Snowglobes

Just this week, as the Christmas holiday approached, a memory was brought back to me from my childhood. When I was little, my mother would sometimes receive snow globes as gifts. At Christmas, she would put the snow globes out, and I would shake them, and look into them. They did not contain the beautiful, complicated scenes and figures you might see in snow globes today. These snow globes of yesteryear were made of plastic, and the scenes inside were very simple, almost crude in workmanship. I would shake them, watching the snow swirl around inside them, and I would wish that I could live in the scene inside the snow globe. I could picture myself playing next to the snowman inside one globe, or living in the little house inside another globe. The scenes were sweet and wintery, and for a few moments, with my child's imagination, I inhabited those scenes.
I wondered why this old memory would come back to me so suddenly. I think I know why now.
We cannot escape the works of darkness that seem to fill our times and events. Every day, we hear and see news items from our own country, and from around the world, that reflect the very worst of the sinful nature of man. We are bombarded with these images and words. Television and the internet have made it possible to know of these events almost at the instant of their happening, like never before in history. We hear and see the weirdest shenanigans of celebrities, politicians and neighbors. Not much can remain hidden any longer.
I also hear communications lately from friends, loved ones, even fellow believers, filled with sadness, anger, depression, discouragement, anxiousness, and worries.
We even begin to look at the Body of Christ, fellow believers, the same way we look at the events of the world. We see the faults, we feel disappointment, and even betrayal, the "let-downs". Our whole eye has become filled with the fruit of the darkness that we see around us. Our mind and emotions fall victim to this world darkness. We become what we look at, what we fill our eyes with. Scripture tells the story of Jacob changing the color of sheep by what he put in front of their eyes, and in their drinking troughs (Gen. 30:37-43).
Our souls and spirits have become sickened because of the dark reports we have been surrounded by, and we don't even realize it. No, contrary to recent stories, it's not the air freshener, or the candle burning in the room that's making us sick, but it's the evening news. Much of our society has "shadenfreude", being entertained by, or getting perverse enjoyment  from, others' misfortune and tragedy.
However, while we live in the world, our purpose is not the same as the rest of the world. While, granted, the reported events of this world hopefully bring us to prayer, our eyes should not be filled with the darkness of these things, lest we become like them, and begin to suffer from the same repercussions of that darkness from which the world suffers:
"My eyes bring suffering to my soul because of all the daughters of my city."  Lam. 3:51
Jesus said, "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore, your eye is good (healthy), your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad (evil, unhealthy), your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore, the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" 
                                                                                                    Mt. 6:22-23
Our vision should be like our words (Rom. 4:17): Seeing things not as they are, but seeing things as they are meant to be, calling and seeing those things that be not, as if they already were, processing those dark things internally, as if they are light. How can this be done?
What we "see" is not dependent upon current events. It is dependent upon us.
You may insist that, unlike when we were children, it is not possible to inhabit a snow globe. You may say that we live as adults in the real world. So we do. However, what is to be our reality in this "real" world? This reality is described as part of our calling:
"For you see your calling, brethren...God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world, to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base (lowly) things of the world and the things which are despised, God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence."  1 Cor. 1:26-29
We are here to bring those dark, proud things that exist to nothing. They shouldn't be becoming part of us, troubling and sickening us.
Jesus taught about the unrelenting darkness of the end of the age. He taught about deception, wars, earthquakes, famine, pestilence, fearful sights on earth and in the heavens, persecution, betrayal, accusation, men's hearts failing from the fear and expectation of what was coming. (Lk. 21:8-26). However, these same events should cause a different expectation in our hearts. Jesus says that these events should be seen by us as the coming of our redemption, causing us to lift up our heads, to look up and see His coming. When we see these things happening, unlike other men, we are to see the kingdom of God drawing near. He says we should see these things as like seeing the budding of the trees, which promises the coming green leaves and fruits (figs) of summer. (Lk. 21:28-31) This should be what we see, and expect. What others are processing as horror and fear, we are processing as coming hope.
Jesus already told us above how to process the surrounding darkness, turning it into light and hope inside of us. The Apostle Paul also told us that we have been delivered from that power of darkness (Col. 1:13). In Phil. 4:4-9, he also said:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!...The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." 
When the Lord brought to my memory the scenes from the snow globes, and reminded me of how I used to desire to inhabit those scenes as a child, I think He was teaching me, in His unique way, what Jesus and Paul were teaching us above. In our spirits, we have the ability, even the power, to see darkness as light. We are commanded to see darkness as light. It is in us and through us, that the kingdom of darkness loses its power, and is transformed into the kingdom of light. It doesn't matter what everyone else reports and perceives, it matters, as sons of God, what we report and perceive. From the impression I have, I don't think Jesus kept His eyes on the workers of the darkness all around Him. He said that He did the works that He saw His Father doing, so His eyes were on His Father.  Where are our eyes looking?

Our Father reminds us to look into the snow globes.

"Whatever is True"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1M_-8dD_sI


"I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121)"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g4eqKDkDiw

Handled

The scripture that caught my attention and thoughts today is from 1 John 1:1:
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-..."
The writer of this book, the Apostle John, wants to make sure his readers know that he is not just writing about something he heard second hand from others, but he is writing to them of things he heard, saw, and touched, himself. He makes the point that he handled Jesus, touching Him with his own hands. 
From the moment He was born to His resurrection, Jesus was touched and handled by others. He allowed Himself to be touched in so many different ways, and circumstances.
As a baby, His mother, Mary, wrapped Him, and cared for Him with a mother's tenderness.
The song, "Mary, Did You Know?" beautifully asks if Mary knew when she kissed her baby's face, that she kissed the face of God?
As Jesus travelled and ministered, and taught about His Father's kingdom, many touched Him.  The scriptures relate the story of a woman who was desperate to be healed, who only touched His clothes. Jesus perceived the healing power that had flowed out of Him. He asked "Who touched Me?" His disciples were amazed at the question because many were touching Him: "Master, the multitude throng and press You, and You say, "Who touched Me?" (Lk. 8:43-45). Not only did this woman touch Him, but He was pressed and thronged by many in that same moment, pressing against Him, grabbing at Him. Out of the many that touched Him in demand, He perceived the one who touched Him in faith, and hope.
In a much different manner, on a different occasion, Jesus' family and friends tried to seize Him, to take hold of Him, because they said He was out of His mind. (Mk. 3:21). What a terrible thing to think of now, when we know who Jesus is! And yet He had to endure this type of handling from friends and family.
Similarly, those who were angered by His words, took Him into their hands and thrust Him out of the town, taking Him to a cliff where they intended to throw Him off. (Lk. 4:29).
There is a precious story of a woman who touched Jesus in thanks and worship. She came into a dinner being held at a Pharisee's house, and began to wash Jesus' feet with her tears, and dry them with her hair. She kissed His feet, and anointed them with perfumed oil. He received her touch. However, because He allowed her touching and handling, the Pharisee who was His host, judged that Jesus could not be a prophet, or He "would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner." (Lk. 7:36-39). Her touching of Jesus greatly offended the Pharisee, but it didn't offend Jesus. The religious are offended, but the humble who handle Jesus this way are raised up.
Jesus allowed His disciples to physically lean against Him for support, and affection. (Jn. 13:23).
He was betrayed with a kiss from a friend. (Lk. 22:47-48).
Jesus was handled with violence upon His arrest, and crucifixion. He was punched, spat upon, hands grabbed His beard and pulled it out. He was beaten with reeds, scourged, stripped in humiliation, and punctured. This is also how men handled Jesus.
Other men's hands gently removed Him from the cross, wrapped a sheet of linen cloth over and under Him, and laid Him in the tomb.
After Jesus was raised from the dead, He encouraged one of His fearful and doubtful disciples, Thomas, to handle Him, to touch His wounds, to see that He was not a ghost, but the same Jesus the disciple knew and loved:
"Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"  Jn. 20:27-28
When Thomas handled Jesus at that moment, he received a life-changing revelation, even though he had witnessed Jesus in ministry and teaching many times before. At that touch, he declared to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!"
Men were allowed to "handle" Jesus. How they handled Him either condemned them, or saved them. The same is true today. He still places Himself into men's hands. How will we touch and handle Him?

Our Father gives us His Son to handle.

* Painting at the top of the page:
"Doubting Thomas" by Caravaggio


"He Touched Me"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW3BRX0B8f0

"If I Can Touch the Hem of Your Garment"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exs9KdAckD0

Light

During this season of Hanukkah and Christmas, we express a spiritual truth using lights. Hanukah is called the Feast of Lights, or the Feast of Dedication, and a menorah is lighted each night for eight nights, to celebrate the fact that the LORD extended the oil needed to keep the Lamp of the Temple lit beyond the one-day supply of oil that was on hand. As that Feast is observed today, the menorah is placed in a window, so the light of it can be seen by others.
The command of the LORD to Moses generations before regarding that Lamp in the Holy Place was that its lights should remain lighted continually:
"And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn (ascend) continually...Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel."   Ex. 27:20-21
Our celebration of Christmas, the birth of our Savior and Messiah, Jesus, is also filled with lights. We cover our homes, trees, bushes, and anything that stands still long enough, with lights.
The quality and power of light cannot be separated from God:
"This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."     1 Jn. 1:5
It is His first act of creation in Gen. 1. The darkness that had entombed the earth, before the command of light was given, was total, and so deep and thick, it was like the darkness at the bottom of a pit, or an abyss. The light of God, contained in the power of His word, broke through the darkness, and light and dark were separated, even severed. When He spoke "light", it was not just natural light. By meaning of the word, "or", it is the light of day, the light of a lamp, the light of life, the light of prosperity, the light of instruction, the light of a face. In this case, the light of the face of God.
The importance of the light of God is revealed in His word:
"For You are my lamp, O LORD; The LORD shall enlighten my darkness."    2 Sam. 22:29
The light of the LORD is His quality of righteousness and salvation:
"For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem's sake, I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns."
                                                                                                              Isa. 62:1
The Biblical prophecies of the birth of Jesus, and the description of His purpose and power, are very much tied into the lamp, and light of His Father:
"...By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined."    Isa. 9:2, Mt. 4:15-16, Lk. 1:79, Lk. 2:32
The light of a star gave revelation of Him, and showed the way to His presence in the manger, the place where God touched the earth in the form of a baby. (Num. 24:17, Mt. 2:2).
The light quality of Jesus' life was told in John:
"In Him was life, and the light was the life of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (seize, overcome, overtake) it...That was the true light, which gives light to every man coming into the world."   Jn. 1:4,5,9
Jesus identifies Himself as the Light:
"...I am the light of the world. He who follows Me, shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life...As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."   Jn. 8:12, 9:5.
However, He didn't come to keep the light of God to Himself only, but to manifest it through men. He redefined those who would follow Him, and revealed to them God's great purpose in them:
"You are the light of the world. A  city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven."
                                                                                          Mt. 5:14, 16
Apostle Paul tells us this same thing beautifully:
"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us."    2 Cor. 4:6-7
During this time in which we live, it seems that darkness is raising its prideful head as never before in the earth. More than ever, the light of the promise of our Christmas Savior, and the lamp of Hanukkah, need to shine forth to dispel that darkness. It shines forth through us, by the Living Word, and Spirit in us. Out of the thick darkness, the voices are crying out. If we stop and listen, we can hear them around us. It is the light of God through Christ in us that pushes back that darkness. We should not be fooled, frightened, nor overcome by the darkness. Even more so, we should SHINE!
"Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."       Isa. 60:1-3
Hallelujah! Merry Christmas, and Happy Hanukkah.

Our Father shines His saving, glory light through us.


"Mary, Did You Know?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

"Light A Candle"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K2ocj4BvUQ

"Go Light Your World"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsM5lt9tCFo

Sin

There is a great debate in these End Times about sin. The scriptures prophesy about this very thing, and we are seeing it come to pass. There are many across the globe who want particular things to no longer be considered as sin. Many are demanding that society, and even the Church and synagogues, no longer label certain activities as sin. Their argument is that times have changed, and the insistence of faiths in labeling these activities as sin must change also. Some faiths have acquiesced to these demands, although it was not the institution, but God, who set the standard to begin with.
Contrary to how we sometimes think, sin is not an A-Z list, starting with, say, "Adultery", and ending with "Zoroastrianism", with many things listed in between. It is not a matter of man arrogantly or ignorantly shifting an item from the "Sin" column, to the "No Longer a Sin Because Times Have Changed" column, or the "No Longer a Sin Because Everybody Does It" column. Sin is not a list of words and behaviors about which we can debate. It is also not a list of items of which some are considered minor, and others are considered major offenses. All sin results in the same consequence-death: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual death.
So what is sin then? Are there specific things mentioned in scripture as sin? Oh yes, but the definition of sin in both Greek and Hebrew is: to be without a share in, to miss the mark, to err, to be mistaken, to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong, to wander from or violate God's law, a violation of divine law by thought or deed, to miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, to bear loss, to lose one's self, to wander from the way, etc. The definitions point to the imagery of an archery target where any arrow that does not strike dead center, or the bull's eye, is "missing the mark". Any archer will tell you that hitting that bull's eye dead center is a difficult feat.
What is that mark or standard that we must reach or hit? Scripture says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23, 5:12).
The standard that the Law of God demands is to the holiness, perfection, and glory of God, Himself (Lev. 20:7, 1 Pet. 1:15-16, Gen. 17:1, Mt. 5:44-48). This is the center of the target, the bull's eye, that we are required to hit. No amount of debate, changing times, offence, or insistence can change this absolute and eternal standard. Even if we just miss this mark, this bull's eye, by a slight margin, it is as if we have missed the whole target entirely.
If we do not know the whole Law of God, Jesus gave us this guideline when asked what the most important commandment was:
"...you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets."
                                                                   Mt. 22:37-40
So we have already reduced a very long A-Z list of items to two. The question is, how many of us fulfill even these two commandments? No, we don't get partial credit for just knowing our neighbor's name!  In case any of us have successfully met this standard, which is very doubtful, Jesus continues His point as a wonderful young man comes up to Jesus and asks Him sincerely, what "good thing" is required of him that he may have eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the Law, the commandments. The young man assures Him that he does this, and has done it from his youth. Jesus then tells the young man that if he wants to be perfect (this is our standard mentioned above), he must sell all that he has, give the proceeds to the poor, and come follow Jesus. Jesus assures him he will have treasure in heaven, but the young man turns away heartbroken, because he knows he can never do it. He is very rich. (Mt. 19:16-26). Does Jesus ask him to do this because we should not own anything? No. Jesus saw in the young man's heart that there was something more important to him than God, something the young man loved more, needed more. It was so important to his life that he could not walk away from it, even for the benefit of gaining eternal life.
According to the guideline Jesus gave us, we are supposed to love God above all else, and with everything within us. Nothing is to be more important to us than our love of God. We may think that we could give up anything if God required it of us, but as God searches our hearts, He can always find something that we love more than Him, even if we don't want to admit it. He could easily show us our shortcomings by pinpointing those things, and asking us to walk away from them. If He were to ask this of us, it would break our hearts, because we wouldn't be able do it in many cases. So we can't really say that we keep even the two commandments Jesus mentioned above.
Jesus also tells us that if we have an A-Z sin list, we must remember that there are subcategories of categories, because even just our thoughts and feelings have the same consequence, and carry the same guilt, as if we actually commit the act. (Mt. 5:21-22, 1 Jn. 3:15). For this reason, if for no other, the law cannot save us, because we cannot keep it. Hebrews 7:19 tells us that the law made nothing perfect.
Does this mean that Jesus didn't think sin was important? No. He would tell those to whom He ministered to go, and sin no more. Sin means death, and Jesus came to destroy the power of death over us. The Good News, however, isn't about keeping the list of sins. Heated debates about changing the definition of sin will come and go, and we get very upset, even angry, by these debates. It is very sad to our hearts to see men's disregard for God, and for His word. We despair as we see the laws of our land changed as a result of this disregard, but we will see the real fruit of righteousness come when we change. We must change. I must change. I am looking for the world to change, but the world is groaning, looking and waiting for me to change. I am looking to manifest to the world the miracles of Jesus, but I must also manifest the greatest miracle of all, the miracle of salvation and renewal and change in my own life.
Our Good News is that even though we all fall short of God's holiness, perfection, and glory, Jesus offered Himself as our only hope and remedy. That is our message, and that is the truth we offer. As far as the sins of others are concerned, Jesus instructed us that if we forgive others' sins, they are forgiven, and if we retain the sins of others, they are retained (Jn. 20:22-23). So concerning the sins of others, that is our commandment. The Torah agrees when it instructs in 1 Chron. 7:14 that we are to humble ourselves, as the people of God, turn from our own wicked ways, and repent, seeking the face of God. If we are willing to do this, our whole land can see revival and healing. So why hasn't our land seen this revival and healing? Perhaps because we, God's people, are not following this instruction. If we are going to measure guilt and failure, what greater failure can there be than to keep revival from our land because we, the people of God, cannot, or will not, humble ourselves individually in repentance?
Jesus asked how we can see to remove the mote in our brother's eye, when we have a beam in our own eye. First, we must remove the beam from our own eye. Otherwise, He used the term we all dread to hear: "Hypocrites". Once our hypocrisy is revealed, our whole testimony, our whole message, becomes worthless and ineffective to others.
Jesus was challenged by the religious folk with the accusation that He did not keep the law. On one occasion, He was asked about the stoning of an adulterous woman, caught in her guilt. As the encounter ends, Jesus says to let the one among them who is without sin cast the first stone.  As her accusers leave, he instructs the woman to go and sin no more. (Jn. 8:4-11). What do I do about these sayings of Jesus? Do I read past them as quickly as possible, and go on to the next scripture? I had better not.  What is He telling us? Is He saying that it doesn't matter if we sin? No. When He says, "Judge not, that you be not judged." (Mt. 7:1), how do I incorporate this into my thoughts on sin? Jesus said it is the one who was forgiven much, who loves the most (Lk. 7:47).
My real condition is this: sadly, while I quickly gloss over my own shortcomings and sins, I am very quick to see and condemn in my heart the sins of others. While my own mind and heart are full of destructive thoughts and feelings, I ignore them to focus on the failings of others. All the while, I have the key to revival and healing in my very hand, not just for myself, but for my nation, but I do not use it. How will I face God with this reality? I had it in my hand the whole time, yet I would not use it.
Our whole nation, and even the nations of the world, are being destroyed not by an enemy from without, but by an enemy from within, which is our own sin and rebellion. The Word tells me that the remedy begins with me, and my own repentance for my sins, my own salvation. This is the beginning point, the spiritual turning point. No, I will not compromise what I know is the truth of God's Word, no matter what society may demand. However, that truth needs to not just come out of my mouth, but through my life, as well. In fact, that truth will be most powerfully exhibited when it comes through my life.
The Apostle Paul mourned and wrestled with the fact that he was a wretched man because, even though he tried his hardest, and desired it with his whole heart, he could not be perfect (Rom. 7:19-25). If the Apostle Paul examined himself in this manner, then I think the rest of us should have plenty to keep ourselves occupied. He urged his own churches to examine ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28).
For this very reason, which is our own failing unto death, our Father sent His only Son, who allowed wicked men (all of us) to open His body, and His veins, so that His blood could cover us, cover our sins, cover our shortcomings, and bring us to the mark of the holiness, perfection, and glory of God, and to give us life instead of death if we will accept His provision for us (Jn. 3:16-18, Jn. 17:22).
Does that mean that any effort to avoid sin is hopeless, and therefore should not be even attempted? Does it mean that those who demand that certain things now be removed from the "Sin" column are right after all, because it is impossible to accomplish? No, our knowledge and awareness of our sin, even in list form, can be the first step to change, even as that same knowledge of it condemns us. When we are aware that we fall short, and our hearts' desire is to please God, and to be free from the calamities and death from sin, God can do a changing work in us. Paul said that many in the church had been guilty of certain sins, but were now cleansed (1 Cor. 6:9-11). However, while we are flesh, this conflict will be in us, and with us daily in some form. That A-Z sin list reminds us of how far short we fall, and how widely we miss the mark. It reminds us daily of how very thankful we are that Jesus became our righteousness to make up for the lack of righteousness within each one of us. He is the One who becomes the holiness, perfection and glory of God in our place, and on our behalf, as we continually miss the mark. Changing the sin list will not change the reality, as some might hope or contend, but God can change the reality:
Who then can be saved? "Jesus looked at them and said to them, With men, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt. 19:26).

Our Father has given His Son for our sin.

"How Can It Be?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ben2wwGyOk

"Nothing But the Blood of Jesus"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYjhGeAIG6k

"Lord, I Need You"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA

"Because He Lives (AMEN)"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBvU7arNhQs

"Redeemed"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU

Choice

(Kidnapping is a terrible crime, and often victims and families are devastated as a result. Please understand that the following is a fictional account of an unusual kidnapping, used only for the purpose of creating something for thought, and not for the purpose of treating victims of crime lightly, nor judging them.)
A woman is walking down the street when, suddenly, she is struck and grabbed by a man, and forcefully pushed into the front passenger seat of a car. He jumps into the driver's seat, and speeds off. The doors of the car have been left unlocked, but she is not aware of that. The kidnapper stops at several red lights, all while the doors of the car remain unlocked.
The kidnapper decides to make a quick stop at a convenience store, and he leaves the vehicle, again leaving the doors unlocked. The woman remains in the front seat. After a short time, the kidnapper returns to the car, and drives them away.
He next stops at a diner for a meal, leaving the woman in the unlocked car. By this time, she has become aware that the car is unlocked, but even if it were still locked, she could unlock the door, and leave the car during the kidnapper's absence. She remains in the passenger seat, and the kidnapper returns.They drive all night, making various stops along the way, again with the car doors left unlocked.
By the second night, the kidnapper stops at an old house in a dark, quiet neighborhood. He pulls the woman from the car, and into the house with him. Once inside the house, he turns and locks the door by pushing the button on the door knob, and sliding the door chain into place. The woman watches him set these locks. These locks, of course, can be opened anytime from inside the house. He then leaves the room, and she hears the sound of his movements in the next room. She remains standing in place.
A short time later, the kidnapper returns to where the woman is waiting. The woman reaches into her purse, pulls out a gun, and shoots him dead.
At the sound of the gunshot, the police are called to the scene, where they find the dead kidnapper, and the woman who shot him. The woman tells the police that she was kidnapped, and she has the legal right to self defense, which she exercised.
The police investigate, checking security cameras that captured the scene of her forceful kidnapping. They agree that she was the victim of a crime, and had the right to defend herself, even with deadly force, according to the facts they have discovered. The kidnapper turns out to have had a long record of violent crime, and no one is surprised at his fate.
You may say, "That's not justice in this case. She had many opportunities to escape, and knew it. She didn't have to kill to get free, nor in order to defend her life."
Although the legal process was satisfied, we, the readers, know that though many kidnap victims do not have any opportunities to escape, this particular woman had many opportunities to do so before the use of deadly force was applied. We can agree that even though she was dealing with a wicked man, there were other options available along the way that might have made her choice to take his life unnecessary and avoidable.
You may say that this kidnapping scenario is unrealistic, and a real victim would never ignore opportunities to escape, while choosing to kill instead. However, this happens everyday in our society, where we ignore the options of escape, and choose to kill instead. It happens when we choose the legal option of abortion. If it is unjust to take the life of a wicked man when there are other options of escape available, how much more unjust is it to take the life of an innocent, when there are other options of escape?
Even when the law of the land is applied and satisfied regarding the choices it allows us, it doesn't always reflect moral rightness and truth. Although ending a life may sometimes, in certain circumstances, be necessary, truth compels us to admit that very often we have many opportunities of easy escape before using the option to take a life, an innocent life, a child's life. Even by secular reasoning, it is impossible to justify taking a child's life based simply on one's "choice".
As adults, we clearly understand, without having to list them here, that there are many and varied options that we could choose, easy escapes even from the very beginning, before we find ourselves in circumstances where we decide to choose the option legally available to us of taking an innocent child's life. Legality does not justify us. It only exempts us from the punishment of society. The law of the land will not justify us, nor excuse us, from the righteousness, justice and truth of God's heart.

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."                                            Deut. 30:19
"Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good."   Job 34:4
"Curds and honey he shall eat; that he may know to refuse the evil and choose the good."
                                                    Isa. 7:15
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."                          Jer. 1:5
"I was cast upon You from birth; From my mother's womb You have been my God." 
                                                    Ps. 22:10
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb."  Ps. 139:13
"Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you."
                                                    Isa. 44:2
"...The LORD has called me from the womb; From the inward parts of my mother He has made mention of my name."       Isa. 49:1

The scriptures make very clear to us that God forms us and knows us before we are born. He expects us to know good from evil, and to choose the good. He wants us to discern the difference between the things of life and the things of death, and to choose the things pertaining to life.
On each Sabbath, many Jewish households lay hands on their children's heads, and speak a blessing over them from Num.6 (watch here). Many churches also speak this blessing over children when baptizing and dedicating them. God instructed His people to bless their children in this manner. The blessing is:
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."  
                                                 Num. 6:24-26
Scripture tells us that Jesus loved children, and was always happy to see them and receive them (Mt. 19:14).
If we are going to put our hands on our children, then it should be for the purpose of blessing them, and not harming them.
However, even if we have made choices in the past that we now regret, and cause us deep sorrow, our Father promises us that He will forgive us if we ask, heal us in those deep, hurting places, and He will even trust us anew with choice.

Our Father instructs us to bless our children, and choose life, for ourselves, and for them.


"Prayer-Bless the Children"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1i0hsA-Uog

Hebrew Blessing upon the Children (Num. 6:24-27)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXbaWeT3co8

Patience

As a group, we have been studying Psalm 119. Psalm 119 is divided into sections under each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, or "aleph-bet", as it is also known. Two of the sections we recently studied were under the letters yod, and kaph. Interestingly enough, both of these letters mean "hand", but in different ways. Both sections, one following another, deal with similar things, but, again, in very different ways. This made me curious, so I thought and studied about it. Why would there be two similar sections in this Psalm, both under letters that mean "hand"? I know it is not by accident, nor coincidence. So this is the path that I followed through this study.
The first section we look at is Psalm 119:73-80. This section is under the letter yod. This letter means hand, but a fisted hand. It implies power, and strength. This letter is also the first letter of the name of God, which according to Jewish practice, is not to be spoken, YHWY. The tone of this section of Psalm 119, is appealing to God to deal with the enemies that have unrighteously persecuted this person. This section in my Bible is captioned "Confidence in the Law". The Psalmist is confident that the LORD will deal strongly (the hand as a fist) with his enemies to defend him.
The next section of Psalm 119 are the verses 81-88, and is under the letter kaph. This letter also means hand, but an outspread, open hand. This section in my Bible is captioned "A Longing for Comfort". And while the same issues are mentioned, the unfair persecution by a proud enemy, the tone is very different. It's as if the same person is speaking in both sections, but a period of time has passed between the experience of the first section, and the second. The psalmist starts out confidently, but after time passes with no relief, he is speaking from a different condition.
He describes his present condition in the following manner:
"My soul faints for Your salvation, but I hope in Your word." 
"My eyes fail from searching Your word, saying, "When will You comfort me."
"For I have become like a wineskin (or bottle) in smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes."
                                                              Psalm 119:81-83
There are several "When" questions asked of God in this section: "When will You comfort me?", and "When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?" (v. 84). There is the direct, desperate cry, "Help me!" (v. 86), in this section. The tone of  confidence found in the first section, under the hand as a fist, is beginning to change into puzzlement and desperation in the second section under the outspread, open hand, the hand of supplication, even though the circumstances are the same.
In the second section, the psalmist tells God that changes have happened in his soul, spirit (eyes), and body. The root word of the word soul used here means rest, refreshing breath. The psalmist feels his soul can no longer find rest, and does not have the refreshing breath any longer. His eyes, meaning spiritual insight, spring, or fountain, are drying and changing. His body (wineskin) is even feeling the effects of his affliction. He is not the same as he was when he began in these circumstances that are trying him.
In the first section, the psalmist tells us that it is God who has afflicted Him:
"I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me."   (V. 75).
This thought causes a problem for many of us. We can easily understand that our enemy can, and does, afflict us, but it is much more difficult to understand that our Father, who loves us, is afflicting us. On top of this, the psalmist tells us that the Father afflicts us because He is faithful, which is even more perplexing. Many cannot fit this concept into their belief, or doctrine, but those who reject this concept, or try to escape this concept, are really doing themselves a disservice spiritually. Though the affliction is a startling way to be dragged into spiritual maturity, it is very necessary, particularly living in the End Times, as we do today. I can explain why I am saying this, from what I found as I continued my path of study into the New Testament.
Something is created in us out of the affliction, the unrighteous persecution, the tribulation, that the psalmist refers to in these passages from Psalm 119, above.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope, and hope maketh not ashamed..." The Amplified Bible puts these verses this way: "Moreover (let us also be full of joy now), let us exult and triumph in our troubles, and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure, and affliction, and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance."
James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations (adversity, affliction, trouble sent by God to test or prove one's character, faith, holiness). Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
There are many more New Testament references to the quality of patience, and the fact that this quality only comes from passing through the difficulties that can cause us such pain.
Many changes come to us spiritually, and in every way, by the reading of the Word, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, but the creation of patience in us must be accomplished through experience, rather than hearing or studying only. The experience can be painful, and long-term, and we recognize as we go through it that we are changing, as the psalmist revealed. The changes are deep, and life affecting. In every way, we are not the same as when we started. The scripture from James, above, tells us that we must make the decision to allow patience to do the work that is necessary in us. This work of patience brings us to a spiritual wholeness, or completeness, that we cannot attain without it. It is not just a case of "suffering through it", but we must make the choice to walk the path of patience, understanding, and choosing, what it accomplishes in us. The "path of least resistance" may be more popular, faster and smoother, but it accomplishes nothing in us spiritually.
Why is the quality of patience so necessary, that even our faithful God would afflict us (Ps. 119:75, above) in order to achieve it in us? Not only that, but it is to be a cause for rejoicing and celebration! (Rom. 5:3-5, above).
It very much appears that patience is a quality that will get us through the End Times. In fact, without it, we will not survive physically, nor spiritually. Jesus states this very directly when teaching His disciples about the persecution and tribulation to come:
"And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake. But there shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience posses ye your souls."     Lk. 21:17-19
Part of the meaning of the word "patience" in Greek is to keep steadfastness in faith and piety in even the greatest trials and sufferings, to remain, to abide, to not recede, nor flee.
If you are an individual, or church, presently being trained by God to patience, you have discovered that many flee this training. Many do not abide through the training. However, it is a faithful God who loved His people enough to train and equip them in this patience for survival. We flee this training at our own future peril and loss.
When I was born, MANY years ago, my foot was turned inward. The doctor told my mother that in order to walk when I got to the toddler age, I would need to wear a metal brace on that foot and ankle. In other words, I was lame. He told my mother that there was a possibility of turning the foot to a normal position by physically forcing the foot outward daily. This was in a time before physical therapy became a widely used, and recognized partner in medical treatment. So, in order to try and straighten that foot, my mother would twist my foot outward several times a day. As a new baby, this was painful for me, and I would scream and cry. My mother told me later that many times she would be crying with me while she did the foot twisting. My aunt, who lived upstairs, would sometimes come down when she heard me crying, and ask my mother how she could keep doing this. My mother told her "I do it because I have to do it. I want the child to be able to walk." My mother was not very happy to be questioned like this, because she certainly didn't enjoy doing this to her new baby. The end of the story is that the foot twisting worked, my foot began to straighten, and the foot and ankle were strong enough, and straight enough, for me to be able to walk normally when the time came.
I am thankful that my mother faithfully put me through those painful exercises, because they meant the difference between me being able to walk normally, or being lame for all my life. These exercises in patience are the same for our Father. He hears us crying, and perhaps He even cries with us, but He knows the fruit of the exercise will make all the difference in our lives. We may say, "But I don't want to go through the painful process of having my foot straightened." But then, we will be lame. We will not be able to endure the walk, nor run the race (with patience!). (Heb. 12:1)
The Book of Revelation instructs the people of God to patience seven times.
Scripture tells us that it is only through the acquiring of patience that we see the fulfillment of God's promises to us (Heb. 6:12-15, Heb. 10:35-39).
Patience is required as we near the return of our Lord, Jesus (James 5:7-8).
To most of us, patience is just a nice quality to have, but in the mind of God, patience is a requirement, a necessity, that will get us through the battle, and keep us alive to see the promises God has made to us fulfilled. He will do what is necessary to achieve that patience in us. Rejoice in that faithfulness of God to us. Yes, we will be changed through the experience. One of those changes will involve gaining something that we cannot gain any other way.

Our faithful Father trains us to patience.

"Psalm 23"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnKvXxGlJLI

"Praise You in the Storm"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB4eC55dh-U

"Waiting Here for You"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrr-7YA7cfM

"While I'm Waiting"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9DTwLOxzhE

note: art at the top of the page- William Blake's 1793 engraving for The Book of Job: "Job Rebuked by his Friends"

Ram

The Hebrew word and root for "ram" means the ram as food, the ram as a sacrifice, the skins dyed for the tabernacle. It means a pillar, door post, door jambs, pilaster (support). It means strong man, leader, chief, mighty tree like a terebinth, oak, or palm. In architecture, it is the term that refers to the projecting ledge or covering that surrounds the top and two sides of a door (Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep." Jn. 10:7) on a building, often adorned with columns. It means powerful, mighty, strength, strong God. The Hebrew word for ram makes up the root of the name "El", which is part of the name of God. So the ram is identified with the Father, God.
The horns of the ram in Hebrew has the meaning to radiate, emit beams, shine, rays of light.
The ram was used as a sacrifice in the worship of the tabernacle as a peace offering(Lev. 9:4, 18, 16:3), a trespass offering (Lev. 19:22), as the ram of consecration (Ex. 29:15-22, 27, 31, 32), and as the ram of atonement (Num. 5:8).
As we know, God provided a ram caught in a thicket (entwined or braided branches, as a sukkah, or tabernacle) as a sacrifice in place of Abraham's son, Isaac (Gen. 22:13). We say that this ram represents Jesus, but I believe that the ram depicted in this encounter is the Father. Abraham travelled with Isaac to "the land of Moriah". What does "Moriah" mean? The Concordance says it means "Chosen by Jehovah". But the Hebrew words mean "to see, look at, perceive, consider, to be visible, to appear, to be shown, to look at each other, to face, Jah (Jehovah)", or the Father God. Abraham is brought to a place where he will see God face to face. He will perceive and consider God, Who is making Himself visible in this place, and in this situation, a situation of sacrifice.
I am saying that the ram in scripture is a depiction of the Father. A ram, as an animal, is a father, or sire, to its offspring, which are lambs.
I would also like to expand this thought by looking at the unconditional faithfulness and fealty of the relationship between Jesus and His Father:
"Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loved the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these that you may marvel."    Jn. 5:19-20
The above statement is very emphatic and clear and many times Jesus emphasizes the fact that He only says and does the things that He sees His Father doing (Jn. 8:38, 10:32, 37-38, 14:31, etc.).
I believe that one reason the Son is so determined to serve His Father so faithfully is because He saw His Father sacrifice Himself. Perhaps you may think this is a radical statement, but I believe the Son's relationship with the Father may very well be based upon this. Let us look at the following scripture:
"Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up (crucify) the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him."                                                           Jn. 8:28-29
The Son is emulating the Father, including even in His death. Why should we think that the crucifixion, or sacrifice, is excluded from the acts the Son sees the Father, Himself, doing?
Jesus makes it clear to us that no one takes His life from Him, but He freely gives it up:
"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."          Jn. 10:17-18
Jesus told us in Jn. 5:19-20, (see above) that whatever the Father does, the Son does in like manner (likewise: equally, in the same way).  Can't we therefore assume that the Son willingly lays down His life because He saw His Father do it also?
We may ask how the Father can sacrifice Himself, laying His life down, when He is not flesh, but Spirit? When He is eternal and everlasting? We can only say that Jesus sacrificed Himself before He became flesh, while He was Spirit, so this is possible:
"All who dwell on the earth will worship Him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."        Rev. 13:8
The Lamb, the offspring of the Ram, was slain before He was ever born in the flesh on earth. Before the foundation of the world, Jesus and the Father were one, the Father being in the Son (Jn. 17:20-26), when also the Lamb was slain in the Spirit.
A father does not ask a son to do something he has not done himself, or is not willing to do himself.
A son who only does what he sees his father doing, does not give up his life, unless he has seen his father do the same.
This only begotten Son emulates His Father in all ways. Even when He sacrificed Himself, He was taking us to the place, Moriah, where He could show us the Father.
"...Lord, show us the Father...He who has seen Me, has seen the Father." (Jn. 14:8-9).

Our Father is the Ram of sacrifice.

"Now Behold the Lamb"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CK1R1suY6U

"Worthy Is The Lamb"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAplJ0_jDFc

Lulav

Recently we have been studying the three fall feasts of Israel, and it has been a blessing and revelation for us. The last feast of the series is the Feast of Tabernacles, also know as the Feast of Ingathering. It occurs during the ingathering of the fall harvest. Much can be written about the Feasts, and their importance to Christians, even as they have been practiced by generations of Jewish people. The Feasts are as much apart of our faith as the Word of God. Jesus observed the feasts faithfully. I cannot go into full detail of the feasts, and Tabernacles specifically, as it could fill a book, and I am no expert on the subject, but I would like to look at a particular aspect of it that I thought was extremely precious and important. Tabernacles, being the final feast, seems especially important to the End Times in which we live. 
Part of the observance of Tabernacles is the building of a structure called a "sukkah". It is a four-sided structure that can have an opening on one side. Another part of the feast is gathering together, or bundling, of four types of vegetation called the "lulav". It is taught that the lulav represents the four-lettered Name of the LORD, yod, he, vaw, he. To me, even the sukkah, because it has four sides, can also represent this holy Name. Any time there is a grouping of four in scripture, we should pay special attention to its revelation of God's Name, known as the Tetragrammaton. I believe that when we hold that lulav in our hands, we are holding onto the Name of the LORD. I believe that when we enter into the sukkah, we are entering into the Name of the LORD. This is very important in these times.
It is said that the four components of vegetation that make up the lulav should represent our attitude and practice toward God. I think these same four items can also represent God's character and promises towards us.

In our study we learned that the lulav bundle is made up of the following:
Etrog, a citrus branch and fruit, represents the heart-our love for Him, and His love for us. It is a love that bore, and continues to bear, the fruit of salvation.
Lulav, is a straight date palm frond, and represents the spine, uprightness or righteousness, steadfastness in our relationship with God, and His faithfulness, righteousness and the steadfastness of God's promises to us.
Hadas, three myrtle branches, whose leaf shape represents the eyes, the vision and discernment. Our eyes are always to be lifted up and open to Him, as His eyes are always seeking us out, and seeing ahead to provide for us.
Aravah, two willow branches kept moist (willows grow by the water). They represent victory over the enemy, and, by shape, the lips, particularly when used by us in prayer. Likewise, God's lips are continually speaking into our lives, and Jesus' lips are continually making intercession for us.

It is so important as we enter these perilous End Times, that we understand the power of holding onto, and entering into, the Name of the LORD, as symbolized in these practices of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Scripture tells us the provision that has been given to us within the Name of the LORD:

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe."  Pro. 18:10
"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you."          
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God."           Psalm 20:1, 7
"Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth."     Psalm 124:8
"And it shall come to pass: That whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
                                                 Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, Rom. 10:13
"So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him."       Isa. 59:19
There are so many more scriptures about the power and defense found in the name of the LORD, and in the name of Jesus.

In the End Times, many will be desperate to enter into a name, any name, and to be covered by something, anything:
"And in that day, seven women shall take hold of one man saying, "We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by your name to take away our reproach."
                                                        Isa. 4:1
"And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!"       Rev. 6:15-16

But for those who have understanding, they will run to another name, to the greatest name, the name that saves and defends, the name that is above every name. They will run into the covering (sukkah) of the name of the LORD:
One will say, "I am the LORD's; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand "The LORD's", and name himself by the name of Israel."   Isa. 44:5

Like the lulav, let us hold His name in our hands. Let us run into His name, and be enveloped and covered by His name, like being covered within the sukkah, in this Feast of Ingathering, in this Feast of Tabernacles.

Our Father's name is in the lulav and sukkah of Tabernacles.


"Sukkot Song-Call Upon His Name"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vrrlktOvU4

"We Will Run"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqgHd7mXYVQ

"The Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9jf0RNfUFc

"Names of God"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5-6gwssX0Y

"Sinnerman"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn5tiuZU4JI

Glory

When we hear about the glory of the LORD, it brings to mind images of light, and splendor. There is more to understand about it, though, There is another side to the glory.
The Hebrew word for glory is "kabod". It means glory, honor, abundance, riches, reverence, splendor, weightiness. The root word of kabod is the word "kabad". It includes many of the meanings noted above, such as rich, honorable, be made abundant. Also included in the meaning of the root word for glory, "kabad", are the meanings to be heavy, weighty, grievous, to be hard, burdensome, to make heavy, dull, unresponsive. This root word "kabad" is used in some scriptures that deal with the judgment of God:

"And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous..."                    Gen, 18:20

"But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said."     Ex. 8:15, 8:32, 9:34, 10:1

"But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon Ashdod, and He destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof."      1 Sam. 5:6

As we can see in the above verses, there are two sides to the glory of God.
The glory of the LORD also presided over the judgment of the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Num. 16:19-21).
The glory of God is  also the measure that will measure all of us:
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."         Rom. 3:23
By this measure, we all fail except for the fact that Jesus made it possible for us to see the other side of God's glory.

Those who love God, and have received Him as their LORD, see one side of the glory through Christ. It's beautiful, and shining. It is for their enrichment, sanctification, provision and for their covering and protection:

"...the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. And the LORD spoke to Moses saying, "...at twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning, you shall be filled with bread."
                                                                            Ex. 16:10-12
:And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory."                                                                  Ex. 29:43

"Then the LORD shall create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory, there will be a covering. And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain."    Isa. 4:5-6

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man."       Eph. 3:16

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
                                                                         Phil. 4:19

Considering the above scriptures, it is no wonder that in Jesus' last prayer before His suffering, as He was praying for His disciples, it was important to Him to pray regarding the glory of His Father:
"And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."  
                                                                        Jn.  17:22-23
We have become one with Christ and with the Father by the inclusion into His glory. This same glory perfects us, even as it unites us. Even if it seems that we are broken into millions of splintered parts in the Body of Christ, being in His glory unites us. It is vital that this glory of God shines from each of us as a witness and a testimony to others who desperately need it.

Numbers 14:21 and Habakkuk 2:14 tells us that the whole earth will be filled with the glory of the LORD, and with the knowledge of His glory, but, sadly, not all will see the same side of the glory. We are living in a time that is calling us to pray, calling us to sober watchfulness, for the glory is coming, and is even now here.

Our Father's glory has two sides.


"The Glory of Your Presence"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuYGOHJ-1s


"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4Xz7WV_qJs

Submarines

I was reminded this morning of something the Lord taught me many years ago. When we are called by the Lord out of darkness and into His marvelous light, we wonder what place we have in the Body of Christ. I can remember so many saying that the Lord called them to be pastors, or prophets, or evangelists, and so on, but especially pastors. Everyone sitting next to me in church claimed they were supposed to be pastors. How could this be?! It was not my job to judge, but it seemed to me that many were coveting offices and positions that they weren't really called to. You probably remember a lot of this going on as well.
At this point, the Lord began to tell me the story of the submarine and the aircraft carrier. I kid you not!
He showed me a huge U.S. aircraft carrier sitting in the sea. Aircraft were being launched from its deck. The planes were coming and going from her. It's large crew were scurrying across its deck. It was very dramatic and impressive. You could almost hear the naval theme "Anchors Aweigh" blasting through the air! (Listen Here). The Lord said that some in the Body were like this aircraft carrier- certainly a mighty weapon in warfare.
Then He showed me a long, dark submarine. He made me think about the characteristics of this vessel. I saw it quietly submerge, going dark, and silent, disappearing beneath the waves. It could travel through shallower depths, even coming very close to a nation's coastline. It also travelled into the deep abysses and canyons of the oceans. It was designed for this purpose, to withstand the depths. Its smaller sized crew often had to spend lengths of time whispering, or not speaking at all, in order for the vessel to run silently. It "saw" differently, through a periscope. It "heard" differently, by the pings of sonar. It was at its most dangerous when you couldn't see it. It could stay silently submerged for up to six months. It could launch nuclear weapons. If all land and air armaments were attacked and destroyed, the last line of defense is the submerged nuclear submarine. But its strength is that fact that it is not seen, heard, nor detected. It is not a showy vessel, nor beautiful to look at, and you certainly can't launch or land aircraft on it, not even a  helicopter. When it runs on the surface of the water, it is not very maneuverable, but under the water, it can turn beautifully, rise and dive sharply and quickly. It is your worst enemy, or your greatest tool of defense. It is specially designed to fill its purpose. It is not as outwardly impressive as an aircraft carrier, but it is perfect for what is needed.
When I considered it, I thought, "Aircraft carriers are very cool, but it's awesome to be a submarine."
Sometimes in the Body of Christ we all want to be aircraft carriers, and indeed, I'm sure many are. But if you have spent many years feeling frustrated or unhappy because you are not being used by God as an aircraft carrier, may I make the case for, and ask you to consider, that it may be time to think about the awesomeness of submarines. I am thrilled and fulfilled, and so grateful to my Father that I only have to surface every six months or so. Since He showed me this wonder, I am so happy in the deep, and in the silence, "hearing" and "seeing" in the special way that He has equipped me to operate. Bless Him always.
You know that the Apostle Paul taught us in scripture that we are not all the same part of the Body, and each part has its own value and purpose. Each part needs the valuable gift of the other parts in order to function as a whole. Yet we still desire certain parts over others. This can turn out very sadly, and be very destructive.
The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On against the anointing, and calling of Moses and Aaron is just such an example. They coveted the leadership position, and encouraged 250 of the best leaders of the Israelites to join in their rebellion. I would like to look at Korah's story for a moment. Korah was a descendent of Levi's third son, Kohath. Levi's other two sons were Gershon and Merari. The descendants of Gershon and Merari were given charge of the outer areas of the Tabernacle and court, the panels, curtains, frames, ropes, pegs, etc. that went into that assembly. These items were loaded onto carts to be moved from place to place with the people of Israel as they travelled through the wilderness. But the Kohathites were in charge of the inner curtains and furnishings. This included the altars, the lamp stand, the showbread table, the ark of the covenant. These items differed from the others because they could not be loaded onto carts to be moved. The Kohathites had to carry these things on poles on their shoulders. Not only that, but they could not touch the items, which had to be wrapped in special protective coverings (Num. 4). Touching the items meant death. So the Kohathites, which included Korah, had to shoulder these things on poles, rather than put them on a cart. Korah and others were dissatisfied with their place, and assignment. Though they expressed their resentment with Moses, they really resented God, because their roles were determined and assigned by Him.
Their rebellion ended in the horror of their destruction, as they, and all who were with them, were swallowed up by an earthquake (Num. 16). But Num. 26:11 tells us something interesting:
"Nevertheless, the children (sons) of Korah did not die."
The sons of Korah were not destroyed with their father. One descendant of Korah is the prophet Samuel (the descendants of Levi are listed in 1 Chron.6). The Sons of Korah fought alongside David, and were appointed by him as singers and psalmists in the Tabernacle, and Temple later. The Sons of Korah wrote 25 of the Psalms: 42-50, 62, and 72-85. Their Psalms express a spirit of great gratitude and longing for God. Psalm 42 is the inspiration for our great worship song "As the Deer Panteth for the Water".
Korah wanted to be Moses, and coveted his position. But Korah was a worshipper. God specially gifted and designed him and his progeny for this great purpose. How sad that he only saw what someone else had, and did not see his own great gift and destiny.
We cannot afford to live our lives coveting someone else's calling and purpose.  Our Father has designed each of us for a specific purpose. We cannot continue to reject His headship, and His design for us.

Our Father has designed spiritual submarines too!

"As the Deer"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gaT4q9eJ1U