes, when an opposing ‘government’ asserts itself, or when we are faced with persecution for Christ’s sake, we must follow the example of Peter and John.

Please read, Acts 4:1-31.

What do we need to be willing to embrace, to endure, and not avoid?

Opposition for the name of Christ.

One of the most intriguing verses about Jesus, Who is the Son of God/Son of Man is found in Hebrews 5:8.

The context discusses His position as our eternal High Priest.

Hebrews 5:4-11, Amplified Version, “So too Christ did not glorify Himself so as to be made a high priest, but He [was exalted and appointed by One] who said to Him, “YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN (fathered) YOU [declared Your authority and rule over the nations]”; just as He also says in another place, YOU ARE A PRIEST [appointed] FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIEDEK.” In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will]. Although He was a Son [who had never been disobedient to the Father] He learned [active and special] obedience through what He suffered. And having been made perfect[uniquely equipped and prepared as Savior and retaining His integrity amid opposition] He became the source of eternal salvation [an eternal inheritance] to all those who obey Him, being designated by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become *dull and sluggish in [your spiritual] hearing and disinclined to listen.” (emphasis mine) [*insert mine]

His willingness to obediently suffer, as the Lamb of God, becomes the source of salvation to those who obey Him. (emphasis mine)

We must not be “dull and sluggish in [ (our) your spiritual] hearing and disinclined to listen.” (insert mine)

How is your hearing?

What are you hearing?

To what are you attuned?

Do you know what the Spirit is saying to the Church today?

To each of the seven churches, listed in The Revelation, a letter was written to each church.

Toward the close of each letter the following was said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Why?

Christ, the Head of the Church, was correcting His Church.

What was the purpose of His correction?

Please read Hebrews 12:1-13.

So that the Church may ‘overcome’, be ready, steadfast and victorious in the Day of the Lord.

Please read Revelation 12.

Revelation 12 describes the spiritual battle between God and Satan.

There is constant angelic warfare.

The Church, by virtue of being in the world, lives in the reality of the constant spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

Revelation 12:11, says, “And they [the followers of Christ] overcame him [Satan] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.” (Amplified Version) [inserts mine]

Quoting the Spirit Filled Study Bible, KJV, (copyright 2020, commentary, page 1964),

Revelation 12:11 says:

“12:11 They overcame him by appropriating the victory of the finished work of Christ, by the public confession of their faith and patient endurance (see note * on 1:9). The church’s constant posture under the authority the authority of the cross’s victory by the blood of the Lamb and the steadfastness to the promise of God’s Word-the word of their testimony-is the key to their overcoming.”

[* commentary note regarding 1:9–“John experiences with his readers tribulation, or persecution on account of their faith, with patient endurance, which is steadfast courage under unjust suffering. However, attendant to the trials involved in the Christian life of the glory of the kingdom.”]

They were willing to suffer for Christ’s sake, even unto death.

Revelation 12:11, quoting George Eldon Ladd, a ‘Commentary on the Revelation of John’, copyright 1972, pages 172-173; he writes,

“And they conquered him by the blood of the Lamb. This shows clearly that the victory over Satan which John described in mythological terms actually was accomplished in history at the cross. The shed blood of Christ is the real means of victory over Satan. The secondary means is the word of their testimony; their witness to the saving power of the blood of Christ. The background of martyrdom stands on these words. They loved their Lord more than life itself and willingly suffered death rather than deny Christ. Jesus had said, “He who endures to the end [i.e., to the point of death] will be saved. (Matt. 24:13). Victory over Satan is not not physical victory to be found in the preservation of life or escape from the persecution he wages against the saints. They stood fast in their testimony to Christ and loved not their lives even unto death. Their very martyrdom was their victory over Satan; it proved that his accusations against the brethren were empty. It is clear that victory over Satan is a spiritual victory which is even won in the terrible experience of martyrdom.”

It is no secret that there are believers throughout the world that live in the ‘certitude’ of this verse (Revelation 12:11) everyday of their lives because of the spiritual opposition they face.

The western church in North America has not faced the fullness of this type of persecution described in Revelation 12:11.

However, that does not mean we are exempt from such opposition.

The Word of God does not exempt the followers of Christ from suffering.

Please read 1 Peter 2:11-25; 4:1-19.

In closing,

The ‘Epistle to the Hebrews’ was written “to wavering Jewish believers, encouraging them to stand fast in their faith. The writer points out the overwhelming superiority of Christ over all that they had experienced under the law. Jewish believers should never consider turning back because what Christ offers them is so much better than what the law had promised under the Mosaic economy. The author dwells on the incomparable glory of the Person and work of Christ, showing His supremacy over, prophets…angels…Moses…Joshua…Aaron…and the whole ritual of Judaism.” (Introduction to the ‘Epistle to the Hebrews’, Spirit Filled Life Bible, copyright 2020, page 1844, KJV)

Therefore, let us consider these words,

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the father’s by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who is the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they…Therefore we must give the earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” (Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4 NKJV)

God, has Personally ‘come down’ in the Person of His Son, Jesus.

Jesus is still speaking to His Church today.

In fact, He is speaking loud and clear.

A ‘Heavenly Coming‘ has begun.

His voice is sounding forth with intensity and visibility throughout the earth.

It is even speaking in our nation, especially on college campuses.

Lord, as You said to Your seven churches, “He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the Churches.”

Thank you Lord for giving us ears to hear.

We praise You and glorify Thy name.

blessings, ‘Resting In Christ’s Kingship’, deo

His Comings Keep Coming! Part 4

2 Timothy 3:1-17 has different headings depending upon the translation used.

For example, the MacArthur Study Bible says, “Perilous Times, and Perilous Men”; The Spirit Filled Life Bible (KJV) says, “Perilous Times Shall Come”; Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible has no chapter title breaks; Master Study Bible says, “Difficult Times Will Come”; The Tree of Life Version says, “Opposition in the Last Days”; English Standard Version (ESV) says, “Godlessness in the Last Days”; The Message says, “Difficult Times Ahead”; “Kings James Version says, “Difficult Times Will Come”.

Question: What is the heading in your personal Bible?

‘Heaven is Coming‘ to confront ‘the evil days’.

God came down in the days of Noah. God came down in the days of the Tower of Babel. God came down in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Why did God come down ?

He came down to ‘see’ the evil.

The result of what He ‘saw’ was a Heavenly Coming.

Using the Exodus of Israel from Egypt as a template a second time, God came in response to His people crying out to Him for deliverance.

God keeps His covenant with His people.

He revealed Himself to Egypt (a type of the world), and specifically to Pharaoh, who boasted before Moses:

“Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2, NKJV)

That kind of arrogance will get God’s attention.

God made Himself known to Pharaoh( who represents the authority of Satan and his total opposition to the authority of God); to the nation of Egypt( a picture of the world); and to the nation of Israel (God’s people).

The process of God that He sent to set His people Israel free from the bondage of Egypt is a representation of the conflict that is in the universe between God and Satan.

It was God’s ‘Heavenly Coming’.

It is also a picture of God’s people who are in the world but not a part of the world. A world that is governed by the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2 NKJV)

The conflict is over who is in charge?

God or Satan.

The answer is God.

His opposition is Satan.

Is there a conflict?

Is there an ongoing battle?

Is God threatened by this conflict?

Absolutely not!

How has Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, the Creator of the world, the One and Only True God responded to this uprising by Satan?

His response actually took place before the foundation of the world in eternity.(Ephesians 1-3)

The explanation of His response is found from cover to cover within God’s written Word, the Bible.

God’s people today, the Church, the Ekklesia, like those who have gone before them, must take its stand in the Word of God.

Reflect on these words: “For you were once in darkness [Egypt, the world], but now you are light [out of the world, and ‘in Christ, Who is the Light of the world] in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness [Egypt, the world], but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things which are exposed are made manifest by the light [Q: when you turn a light on, what leaves?)] for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says, “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” “. [Paul’s call to the Church is to remind them that they, too, were once not saved, in darkness, and they came to the light, now live like it.] Continuing, “See then that you walk circumspectly (carefully, [a marginal note]), not as fools [a fool is one who says there is no God,Psalms 14:1], but as wise (Proverbs 9:8-10) redeeming the time because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:8-16, NKJV) [inserts mine]

In context, Paul, speaking to the Church at Ephesus, is reminding them of their responsibility as Christians to be sure that their lifestyle does not reflect the lifestyle of the world but reflects the life of Christ to which they are being conformed.

Using Proverbs 9:8-10 Amplified Version, to help us focus,

“Do not correct a scoffer [who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error] or he that hates you; correct a wise man [who learns from his error] and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.”

This, I believe, is the teaching spirit of Paul, as he addresses the Ephesian Church in their midst of struggles to persevere and continue in faithfulness to the Lord.

If you have been a follower of my posts, then you know, and it is no surprise to you that the “days are evil”(Ephesians 5:16).

Am I sharing anything that the Body of Christ is not already aware of?

I sincerely doubt it.

Then, why, the posts?

I want you, Church, to see what Paul is teaching through encouragement and admonition to the Church at Ephesus.

He begins showing them that they are ‘seated in Christ’, “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name, that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.” (Ephesians 1:21, NKJV)

i.e.: seated above the “prince of the power of the air”.

Because of the finished work of the cross (Ephesians 2:1-10), “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… ” (Ephesians 2:4-6, NKJV)

Next, Paul (Ephesians 4-5) focuses their attention on ‘walking out’ what God has birthed within them, “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called”(Ephesians 4:1 NKJV); Ephesians 5:2, NKJV, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Paul shares how Christ has loved us and how we should love one another.

Then in Ephesians 6:1-9, Paul focuses upon the importance of obedience in our earthly relationships, which is paramount to walking in love as Christ has loved us.

Finally, in Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul brings their attention to the importance of spiritual warfare.

Why? because the ‘days are evil’.

Read Ephesian 6:10-18.

Paul’s emphasis is to stand.

Why the emphasis on standing?

Because we, believers in Christ, the Body of Christ, the called out ones, are in the midst of a spiritual conflict, doing spiritual warfare, because the ‘days are evil’.

Let me say emphatically, the Church must awake to this realization in this hour of its existence.

In every generation, the true Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has realized its generational spiritual warfare.

There are many in the Body of Christ today that are fighting this ‘conflict’ daily, by praying and interceding for their loved ones, this nation, and the ‘slumbering church’ that does not understand where it sits; how it is to walk; and for what it is to stand.

Please look up Psalm 1 and read it carefully.

Many years ago, it was pointed out to me that the three words Paul structured his letter to the Ephesian Church-sit,walk, and stand-is the teaching of Psalm 1.

What is the blessing, admonition, and result of heeding the words of Psalm 1?

It is dependent upon your personal answers to the following questions.

Q: How is your relationship to the Lord?

Q: Does it reflect the characteristics and fruit of the world?

Q: Or, does it reflect the characteristics and fruit of Christ?

Remember-the ‘days are evil’.

This was emphasized at the beginning of this post.

Please read 2 Timothy 3:1-17.

Question: Will your lifestyle as a believer in Christ Jesus withstand the evil influence and pressure of Ephesians 6:12, Amplified Version?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending with only physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly [supernatural] places.” (personal insert-this is another way of describing the ‘prince of the power of the air’ and his demons)

Remembering Ephesians 1:21 Amplified Version, who did Jesus conquer at the cross? “…all rule and all authority and power and dominion [whether angelic or human]…”

Combine this with Colossians 2:15, Amplified Version, “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession] having triumphed over them through the cross.”

I am not forgetting that Jesus is the Lamb of God that died as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

What the Church needs, is to be re-awakened, to the truth that there is an adversary-Satan, and the angels that rebelled with him.

The warfare between the Church and Satan will continue until Christ returns.

B.U.T. – But Understand This – Church!

The ‘work of the Cross’ won.

The power of Satan has been conquered.

One of the mysteries of the Sovereignty of God is His permission allowing Satan to continue to have the influence he exerts in the world today.

I Peter 5:8-9, Amplified Version, “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined, be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry] seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack-rooted, established, immovable] {may I insert this thought? this is a picture of Ephesian 6:12, stand}, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone].

God’s Heavenly Comings are dramatic, bringing judgment and salvation.

God’s Heavenly Coming to His people, the nation of Israel, was manifested through 10 plagues.

God brought a Personal ‘saving’ revelation of Himself to His people and Personal revelation of ‘judgment’ to Pharaoh and to the nation of Egypt.

The night of the 10th plague, the nation of Israel, in obedience to God’s Word, stayed in their dwelling places, under the blood of a lamb. (Exodus 12)

They were saved.

Saved from what?

Those in the land of Egypt whose dwelling places did not have blood applied over the entrance to their household experienced judgment of the death of their first born. (Exodus 12:29-30)

The purpose of taking Israel ‘out’ of Egypt (type of the world, the kingdom of darkness) was so that He could bring them ‘into’ the land (type of the Kingdom of God) that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God is keeping His covenant with His people.

When we respond in faith to the message of the Gospel, He saves us, and brings out of sin and death and brings us into Christ in Whom we have the forgiveness of sin, and we are born again by the Spirit of God.

We are brought out of the kingdom of darkness(Egypt, world) and into the glorious Kingdom of Light(Kingdom of God).

We have passed from death unto life, because of the blood of Christ.

The nation of Israel came out ‘under the blood’ and went through the Red Sea on dry land.

We, too, come out of death because of the Blood of the Lamb and then our old nature is buried in the water (Red Sea) of baptism identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We come up out of the water into the newness of life. The old has passed away and all things have become new in Christ Jesus. (insert mine)

I recommend that you read I Corinthians 10:1-13.

Just as the nation of Israel had to journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, so we, too, are on a spiritual journey with the Lord until He brings us into His Presence.

We must understand that we are walking with the Lord daily.

Our life’s journey is out from the world of darkness that has been left behind; and walking with Him through the wilderness chosen by Him to conform us to Himself and be a mature son or daughter of God, now.

God has brought out His people from under the government of the world, and led them into the wilderness to teach them about His rule and reign for their lives.

Guess what?

‘That’ is exactly the same journey we are on after we come to Christ and are saved; and then learn to live out our life with Him.

Our story is a story of learning the rule and reigning of God in our life.

So, who is in charge?

‘That’ is Paul’s heart for the Churches that h has founded.

‘That’ is the substance of his letters.

Read Philippians 3, in the Amplified Version it is entitled The Goal of Life.

Philippians 3:12 Amplified Version, reads, “Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.”

TBC

Blessings, your brother in Christ, on His journey with the Lord, learning His rule and reign in my life, too-deo

Heavenly Comings! Part 3

As I was pondering this subject of ‘Heavenly Comings’, it occurred to me that the entirety of Scripture is a series of God’s Sovereign Interventions, that I have called A Heavenly Coming.

Where does one begin? The Book of Genesis is all about God’s Heavenly Interventions, or His, A.I.s–Adonai’s Interventions.

I have chosen to introduce this POST using the Book of Exodus.

The story of the Exodus regarding the children of Israel from the land of Egypt is an incredible continuation of the history of God’s people that originated with God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Jacob’s family history, his name being changed to Israel, and the events surrounding his son, Joseph, are historical interventions of God that were the backdrop for the Exodus of Israel from Egypt.

According to Exodus 12:40, on the ‘very’ day, when the nation of Israel left the land of Egypt after the tenth plague, Israel had lived in the land for 430 years. (See Genesis 15:1-19) [I know some question the word ‘very’]

The Exodus of the nation of Israel represents the culmination of God’s A.C.T.I.O.N on behalf of His people that were crying out for deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

The nation of Egypt and the nation of Israel are going to experience God’s Heavenly Coming.

His coming will be orchestrated by Him through two people, Moses and Aaron.

God sent ten plagues upon the nation of Egypt.

Some of these plagues fell up on the nation of Egypt and the nation of Israel; however, beginning with the fourth plague, the plagues fell only upon the nation of Egypt.

God told Moses, Exodus 8:22-24 NKJV, “And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.”

These words were spoken by Moses to Pharaoh.

Plagues four through ten occurred in the land of Egypt; but in the land of Goshen, in Egypt, where God’s people lived, the plagues did not affect the nation of Israel.

God’s intervention was a ‘real and tangible’ difference.

This was the type of ACTION God took to deliver His people.

The word A.C.T.I.O.N. has an acronym. (I like acronyms)

Adonai’s Chosen Time In Our Nation.

Regarding Israel, this was Adonai’s Chosen Time In the Nation of Egypt.

God’s ACTION was His ‘Heavenly Coming’.

The nation of Israel was delivered from Egypt through a series of ten plagues. (Exodus 5-12:36)

The ten plagues caused a lot of ‘ten‘sion.

They were miraculously delivered from Egypt.

Pharaoh and his army pursued Israel soon after they left Egypt.

The nation of Israel found themselves between the Red Sea that was before them, and Pharaoh and his army that was behind them. (Exodus 14:1-12)

Let’ say, they were between a ‘rock and a hard place’.

Circumstantial or by design?

There is no doubt this is God’s sovereignty at work watching over His people.

What a wonderful opportunity for God to reveal Himself.

Does it surprise you that Adonai Intervened?

Absolutely not!

God divided the Red Sea so that Israel passed through on dry ground.

Pharaoh and His army attempting to do the same thing by pursuing them were drowned in that sea by ‘Adonai’s Intervention’ after Israel had safely passed through to the other side. (Exodus 14:13-31)

Israel’s Exodus from Egypt is the beginning of what becomes an arduous journey in the wilderness for Israel.

It was God’s plan to bring His people into the land promised to Israel’s patriarchs: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. (Genesis 12-50)

Fast forward to Joshua 5:13-15.

Israel has ‘just crossed over’ the Jordan River into the promised land that God had promised to Israel for their homeland.

What does ‘just crossed over’ mean in the history of the nation of Israel?

Their ‘just crossing over’ was 40 years after their departure from Egypt.

Why the delay?

Their unbelief, had put on hold, an entire generation from inheriting the promise of God.

Everyone in the adult generation that had departed originally from Egypt died in the wilderness, except for Joshua, Caleb, and two others.

What happened?

Joshua and Caleb were two of twelve spies sent into the land to ‘check it out’ and report back.

The twelve spies returned.

Ten spies said ‘we can’t do this’; Joshua and Caleb, believed God, and said, ‘Yes, we can do this’.

The bad report prevailed and the result was a 40 year history of wandering in the wilderness until the unbelieving generation had completely died.

Because Joshua and Caleb believed God to fulfill His Word as promised, God was with them (as they waited in the wilderness) and they finally entered the promised land.

But they had to wait until all the previous people who did not believe died out.

The report of the spies said that there were ‘giants’ in the land. (Numbers 13-14)

Their report was true.

The nation of Israel ‘grumbled’ and ‘complained’

This was their normal response since they entered into the wilderness after leaving Egypt.

Initially, they rejoiced, having witnessed, God’s overthrow of Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea.

Three days later, when a need arose, instead of realizing that the same God that had brought them out of Egypt was in their midst, they forget what God had done to Pharaoh and his army, and they grumbled and complained.

In fact, they thought it would be better to return to Egypt.

I would like to suggest that you stop here and take time to read Deuteronomy 8.

Deuteronomy 8 will give you a clear picture of the ‘heart’ of the nation of Israel and their relationship to God. It will also explain to you what God was doing in the ‘heart’ of His people.

Paul, addressing the believers in Corinth, recalling the history of the nation of Israel, specifically their grumbling and complaining in the wilderness, reminds them about their forefathers who died in the wilderness. (I Corinthians 10:1-11:1)

Quoting The MacAuthur Study Bible, page 1743, study notes: 10:1-13, “Ancient Israel’s 40-year journey between Egypt and Caanan (Exodus 13:21; 14:16; 16:15; 17:6) is a sobering illustration of the misuse of freedom and the dangers of overconfidence. The Israelites missed their new found freedom, fell into idolatry, immorality, and rebelliousness, disqualifying themselves from receiving the Lord’s blessing.”

Question: Is this possible today in the Church?

Answer: Absolutely.

I believe that Deuteronomy 8 shows us a progression of the ‘heart’ that can occur in the life of an individual, the Church, or in a nation.

It was mentioned earlier that there were two others who were denied entrance into the land of promise.

Those two were Moses and his brother Aaron.

Moses was the Lord’s hand picked leader to represent Him to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt.

Aaron had been sent by the LORD to be a support to Moses because of Moses’ reluctance to be what God had chosen him to be. (Exodus 2-4)

Moses was not allowed to enter the land of promise because he disobeyed what God had instructed him to do.

Moses misrepresented the Spirit of the Lord, by ministering in his own spirit.

Numbers 20:1-13 is the context of Moses disobedience.

What’s the issue?

There was no water. (Not an unusual problem in the desert.)

Had this been an issue before? Yes (Exodus 15:22-27)

Ironically, as mentioned before that happened three days after their Red Sea miracle. (Exodus 14-15)

Let’s read what took place that disqualified Moses from entering the promised land.

Numbers 20:7-13 NKJV, “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” So Moses took the rod, and from before the LORD as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted has hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.”

What’s wrong with this ‘picture’?

The ‘spirit of the people’ that Moses was leading had gained entrance into ‘his own spirit’ and he, too, spoke like the people, with a verbal rebellion.

His spirit is not being governed by God’s Spirit.

What’s gracious about this ‘picture’?

In spite of Moses’ disobedience, God graciously brought forth water from the rock.

The nation of Israel got what they wanted.

They were unaware of Moses’disobedience.

What happened next?

God confronts Moses and Aaron.

Why?

They spoke for God in the wrong spirit, their own.

(Numbers 20:12-13 NKJV) “Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them. This was the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the LORD, and He was hallowed among them.”

Before we exit Numbers 20, and the aforementioned incident, Numbers 20:22-29 records the death of Aaron, and the installation of Aaron’s son, Eleazar, as High-Priest.

The event of Aaron’s death is not morbid.

His death is for the same reason that an entire generation died out in the wilderness because he did not believe God’s Word spoken to him.

God tells Moses to “Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor; and strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son; for Aaron shall be gathered to his people and die there….Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. Now when the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, all the house of Israel mourned for Aaron thirty days.” (Numbers 20:25, 28b, 29 NKJV)

Aaron did not get to enter into the promised land because of disobedience.

This is an account about Heaven Coming/Adonai’s Intervention.

Deuteronomy 35:48-52: God gives instruction to Moses about the end of his life before Him, and He reminds him why he cannot enter into the promised land.

Deuteronomy 34:1-8 records Moses’ last day here on earth.

Moses was shown the land by God .

Deuteronomy 34:4 NKJV: “Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’, I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not go over there.”

Moses’ death is a personal encounter between the two of them.

Think about how much time God and Moses had spent together throughout Moses lifetime.

In spite of Moses’ disobedience, I suggest, God honored their relationship personally overseeing Moses’ death.

Deuteronomy 34:5-6 NKJV says, “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day.”

Many people believe that the promised land is a reference to heaven.

I personally do not hold that position.

If that were true, then logically, Moses is not in heaven because he did not get to enter into the land because of his disobedience.

Consider this, Matthew 17:1-8, tells us that Jesus went up onto a mountain top with Peter, James, and John.

On this mountain top, Jesus was transfigured, meaning there is a change in HIS appearance that affirmed “the essential glory of Jesus the Messiah.” (insert mine from the MacArthur Study Bible)

I bring this to our attention because standing on the mountain top, next to the ‘transfigured’ Jesus are two people, Moses and Elijah.

Commentators say that Moses represents the Law and that Elijah represents the prophets.

Moses is ok.

His disobedience is forgiven, and forgotten.

He has received God’s grace and mercy.

But, one may ask, where does it say that in the Bible?

I do not believe that it does; but it is certainly implied.

There is an interesting passage of scripture that I believe verifies Moses relationship to God has been reconciled.

Jude 9 (The Tree of Life Version), says, “But when Michael the archangel, disputing with the devil, was arguing about the body of Moses, he did not dare to render a judgment against him to slander, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you.”

I bring this scripture to our attention not to consider the issues for its inclusion by the Holy Spirit, but to substantiate what I shred about the relationship between God and Moses personally.

And,

when you consider Hebrew 11:23-29, the testimony of Moses has a legacy of faith that motivated him.

Moses is a sinner just like you and me.

Moses is not a perfect man.

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23 NKJV (MacArthur Study Bible)

In fact, Moses was a murderer(Exodus 2:11-13) and he found forgiveness.

Moses spent 40 years in the desert from the time he had killed an Egyptian and the time God called and chose him to lead His nation, Israel.

I believe Moses confessed his sin and found forgiveness for his act of murder just as he found forgiveness by not speaking to the rock as he was told to do by God.

Why do I believe this?

As mentioned before, God took personal oversight in Moses’ burial.

In closing: ‘Heaven’ came to earth to intervene in the life of the nation of Israel.

They were taken ‘out of’ Egypt to be ‘brought into’ the land of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God keeps His Word.

Moses has died and God has buried him.

Now, there must be a change in leadership.

Who did God choose to replace Moses?

Moses’ understudy, Joshua.

Joshua means ‘Jesus Saves’ or ‘the LORD is salvation’.

TBC

Personal note: At the end of this day, I realized that in principle I, too, did the same thing Moses had done. I was instructed not to do something; yet I did what I was instructed not to do. Therefore, I have transgressed against one who is an authority in my life. I have asked the Lord to forgive me; and now I need to tell the one whose words I did not obey, about my disobedience, and ask his forgiveness.

your brother in Christ, deo

The Battle Over Authority, Part 3

In January 2017, after Donald Trump became the President-Elect in the 2016 election, I was watching a news broadcast.

This news broadcast was covering a demonstration against Mr. Trump.

What arrested my attention was a sign being carried by a young woman.

On her placard were two words: ‘be ungoverned’.

I was shocked and concerned.

Those two words epitomized the prevailing attitude that was being expressed before Mr. Trump took office.

Throughout his Presidency, the philosophy of being ‘ungoverned’ grew and demonstrated itself against his term of office.

Those two words, ‘be ungoverned’ simply meant in its most negative sense to reject the authority of Mr. Trump as President of the United States.

Since 2017, this nation has witnessed the seeds of those two words, ‘be ungoverned’, grow-blossom-bear fruit-and reap its ‘spirit of lawlessness’.

I submit to you, that the electorate in our 2024 presidential election, was awakened to the philosophy of the current governing political party, both at the national and state levels; awakened them to some of our business leaders, awakened them to many of our educational institutions, awakened them to many in entertainment industry, and especially made it clear to them that the news media outlets thrived on thrusting their ‘lawlessness rhetoric’ upon the citizens of our nation.

That rhetoric reverberated the full weight of the two words, ‘be ungoverned’.

This awareness spread throughout all ethnicities and demographics that comprised the voting electorate, which many called, the silent majority.

But, there were many, that did not ‘awake’ to what millions of other voters were awakened too, and dictated how they were going to respond at the ballot box.

There is no doubt that millions of people simply hated Mr. Trump.

They were known as ‘never Trumpers’.

There is also no doubt that millions of people were angry against the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade.

The Democratic party strongly advocated abortion.

There were millions of people who had bought into the political philosophy of liberalism and were satisfied with the ‘spirit of lawlessness’ that prevailed in this nation’s culture and society.

A great unknown was how would the Christian community vote, or even not vote.

I know there are a lot of numbers that speak to the demographics of the voting electorate.

I’ll leave that search to you personally.

But let me focus upon what I consider to be the most important issue.

Question: What happens to authority when the ‘spirit of lawlessness’ prevails?

Proverbs 14:34, NASV, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Amplified Version reads, “Righteousness (moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character ) exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.”

I John 3:4, Amplified Version, “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness (ignoring God’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating wrong doing-being unrestrained by His commands and His will).”

Are we a nation that seeks to live morally, with spiritual integrity, and exhibiting a virtuous character?

Or, has our nation become a disgrace?

Our problem is that we are ‘lawless’; and ‘lawlessness’ is sin.

We neglect God’s Word.

We tolerate wrong doing.

Our nation has a heart issue.

How is that assessed?

Just listen to what people are saying!

What does God’s Word say?

Luke 6:45, Amplified Version, ” The (intrinsically) good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure (stored) in his heart; and the (intrinsically) evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil (in his heart), for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his mouth.”

Our nation has been listening to evil rhetoric for many years; and the people of his nation have finally ‘heard’ what has been really said.

Now back to the question highlighted above.

The answer to the question is that authority is questioned when the ‘spirit of lawlessness’ prevails.

It creates an undercurrent of ‘uncertainty’; a wrestling with ‘am I safe?’; a feeling of a ‘lack of protection’; a ‘gnawing’ that something is wrong.

“Gnawing is a feeling of persistent discomfort, often anxiety or worry, that can be difficult to ignore. It can make a person feel uneasy or restless.” (googled definition)

I submit to you that the voting electorate in the United States had a ‘gnawing’ feeling that had to be addressed.

I believe that the electorate wanted lawlessness to end and authority to be restored.

I am not so naive as to think that many voters did not consciously feel this way regarding the restoration of authority; but if one examines the politics, the culture, and our society, you will easily discern that there was a ‘gnawing’ of ‘unrest’, even ‘unprecedented unrest’ that was eating (not just the bill for groceries) away at our national identity.

The fruit of our lawlessness has been corruption, chaos, confusion, and daily consternation based upon lies, deception, hidden agendas, and a constant daily rhetoric of untruths collaborated by a tight-knit coalition of net-working a ‘verbal dialogue’ that covered up the destructive plans of those in authority that were running this nation.

As was noted earlier in this post a life of lawlessness is based upon the issues of the heart.

Man made laws are not going to change humanity.

Our Founding Fathers understood that explicitly.

As a nation, we were established with documents that the founders understood would work; but only if ‘we as a people’ sought to be ‘morally and ethically’ upright.

They understood that we, as a nation, need to abide by God’s ‘umbrella’ of Authority, guides by the Word of God.

As Benjamin Franklin said in essence, our Republic will work if we can keep it.

If we reject God’s ‘umbrella’ of Authority, another authority will assert itself and fill the vacuum of that influence of authority.

That is what has taken place.

What is implied is that human nature without lawful restraint would dismantle this nation’s freedom.

On November 5, 2024, the voting electorate sought to put a stop to unlawful restraint.

The people cried out for a return to order.

A return to order implies a return to a governmental system that benefits the nation as a whole; not just those in authority that desire to maintain control, establish their agenda that is antithetical to the Constitution of the United States; and promote a system that benefits them personally and not citizens of this nation.

The ultimate issue of the universe is who is in charge?

The Bible, the Word of God, tells us clearly, Who is in charge?

Almighty God.

When one observes a nation’s society, examines its values, pays attention to its daily rhetoric, it can discern whether or not it values the Word of God.

And if that nation ignores the Word of God, then it ignores God, Himself.

Many in this nation give lip service to God and do their own thing.

That lifestyle is recorded throughout the pages of the Word of God.

Unfortunately, it is most prevalent in the history of the nation of Israel.

Now, many believe that the Church is conducting itself just like the nation of Israel had in the past.

What is necessary to understand is that God is never tolerant of sin. God’s love is long-suffering toward the sinner.

The Word of God is God’s legacy of His long-suffering toward sinful mankind; and the story of His plan of salvation for sinful humanity.

That is the message of the Gospel.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord, then you live out your redemption according to the Word of God and the Authority of Christ.

You are no longer under the government of sin and Satan’s influence.

You now live in the Kingdom of God.

Jesus Christ is your King.

He is the King of the Kingdom.

You are under a new government.

A government whose headquarters are in heaven.

The young woman that I mentioned at the beginning of this post carrying the placard with the two words, ‘be ungoverned’ represents many in our nation today that do not want to be governed. They want to rule themselves; and they want a governing body of people who will support them in that lifestyle and live according to self-rule themselves.

We have seen that that philosophy is not shared by many of millions of people in this nation who desire to be governed morally and ethically and in justice and truth.

As this nation moves forward, removing the grave clothes of the previous administration bondage, the battle for authority will continue.

Satan has influenced this nation greatly.

His influence has been overturned at the Cross; and will continue to be overturned by a greater influence-the Authority of Christ and the Word of God.

The election results are the beginning of restoring authority in our nation.

Its impact will be determined by elected officials who seek to restore the guidelines of morality and ethics lived out by them personally.

Alongside this, God is working to restore Biblical authority in the Church and a renewed awareness of the Headship of Christ, as the Head of the Church, His Body. That Headship is governed by the Holy Spirit in and through the Church.

Moving forward requires the grace and mercy of God to exercise His Authority, in a demonstrative way, manifesting Himself by His Presence, confirming His Word and Person with signs and wonders, as is written in the New Testament, especially in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. This will awaken mankind to the reality of God in a dynamic way, bringing many to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Change is coming-a change that only God can do-a change He desires to do-to bring about the salvation of many individuals-and a restoration of this nation to accomplish will and purpose as originally intended.

Satan will oppose this work.

That is a given.

That is no big deal to God.

Satan has lost.

But God uses him for His purposes.

You and I-believers in Jesus Christ-submit to the Headship of Christ-obey His Authority-walk according to His Word, and complete the works that He has assigned to each of us in these last days.

As Revelation 12:11, NASB, tells us, “And they (that’s us) overcame him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony, and they (that’s us) did not love their (that’s us) even unto death.” (inserts mine)

The conflict over authority is always present; but we are victorious in Christ; because He (Jesus) disarmed Satan’s authority at the cross. (Colossians 2:1-15)

Resting in His Authority, blessings, deo

The Battle Over Authority-The Conflict in the Heavenly Part 2

At the end of Part 1 of the previous post, this proposition was put forward.

Does the Church exercise this authority of Christ in the world today?

If you have not read the previous post, then this question is a challenging one to reflect upon? (Please see Part 1)

There is spiritual warfare that is constantly going on.

Why?

Satan is God’s adversary.

Satan sought to be like God.

His pride caused his fall and his ultimate damnation along with the one-third of the angelic force that sided with him.

Satan is not a threat to God, His will, or His ultimate plan of salvation for His fallen humanity who rebelled against God at the instigation of Satan.

God has always been and God will always be in complete Sovereign control of His entire creation.

God in His grace and mercy so loves the world, that before its creation, in eternity past, He purposed that His Son, Jesus Christ, would be Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world. (Ephesians 1:1-23)

That is the majesty of the Gospel.

That is the message of the Cross.

That is the mystery of Christ in us, the hope of glory. (John 3:16)

Adam was given a position by God to be His authority on the earth. (emphasis mine)

Satan challenged that authority, by engaging in a conversation with Eve, getting her to question God’s word regarding the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, enticing her to sin, and so deceiving her that she took of the fruit of the tree, ate it, and then gave it to Adam. (emphasis mine)

What did Adam do?

He responded positively to Eve’s temptation, instead of responding negatively, by choosing to obey God’s word given directly to Him not to eat that tree’s fruit.

The result is called, the fall of man.

Adam’s relationship (and Eve’s) was forfeited with God.

They are in a state of total depravity.

Adam’s authority given by God to him to be exercised through a direct relationship with Him was forfeited and now Adam’s authority was his own self-government empowered by Satan’s influence. (emphasis mine)

Leaving Genesis and jumping ahead to the Gospel of John,

Jesus is talking to the Pharisees.

It is a ‘heated’ moment.

Jesus says to them, John 8:41-45 NASV, “You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; (Q: Are they referring to Him being born of a virgin?) we have one Father, even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God (I believe that answers the question about being born of a virgin and not born as a result of fornication), for I have not even come on My own initiative (John 3:16, Ephesians 1), but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? (Jesus will tell us why?) It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father, the devil (Satan), and you want to do the desires of your father . He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks he lies (this is what happened in the Garden of Eden), he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar and the father of lies (and because of Adam’s sin, we are of his nature and a liar, too). But because I speak the truth you do not believe Me.” (inserts mine)

That is as straight forward as it can be explained.

Jesus said it.

Enter the message of the Cross, where God ,the Father’s Justice and Love intersect ,and completely satisfies God’s wrath against mankind and provides His Father’s love for all who will call upon the Name of the Lord to be saved.

That salvation does NOT include Satan and his angelic followers.

Jesus says in Matthew 25:41b NASV, “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (this place was not for the humanity God created. However if one does not accept Christ as his personal Savior, then Jesus said, this, too, is your destination).

Compare that to Matthew 25:46 NASV, Jesus speaks of another destination. Jesus says, beginning with the previous individuals that are accursed, He says, “And these(the accursed ones) will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

What is the difference?

Jesus explained that in Matthew 25:31-46.

He is speaking of His second coming. All the nations are before Him; and He will separate humanity into two groups.

One group, His sheep (believers in Christ) will be put on His right.

The other group, identified as goats-not His sheep, will be put on His left.

These are NOT their political party affiliation!

It’s more important than that.

It’s having eternal life with God; or it’s being eternally separated from God in hell.

Strong words but that is what Jesus is telling those who are listening to Him; and what He is still telling people today who will listen to His Word.

Fact: God loves you and He wants you to come to Him through Christ.

Do you know Christ as your personal Savior? Yes or No.

Yes, is on the right; No is on the left.

Again, these are NOT political party affiliations!

Matthew 25:34 NASV, “Then the King (Jesus-the One in Authority) will say to those on His right. ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’.” (emphasis mine)

This is God, the Father, heart for mankind.

If you do not know Christ as your personal Savior, I implore you to call upon the Name of the Lord..

Read theses words slowly and carefully.

Romans 10:8-13 NASV, says, “…”THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”–that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED”. (put to shame) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all who call upon Him; for WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” (emphasis mine) (insert mine)

Q: Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?

Fact: One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)

That confession is acknowledging that all Authority has been given unto Him. (emphasis mine)

At that moment, you will be making this confession whether you are a believer in Christ or not a believer in Christ.

And then, the Lord Jesus Christ will separate His sheep from the goats based upon whether or not you have received Him as your personal Savior, those who have call upon His name to be saved.

Fact: God is Sovereign over all His creation.

Fact: Jesus Christ has been given All Authority. (emphasis mine)

Jesus said to His disciples just prior to His ascension, Matthew 28:18 NASV, “All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and on earth.” (emphasis mine)

Ephesians 1:18-23, NASV, Paul prays, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward those who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and Him as head over the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all.” (emphasis mine).

In the beginning Adam was given authority by God to govern what He had created. Satan deceived Eve, Adam listened to Eve, and Adam forfeited the authority God had given him, and became self-governing. (emphasis mine)

By nature, fallen humanity is a child of his father, the devil (Jesus’ words).

Satan governs fallen humanity by the influence of his sinful nature.

Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy; but Jesus has come to bring life, and that life more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Today, there is still a wrestling over the issue of authority; should there be?

But God…Colossians 2:6-15 NASV:

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over (of) all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having cancelled our the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him(meaning ‘it’, the cross).” (Insert mine from the marginal notes) (emphasis mine)

The Church abides in the Victory of Christ by His blood that forgives us of our sins and His triumph of His resurrection that has completely dismantled Satan’s governing rule, taking back the authority Adam had forfeited through disobedience; because of Christ’s complete obedience as the last Adam. (Romans 5) (emphasis mine)

The Church is governed by the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.

The Church is empowered by Holy Spirit to guide the Body of Christ to obey the will and purpose of the Head of the Body, Jesus Christ.

The Church is to function according to Word of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, exercising the authority of Christ here on earth. (emphasis mine)

And, yes, there is an Ongoing Battle in the Heavenly. (emphasis mine)

Satan still wars against God’s will being done in the earth.

God is in the Absolute Authority. (emphasis mine)

God uses Satan for His purposes.

And soon, all of Christ’s enemies will be put under His feet by God the Father.

In closing, I want to share the following.

It comes ‘From Daniel’s Desk’, Ancient Truth for Modern Time.

The article is entitled FIVE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM KING DAVID, April 26, 2020, by Daniel Pentimone-in Biblical Studies.

It’s number 4 out of the 5 listed.

It is entitled: Pray for Deliverance from Your Enemies.

He writes,

“Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.” (Psalm 25:19)

God’s people have a variety of enemies. Sometimes they are physical-the sort that David often faced. In such times, it is important to cry out to God for Deliverance from their craftiness. Other times, these enemies are more spiritual in nature.

While you may not have thought of it this way, every Christian is in a fight with the devil, a spiritual enemy who is violently angry with God and His people. As you read about the devil and his various temptations, it is important to recognize the serious nature of the spiritual struggle. The devil (and every other force aiming for your spiritual destruction) is violent, vicious, and lion-like. You are not sufficient to meet this enemy: you need God’s deliverance.”

End of paragraph.

If you can synthesize what I have been sharing, please understand that you and I do not wrestle against flesh and blood, fellow humans; we wrestle against demonic influences that seek to undermine each one of individually, our families, and our nation. (Ephesians 6:12)

We have been considering, the effect that Satan and his demonic forces have had upon our nation, suffocating it mercilessly with destructive rhetoric, evil thinking and evil influence for many years.

But our nation is being brought back to life by the intervention of God’s grace and mercy.

Satan will continue to attack and seek to destroy what God is raising up.

Satan is not victorious, Jesus is!

Satan does not have an authority that can overcome the authority of Christ. (emphasis mine

John 1:4-5, NASV, “In Him (Christ) was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overpower)it. (insert from marginal notes)

But the Church must ‘be strong and stand’ as Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-11,13 NASV,

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against schemes of the devil…Therefore, take up the full armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”(emphasis mine)

Church, rise up, take off your grave clothes, get into the Word of God, ask Holy Spirit for His guidance and power, and learn to exercise the authority of Christ here on earth. (emphasis mine)

Blessings, on this journey with you, a brother in Christ, deo

TBC

A Comment About the 2024 Election

I am at the close of reading a book entitled, The Many Sided David, written by Philip E. Howard.

It is the end of David’s life, in fact, King David has died. I Kings 2:10,11.

I am quoting from this book. Page 130, Section II.

“If any man is moved, as these glimpses of David’s life draw to their close, to remember most vividly the worst and to forget most readily the best about him, let him reflect upon the distorted view that such a retrospect would give of his own life if he himself should be so remembered. That which is most worth remembering about any man is what God has done for him. It seemed good to Jehovah to select this man for a great task-the welding of a nation, and the writing of heart-songs not for his Hebrew people alone, but for his other folk yet unborn in lands where his redemptive love should be made known. We ourselves are in no position to offer suggestion to Jehovah as to the type of man he should have chosen, particularly when we recall the fact that in spite of God’s thorough knowledge of us today, he yet goes so far as to entrust some of us commissions that seem quite inconsistent with what we know of our own defects. It becomes evident that God chooses men for service on the basis of what he sees he can do with them. If he had waited until he found men upon the earth who were in ideal correspondence with his own perfections, he would have had no human instruments through which to work. But he could find here and there a man who was at heart willing to take his orders from God, and then he could equip him and use him for beyond human calculations.”

The Many Sided David, by Philip E. Howard, Association Press, 124 East 28th Street, New York, 1917, copyright 1917 by The International committed of Young Men’s Christian Associations. The Bible test used in this volume is taken from the American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible, copyright 1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons, and used by permission.

Battling For the Life of our Nation

I Corinthians 15:45-47 TLV:

“If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam (Jesus, Son of God/Son of Man) became a life-giving spirit. However, the Spirit is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. The first man is of the earth, made of dust; the second man is from heaven…”

‘First the natural, then then the spiritual’, a principle that we must understand that is foundational to understand the Word of God, the message of the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our life after we become a believer in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

I want to use this principle to put before you a question regarding this nation’s national election on November 5 (Today is October 30, 2024).

When the electorate in the nation cast their vote, whether by mail, early voting, or on election day, each individual vote represents the heart and mindset of that voter. The outcome of the entirety of all the votes cast will show the heart of the electorate in this nation.

The results may be extremely close or even lopsided.

Who knows?

But an outcome will take place.

Not only will the selection of a new president show the heart of the electorate, but, also, the results for each individual choice, at the state level , will reveal the heart of the electorate, too.

I am concerned.

Why?

Let me ask you, each individual voter, this question?

Will we ‘abort’ this nation’s life, or will we ‘sustain’ this nation’s life?

I believe this will be clearly seen when the votes are tallied, the dust settles, and a direction for this nation has been determined by its electorate.

I encourage you to vote.

I encourage you to vote with a Biblical world-view; not a worldly mind-set that trust in the wisdom of man and ignores the wisdom of God.

blessings to my fellow believers in Christ, deo

The Upcoming Six-Day War

In 1967, there was a Six-Day War. “The war began on June 5, 1967, when Israel launched a preemptive assault against the Egyptian and Syrian air forces.” (Google)

“The Six-Day War ended with Israel capturing the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.” (Google)

I remember watching a documentary about the Six-Day War emphasizing what some Israeli soldiers had experienced during the fighting. They shared personal experiences that could only be attributed to the Providential intervention of God.

This intervention began in Eden, when God dealt with the consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience.

God dealt with Eve regarding her decision to ignore God’s Word and respond to the deceitful lie spoken to her by the serpent.

God dealt with Adam and his willful disobedience not to obey His instruction

God also dealt with Satan who had tempted Eve to question God’s Word not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God said to the serpent (through whom Satan spoke), in Genesis 3:14-15 TLV, “Because you did this, Cursed are you above all the livestock and above every animal of the field. On your belly you will go, and dust will you eat all the days of your life. I will put animosity between you (Satan) and the woman–between your seed (the descendants of Adam) and her seed (the prophetic Incarnation of Jesus-Son of God/Son of Man). He (Jesus) will crush your head (at the Cross), and you will crush his heel(seek to afflict Him all through His life). (inserts mine)

Note: Compare these words to Paul’s words in Romans 16:17-20 TLV, “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eye on those who are causing divisions and stumbling blocks, contrary to the teaching that you learned. Turn away from them. For such people do not serve our Lord the Messiah(Anointed One), but only their own belly. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Your obedience has become known to all, so I rejoice over you–but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. Now the God of shalom (peace) will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Yeshua (Jesus) be with you.” (inserts mine)

The Book of Daniel, in the Old Testament, records a Twenty-One day war that took place in the heavenlies. Daniel was being given visions and understanding by the Lord regarding what was going to happen prophetically to the nation of Israel and prophetic words regarding end time events when God would bring the created age to a close.

In Daniel, chapter 10:2-3(TLV), “In those days,I, Daniel was mourning for three whole weeks (21 days). I ate not rich food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I anoint myself with oil, until the end of the three-weeks(21 days).” (inserts mine)

Daniel had a vision during this time, (vs. 4-8) of a heavenly messenger.

In Daniel 10:9-14(TLV), it is recorded by Daniel, “Yet I heard the sound of his words. When I heard him speaking, I fell on my face in a deep sleep with my face to the ground. Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said to me, Daniel, highly valued man, carefully consider the words I am speaking to you. Stand up! For now I have been sent to you. When he spoke this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel!’ For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come because of your words. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for 21 days, but behold Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I had been detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future days. For the vision concerns days yet to come.” (emphasis mine)

What Daniel experienced is what Paul explained to believers in the church at Ephesus; and that explanation is still relevant to the church today.

Ephesians 6:10-12(TLV), Paul instructs the church, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood (humanity), but against the rulers, against the powers, against the forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (insert,emphasis mine)

This is exactly what Daniel went through. I am not sure if he realized it at the time it was happening.

It was explained to Daniel.

The rulers,the powers, the forces of darkness, the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places are all embodied in the words ‘the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for 21-days’. Spiritual warfare is real. Satan is “the prince of the power of the air”(Ephesians 2:2) [TLV says: “…the ruler of the domain of the air”]

What is it that we as a nation are warring against?

Most of us, in this nation, are battling politics.

We are sorting out the rhetoric, and ‘wrestling against flesh and blood'(humanity), possibly struggling with which candidate to vote for as President?; which candidates to choose to represent the state we live in for Congress?; and also which candidates to elect for our state government?

I would assume that many are wrestling also with the choices that need to be made concerning the state propositions, laws, and bills that are before us. Which ones do we affirm? Which ones do we deny ?

I am not saying that any of those choices are irrelevant.

They are all important.

BUT…Who or what is influencing your mindset?

What is the source of the intellect that is seeking to influence you, challenging you to vote their way?

There are three possibilities. The wisdom of heaven; human wisdom (which is self); the wisdom of hell.

What is it that many people do not understand?

What is it that many people do not want to embrace?

What has been a struggle in my own personal mindset is the realization that there is a spiritual enemy that is relentlessly opposing God, His creation, His plan and purpose for His creation, and seeks to destroy what God has desired from before the creation of the world.

The Word of God is not silent about this. (This is a study by itself. Many have written about Romans 12:1,2)

That enemy is Satan.

James 3:13-18 Amplified Version:

“Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with gentleness and humility of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and [as a last result] be in defiance to the truth. This [superficial wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly [secular], natural [unspiritual], even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering without [self-righteous] hypocrisy[and self-serving guile]. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness[spiritual maturity] is sown in peace by those who make peace[by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].” (inserts Amp. Bible)

Question: What is the political atmosphere of our nation based upon the words that we hear daily spewed out from both sides of the political aisle?

Question: What do you discern about the source of the wisdom that is being given to you daily?

Question: Who are you listening too?

Question: Where do you go to find wisdom?

Let me give you three choices that are based upon James 3:13-18 : a) God’s Word; b) your own personal understanding and intellect; c) the deceitful influence of the enemy of God, Satan.

I say all of that to say this!

Satan’s opposition includes deconstructing God’s design for this nation and all the other nations of the world.

Satan opposes this nation.

Satan wants to dismantle this nation at its foundation.

Satan desires to influence this election at every level to cause chaos, confusion, and corruption in our midst.

Of this I am certain, in spite of Satan’s activity, God is in complete control.

God is Sovereign over all the nations.

God is Providential over His people.

Satan’s influence was defeated at the CROSS.

Jesus, disarmed “the principalities and powers. He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross.” (Colossians 2:15 TLV) (emphasis mine)

Then why is there still spiritual warfare?

Because even though what we have accepted as a free gift, our salvation, ‘positionally’ at the Cross (the work of the cross is finished); we are now being conformed ‘experientially’ (by the way of the cross) to the image of Christ.

This is what Christians must understand.

The process of being changed into the image of Christ includes suffering.

Our Father God allows the enemy, Satan, to be part of that process of spiritual growth.

Ask Job about this! (Job 1,2)

As this work continues in us, God, our Father, is fulfilling His will and purpose until the return of Christ, the End of the Age, the Millennium, and the final judgment.

This is what Daniel was being shown.

Since, we are constantly engaged in spiritual warfare, we must learn to stand because the days are evil.

What did the messenger instruct Daniel to do?

Answer: stand and don’t be afraid.

What about us?

Question: What did Paul instruct the believers to do? Answer: stand

I just thought of this!

The context is Israel leaving Egypt after the 10 plagues that were poured out upon Egypt.

That was God’s intervention to deliver His covenantal people from bondage.

Exodus 14:13-14 TLV, Moses is counteracting the words of the people that want to return to Egypt, and serve the Egyptians, rather than to die in the wilderness.

“But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid! Stand still and see the salvation of Adonai, which He will perform for you today. You have see the Egyptians today, but you will never see them again, ever! Adonai will fight for you, while you hold your peace.” (emphasis mine)

I wonder if God was saying: Stand still; see the salvation of God; meaning, watch what I am going to do for you, and against the enemy pursuing you; and stop grumbling!

I believe God understood their fear and He was going to quiet it, and bring them peace.

Therefore, I submit to you that we, as a nation, will be experiencing a Six-Day War in the heavenlies between October 31 and November 5.

During these six days, we need to stand, hold our position spiritually, not grumble, but we, like Moses, who stretched forth his rod of authority, need to pray with the authority God has given us in His Word; be not afraid; and see the intervention of God against the enemies of this nation,exposing Satan’s evil influence.

There will be intense spiritual warfare between Halloween and Election Day.

At this point many of you may be overly disturbed or even frightened by my words.

You may even think I am out of my mind.

That is ok; I understand.

But…

I want to remind you that we are in a spiritual battle for the soul of this nation.

I want to implore those who have been praying for this nation to continue to do so.

Use your rod of authority, speak to the issues before us, and watch God provide a way forward for His people on dry ground; and swallow up the enemy that seeks to overtake us.

I also want to encourage believers, who may have not been praying, to pray.

Please re-read Daniel 10.

Please re-read Ephesians 6:10-12.

Spiritual battle is not a video game.

It is not a board game.

It is not a hoax.

This is serious warfare.

At this point, many of you might decide to stop reading this post.

I understand that too.

I would encourage those who understand what I am saying to continue reading.

Selah.

If you have not read the posts, A Call to Heavenly Warfare and/or The Spiritual Battle is Ongoing, I encourage you to read them before you continue on with this post. (go to livingwordsofencouragement.com)

Continuing,

This past, October 12, 2014, there was in Washington DC, An Esther Call to the Mall.

It was estimated that 250,000 people came, and maybe as many as twice that (GiveHim15). It has also been noted that the web-site for this event “received 10M hits. Fifty nations also held companion events. It was truly unprecedented.”(GiveHim15).

Most of those who attended Washington DC were women.

They came to worship, pray, and call upon God for this nation.

This assembly was called on the Jewish Day of Atonement.

Why is that significant?

“The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27-28) also known as Yom Kippur was the most solemn holy day of all the Israelite feasts and festivals, occurring once a year on the tenth day of Tishri, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. On that day the high priest was to perform elaborate rituals to atone for the sins of the people….This was not a ceremony to be taken lightly and the people were to understand that atonement for sin was to be done God’s way.” (got questions.org)

Jesus, the Lamb of God, atoned for the sin of the world, God’s way, on the cross.

Today, Christ Jesus is our High Priest, who ever lives in heaven, making intercession for us. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Thinking about the assembly using the name Esther:

Without going into the complete story that is told in the Book of Esther. The woman for whom the Book is titled, is a young Jewish girl, who is the niece of Mordecai. Because of a fallout between the king of Persia and his queen, Esther finds herself in a situation not of her choosing; just like Daniel, who was taken captive to Babylon, where God raised him up to serve the Babylonian king and the nation. Esther, too, is ‘taken against her will’ along with many other young girls. The purpose is to find a replacement for the deposed queen. Esther submits to her situation and is chosen by the king to be his new queen.

The entire Book of Esther is the Sovereign and Providential work of God against Satan who seeks to destroy God’s people–it is a story of spiritual warfare in the heavenlies that is lived out like a play that has been cast for a theater production.

This story is representative of the ongoing struggle that has been taking place since God’s pronouncement upon Satan in Genesis 3.

The individuals in this story are real people.

Assuming you know the details of the story, the king is manipulated(deceived), and he makes a decree to have all the Jewish people in his kingdom killed.

What the king does not know is that Esther is a Jewish woman.

Her uncle Mordecai, hears about the edict that has come from the king, and sends a message to Esther.

Esther does not pull rank on her uncle.

She submits to her uncle’s instructions.

Mordecai tells his niece, Esther, “Do not think in your soul that you will escape in the king’s household more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place-but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows whether you have attained royal status for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14 TLV)

What was Esther’s response to Mordecai ?

“Go! Gather all the Jews who are in Shusan and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast in the same way. Afterwards, I will go into the king, even though it is not according to the law. So if I perish, I perish!” So Mordecai left and did all that Esther commanded him.” (Esther 4:15-17 TLV)

Esther entered into spiritual warfare. She and others fasted and prayed.

Remember Daniel had fasted and prayed.

In this instance, Esther fulfilled her three days, stepped out in faith, and…

Esther was granted entrance to the king, her husband.

God intervened.

The plot against the Jews was brought to light.

The villain was hanged.

The Jews were legally given their right to fight back against all those who sought to kill them.

The Jews prevailed.

What Satan had purposed for evil, God intervened and purposed for good.

Now, let us compare this to another gathering of women that will be held in Washington DC on November 2, 2024.

I mentioned this gathering in my post The Spiritual Battle is Ongoing.

What is the purpose of this gathering of women?

Quoting from their website, womensmarch.com, it is entitled WOMEN’S MARCH to the WHITE HOUSE, November 2,2024, DC and Nationwide,

OUR BODIES. OUR FUTURE.

I am not saying that these women cannot express themselves nor conduct their march.

I want you to discern their spirit.

Using their own words from their web-site. (emphasis mine)

“At this pivotal moment in our country, Women’s March is leading the charge to build a feminist, multi-racial democracy that serves us ALL.”

“What happens in 2024 and the four years to follow will set the foundation for the four to five decades.”

WE ARE MARCHING.

November 2, 2024

Personally, just reading these words makes me shudder.

I do not support this rhetoric.

What is their motive?

I do not want to be part of their ‘ALL’.

Please understand that I am not saying ‘ALL’ women in this nation support their position.

Question: What political party do they want to win?

Based upon their own words, I categorically choose not to support the party they are supporting.

Their rhetoric continues:

“LET’S GO!

“We will never stop fighting for what matters to women and our communities. We will galvanize women across the country and win again in 2024.”

They are motivated and sound relentless in the pursuit of their agenda.

What is their main initiative?

“ABORTION IS NOT A CRIME-We want healthcare, not punishment.”

I do not support abortion.

I do support rational healthcare.

Why do I bring this to our attention?

They do not express an Esther spirit.

What is an Esther spirit?

Esther did not seek to serve herself.

The Women’s March serves self.

This is understandable.

Why?

Because of Adam’s sin. Our human nature is self-serving. It does not seek the things of God. Our nation is at the junction of whether it will continue to push God aside and serve it’s fallen human nature or will it repent of it’s sin, cry out to God, and ask God to intervene in the future of this nation’s destiny.

This is the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in wrestling against.

It is a daily battle in each of our lives; and it has grown into monstrous proportions in our nation.

We are living on a dramatic stage . Like the story of Esther, we are real people.

And there is a spiritual battleground that is being waged in the heavenlies, orchestrated by the prince of the power of the air, Satan.

Then why the post title: The Upcoming Six-Day War ?

Because the spiritual warfare is going to increase exponentially by the enemy against our souls, against this nation, and against the issues being voted upon in the states, and especially at our national election for President and the members of Congress.

The days between October 31 and November 5, will be 6 days of elevated rhetoric, accusations, and vehement words spewed forth to influence the voting electorate’s decision regarding who and what to vote for.

These will not be words from above, but words from below as we read in James 3:13-18.

I am not calling out one party.

I believe it will come from both sides of the political spectrum.

These ‘words’ can be likened to the edict that went forth by the king of Persia to have all the Jews killed. I am NOT saying there will be killing. I am saying that these words are spoken to stir up irrational thinking against the presidential candidates, and to dissuade voters from voting using common sense and rational thinking, and where possible dissuade people from voting, or even keep people from changing their mind to vote.

Queen Esther, prayed and fasted, sought God for His favor, went before the king, and was granted an audience; this resulted in her people, the Jewish nation, being saved. (Read the Book of Esther)

Was there spiritual warfare going on in the heavenlies? Absolutely.

Some might be asking the question, How do you know that?

Answer: This same scenario is paramount throughout the entire narrative of the Bible. The Biblical lives of the people recorded in scripture reflect the spiritual tension in their lives and the gracious and loving kindness of God’s intervention in the lives of His covenanted people.

On November 2, 2024, there will be a gathering of women, marching and voicing their rhetoric.

Their words will be spoken to persuade people to stand with them and vote according to their agenda.

It will be interesting to hear the tenor of their words as they are expressed.

I do not personally believe that their spirit will be humble and submissive.

The proof will be heard on November 2.

Again, I ask you? What is the spirit of their agenda?

Reflecting back to October 8, 2022, for the mid-term election, this group had a Women’s March. Their motto was: “We Demand Our Rights”.

Observation: Esther didn’t demand her rights; These women are demanding their rights.

What spirit do you support?

Esther focused on God. The other group focuses on self.

Two spirits: Esther’s spirit is humble and submissive; the other spirit is prideful and self-centered.

That is the fundamental origin of spiritual warfare.

Lucifer, Satan, sought to be like God. He declared his self ‘I will” (Isaiah 14:13-14, (see also gotquestions.org ‘What are the “I will” Statements of Satan, God, and Jesus?)

Therefore, focusing on the Six-Days, between Halloween and the Election, consider the following:-(I encourage you to all visit gotquestions.org, and type in Halloween)

The unclean spirits that honor the dead on Halloween, October 31, 2024, focus their incantations, curses, and spells, and prayers against God, His plans, and His people.

I believe that they will also be focused on our national election. (See Intercessors For America, October 26,2024)

Do not be naive and believe that this does not occur, because it does.

The Satanists, those who give worth-ship to Satan, which includes witches and warlocks, will be intensely involved in speaking (praying) against the results of our national election.

There will be a battle in the heavenlies.

It is unseen,but it goes on.

Do not be deceived.

Remember this, Daniel, was involved, in spiritual warfare.

Again, I am not sure that he realized this, until he was informed by God’s messenger, who had been delayed 21 days, because of the warfare in the heavenlies.

So great was the opposition to Daniel’s prayers that Michael was sent to assist the messenger. Daniel’s prayers were hindered by the prince of Persia. This was all unseen.

Esther was involved in spiritual battle for her people in the empire of Persia.

She was the queen.

Like Daniel, she fasted and prayed to God. Her husband was the king of Persia.

There was spiritual opposition in the heavenlies.

God intervened.

As I wrote earlier in this post, we are fighting against the rulers, powers, worldly forces of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil that reside in heavenly places.

But, we, who believe in Christ, have been raised by God, and “He(God) has raised us up with Him(Christ) and seated us with Him(Christ) in the heavenly places in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).” (inserts mine) (Ephesians 2: 6 TLV)

In Christ we are in the presence of God in heaven, above the domain of Satan, who is the “ruler of the domain of the air”. (Ephesians 2:2 TLV)

In Christ, we are the Bride of Christ, one day to be married to Christ.

Question: Is the Church, who is betrothed to Christ, an Esther, who is to fast and pray, and seek her Husband, the King of the Kingdom, Christ Jesus, for His intervention in life of this nation?

Is all this talking about spiritual warfare wearying you?

Be renewed with: I John 4:1-6, verse 4, says, “You are from God, children, and you have overcome them(the false prophets) because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (TLV) [insert mine] {Please read the passage in entirety}

Be renewed with : I John 5:4-5 TLV, “And the victory that has overcome the world is this–our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world, if not the one who believes that Yeshua is Ben-Elohim?”(Jesus is Son of God)

Be renewed with: Revelation 1:7-12 TLV (Please read this passage), Verse 11 says, “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb(Jesus) and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives even in the face of death.”

Now what?

I encourage you to read I Peter 5:1-11. (note especially verses 6-9)

Stand fast in: James 4:7-8 TLV, “Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (Please read James 4:1-12 for context)

I want to encourage you to continue to pray for our nation, the upcoming election, and for the Church to awaken to the spiritual battle that we are facing at this time.

The Six-Day War in 1967 saw God’s intervention.

The 21 day battle of Daniel that occurred in the heavens was won by God’s intervention sending Michael.

The saving of the Jewish nation in the day of Esther was won because of God’s intervention.

2 Chronicles 20:14-15 TLV, says, “Then in the midst of the congregation, the Rauch(Spirit of) Adonai came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah the Levite, the son Asaph, and he said, “Listen all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat. Thus Adonai says to you, ‘Do not be afraid because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (This is a great story to read in context, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30) (insert mine)

This battle was won because of God’s intervention, doing it His way.

Our battle for this nation will be won with God’s intervention, doing it His way.

What is His way? I suggest this verse.

“When My people, over whom My name is called, humble themselves and pray, seek My face and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ” 2 Chronicles 8:14 TLV, (context 2 Chronicles 8: 11-22, Solomon’s prayer, and God’s answer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem.)

Notice the progression of thought, prefaced with the word, ‘when My people’–

Let us humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our evil ways(repent).

That is what God says for us to do.

What does God say He will do in response when we do this?

God says that He will hear us, will forgive our sin , and will heal the nation.

In short, God will intervene.

Many in this nation have been doing this. Some for years; others just recently.

That is not judgmental.

That is what is taking place in the Ekklesia.

Now, let’s give our attention to voting.

We are responsible to vote.

We must VOTE. asking God for His wisdom using a Biblical world-view according to His Word to filter our thought process.

Turn off the political rhetoric.

Do not listen to the irrational words that are being spewed forth as wisdom so that you can make your decision.

Turn your ears to the Lord, read His Word, listen for the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your thoughts.

There may be dark clouds surrounding us. There may be a torrential downpour of the rain of words that brings an unsettling and unprecedented unrest to your soul. Remember you are a member of the Body of Christ; you are part of the Bride of Christ; you are a joint-heir in Christ; you are a son or daughter of God, our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is your great high priest, mediator, and advocate. “Therefore, since we have a great Kohen Gadol (High Priest) who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua Ben-Elohim (Jesus the Son of God), let us hold firmly to our confessed allegiance. For we do not have a kohen godal (high priest under the Law of God), who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One (Jesus) who has been tempted in all the same ways-yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near to the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in the time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 TLV) [inserts mine]

May the Lord richly bless you and give you peace,

a brother in Christ, deo

A Call to Heavenly Warfare

It is no secret that throughout the history of mankind, there has been an eternal battle in the heavenlies. This warfare began with Lucifer’s prideful rebellion against God. (Isaiah 14:12-14)

Today, we ascribe the name of Satan to Lucifer. They are one and the same being.

Satan seeks to oppose God constantly. Satan is relentless in his pursuit to destroy what God has purposed.

I bring this to your remembrance.

It is not my purpose to discuss the doctrine of evil.

For those who follow my posts, you are aware that Ephesians 6:12 has been emphasized for two reasons. This warfare is real; and the call to warring in prayer is an absolute necessity in the last days.

Ephesians 6:12, KJV, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (insert mine)

Ephesians 6:12, Tree of Life Version, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

I want to quote from Got Questions, ‘How is Satan god of this world? (2 Corinthians 4:4)

[As you read this post, we know that God is the only One True God. He is Sovereign over all. Satan has been totally disarmed because of the Cross.]

Then why does he (Satan) have influence? Because God in His Sovereign plan of salvation uses him for His own purposes. ( See Job 1,2) We cannot question God. (insert mine)

“The phrase god of this world, (or god of this age) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, and views of the majority of people. His influence encompasses the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. When people live as if there is no God, they by default follow the god of this world. The unholy thoughts, destructive ideas, and wild speculations, and false religions of this world have sprung from Satan’s lies and deceptions. (See Ephesians 2:2, John 12:31, I John 5:19) Satan may be the god of this world, but his domain is limited to unbelievers. Born again children of God are no longer under the rule of Satan. God the Father “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13)…As the god of this world, Satan exercises his power over the unbelieving world world to keep them from Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 4:4, Matthew 13:19, I Timothy 4:1)” (got questions.com)

With this in mind, the Ekklesia, is called upon to pray.

The days are dark. The storm clouds are immense. The atmosphere is electric with the energy of our upcoming presidential election; and the Church must intercede for this nation.

We are in spiritual warfare. Satan is opposing the work of God.

This nation is at a crossroads for its very existence.

We as a nation, have sinned against God. We have walked out from under the umbrella of His protection for His purpose for us as a nation.

Recently, I became aware of some upcoming events that will be occurring in our nation.

I am composing this post on October 7, 2024.

Tomorrow the following begins to take place.

The dates are October 8, October 12, and November 2, 2024.

On October 8, there is a Woman’s March in Washington DC. (Editorial note, this March was in 2022(?), my error. However, their goals are the same. Please for give me.)

Quoting from their web-site. “Join us on Saturday October 8th in Washington D.C. to help us send a message: WE DEMAND OUR RIGHTS….Since October 8th marks 31 days until Election Day, we’re more fired up than ever to elect more women and pro-choice candidates around the country–we’re ready for the Women’s Wave. (Reminder this was in 2022(?) )

However, this year, 2024–

On October 12, there is ‘An Esther call to the Mall’ in Washington D.C.

Quoting from their .org, “A Million Women is gathering for those hungry to see the Lord’s hand cover this nation at the Mall in Washington DC on October 12, the Day of Atonement, to fast and prayer in unity as a Last Stand moment in America.”

I see an obvious difference in these two agendas.

On October 8th 2022(?9 the women were ‘demanding their rights’; on October 12th, 2024, the women are humbling themselves before God.

The first agenda centers on ‘self’; the second agenda centers in God.

This is the essence of the spiritual warfare in our nation.

Will we follow the dictates of our fallen humanity and serve self?

Or will we cry out to God and ask for His grace and mercy and center this nation on Him?

There is also another Women’s March scheduled for November 2, 2024 Washington D.C. and throughout the nation.

The theme of this activity is “Our Bodies, Our Future”. Their stated goal is “to build a feminist, multi-racial democracy that serves us all.”

What are the underlying spirits of these two agendas?

The Women’s March that demanded their rights; and now advocating ‘our bodies, our future’.

Compare this to the Women’s gathering that is assembling themselves to fast and pray for our nation.

There is no demand for their rights; they are humbling themselves before God.

One group is pridefully demanding their rights; the other group is submitting themselves to God.

These two agendas are in direct conflict. This conflict is spiritual warfare.

What does the Word of God instruct us to do?

James 4:6-10, KJV, “But He giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil (Satan), and he will will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”(insert mine)

Psalms 138:6 KJV, “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; but the proud he knoweth afar off.”

I Peter 5:5-11 KJV, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him ; for he cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil (Satan), as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strenghen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (insert mine)

Quoting “An Esther Call to the Mall” gathering, “As we read in Joel 2, when there is no hope for a nation in crisis, where there is no remedy in the natural, God still has a prescription. “Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people…” Joel 2:15-16a KJV (I quoted the verse in full), let the Esthers, the children, and the Mordecais gather and call on the Lord on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur-the time for individuals to atone for their sins of the past year. This is done in order to start the new year fresh, unburdened by past actions. )”

Quoting Women’s March, “Women’s March is building a base of feminists to end sexism, sexist exploitation. By 2050, we will be a feminist led movement that ensures anyone and everyone has the freedom to lead empowered lives in safety and security in their bodies, in their communities and throughout the country.”

The Women’s March says, “We see an economic system that values the rights and contributions of all, and that supports safety and dignity for everyone. These feminist values prioritize stewardship, and the just distribution of collective resources.”

Between October 8th and November 5th, our nation is going to continue to face a relentless barrage of viral verbal rhetoric that is going to fill the airways.

I, personally, do not need to hear anymore words. My heart is settled. My conscience is clear. I have considered the two platforms using a Biblical world view. Both platforms have their issues. But I have resolved that one platform supports a Biblical world view more than the other. I am not voting for or against a person nor choosing a president based upon his or her personality.

Why? because “we are not wrestling against flesh and blood”. However, there are issues in both platforms that are easily identifiable as being for and/or against a Biblical world view. I have concluded that one platform outweighs the other as being more positive toward a Biblical world view.

I encourage you to fast and pray for our nation.

I encourage you to wrestle in prayer against the principalities, rulers, powers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I encourage you to evaluate your voting choices based upon a Biblical world view.

(If you need some additional help understanding what I am saying, please read the post, Five Weeks and Counting, at livingwordsofencouragement.com)

Church, we need to pray. The enemy of our souls, and our nation, is relentless. He, Satan, is waging spiritual warfare against us. He is seeking relentlessly to influence our thinking to dismantle this nation.

Your resistance is important.

Your vote expresses your resistance against Satan, and the forces of “spiritual wickedness in high places”.

Thank you for fasting, praying, and voting.

Blessing, a brother in Christ, deo

tbc

Chaos+Confusion+Corruption =

On August 14, 2024, a post was composed with this word equation as its title.

Today is September 16, 2024. I would like to share some additional thoughts regarding the post.

It’s no ‘new’ news to those that follow my posts that I have been sharing about the ‘unprecedented unrest’ coming to this nation.

We have seen and heard of events that have escalated the ‘unrest’ in this nation.

As the day of our Presidential election gets closer, things will continue heating up. The political climate will become hotter and hotter each day.

What is contributing to these elevated temperatures throughout the nation?

The clash of words. We are in an incendiary moment. There is a ‘war of words’ that are igniting worry. They are proceeding from both political parties and even from Christian ministries that mean well. Their words can cause anxiety too.

The ‘war of words’ reminds of the story of Chicken Little who is constantly crying out, “the sky is falling, the sky is falling”. I am using these words because we are being told by both political parties that the end of our nation is eminent if the ‘other side’ wins.

The political rhetoric is to emphasize traumatic worry within the minds of the voters.

Let me share my thinking in a more forceful way.

The ‘words of this world’ that generate worry are like ‘water boarding’ a prisoner attempting to break their resolve and vote like they are told.

The words of our political process are like a ‘constant dripping’ of a faucet that needs to be turned off.

The ‘many words’ of the political process are like a heavy weight upon the mind that is pressing down the very souls of the voters.

Strong words, yes; but I believe that they are true.

What is the SOUL of our nation: Saving Our Unalienable Liberties.

Both sides are saying they are the answer to saving the SOUL of our nation.

The problem is that the wisdom of the world does not have the answers.

The wisdom that we need is the ‘Wisdom of the Word’.

The ‘Wisdom of the Word’ does not bring worry. Let me state that again. The ‘Wisdom of the Word’ does not bring worry.

The Wisdom of the Word brings light that exposes the darkness; life that conquers death; peace of mind that overcomes anxiety, worry, fret, uncertainty.

I want to share with you a personal testimony.

Several days ago, I came to the place where I was mentally tired of all the words that were being shared, regurgitated, re-analyzed, dug-up, etc. This realization became apparent to me in spite of the fact that I have been personally avoiding not being caught up in the political rhetoric; yet trying to be somewhat savey of what is going on.

I found myself at a place where I didn’t need to hear any more words. I was at peace in my mind. I had a clear conscience about how I was going to vote.

Now it was time to thank the Lord for His Sovereignty regarding the election in our nation. I was resting in the ‘Wisdom of the Word’.

Regarding the election, it will be God’s will. There is no room for another conclusion.

My choice of vote is not based upon a person or his/her personality.

My choice is based upon honoring my Lord according to His Word.

Jesus Christ is our Wisdom. He is the Wisdom of the Word. He is the Word.

I Corinthians 1: 27-31 NKJV says, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound (put to shame) the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound (put to shame) the things that are mighty; and the base (insignificant) things of the world, and the things that are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and the things that are not, to bring to nought (nothing) the things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God, is(became for us) wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (inserts from the marginal notes of the Study Bible)

Thank you Father, I am resting in my Lord, and giving Him the glory.

Therefore, for me, personally, Chaos+Confusion+Corruption is negated by resting in Christ, Who is my Wisdom in the midst of the verbal political conflict perpetrated by the ‘words of the world’ that are foolishness in God’s sight.

These words are connected to the previous post of August 14, 2024.

If you would like to read the original post for the first time, or for a second time I encourage you to do so.

I especially pray that the Lord will fulfill for you Philippians 4:5-7.

I encourage you to read it, reflect upon it, and pray it, believing that the Lord will give His peace of mind in these stressful times.

Blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

Chaos+Confusion+Corruption =