Go Back to the Beginning

Go Back to the Beginning Full Text

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

As I come to the Word of the Lord this morning, I do so with a reverence and careful determination. I must always remember this Word is pure, it is holy, and it is for me-for my benefit and yours, and I do very well not to come before this Holy Word casually or irreverently. For those who are struggling with confusion, who are going through a trial they don't understand, I believe these Scriptures will strengthen and encourage us as the Holy Spirit reminds us of some very basic, but vital facts. He wants us to understand His Word, and understand what it means to our lives and it is to this end I bow my heart before His Word, and come to sit at His feet, and learn of Him. I am so thankful this entrance has been granted-and that He would want to spend time with me, and teach me. In the beginning, before anything was, before there was an earth, before there were people and problems and devils, and temptations, and pain, and death and sin and suffering, there was God. There was Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We know the Bible says the Lord dwells in unapproachable light. (1Ti_6:16) That light is inaccessible. No man can approach this light-it's so pure it would consume flesh. He truly is a consuming fire (Heb_12:29). He is the High and Lofty One who dwells in eternity. (Isa_57:15) Before the mountains were made, before the earth was made, He was there-inconceivably almighty, and magnificently pure. (Psa_90:1-2)

He sits high and lifted up on the throne of all Creation, including every single universe that exists or ever has existed. He sits surrounded by creatures endued with power inconceivable to the human mind, yet these creatures worship and hide their faces and feet from Him in reverence, and all they can cry is "Holy, Holy, Holy". They are so overwhelmed by His presence and holiness. (Rev_5:14) Isaiah calls them seraphim, (Isa_6:2) John calls them beasts in Rev_4:8. Isaiah says they have 6 wings and with two of them they hide their faces in awe of Him. They cover their feet-this tells me they won't go or do anything unless He tells them to. How my spirit hungers to reach that place in God where every step, every word, every thought is guided by His Holy Spirit.
Before there was anything, there was this Great God. There is no place for human pride here. No place for human effort. Just surrender. The earth was a formless, empty place. This word formless also means a place of confusion, desolation, a wasted place. Void, it's a great empty ruined place. It was dark-there was no light. This was the condition of the earth in the beginning when God created it.

When the Lord began creating the heavens and the earth, the earth was first a shapeless, chaotic mass, with the the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors. (TLB). The Amplified Bible includes the fact the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the deep waters. This word 'deep' means an abyss, a subterranean water supply. It was a surging mass of water, according to Strong's Hebrew. One translation says the Spirit of God moved gently on the face of the waters. The KJV uses the word "moved" (H7363) and it translates to brood, but with an implication of being relaxed-and that implies confidence. The word brood means to hover or hang over something. So as I considered various translations, I found most of them to be accurate when you consider the original Hebrew from which they were all translated.

When you read the direct word for word translation (and I was surprised by this) from the original Hebrew, here is what it says:

Gen 1:1 Created by the Elohim were the heavens and the earth. Gen 1:2 Yet the earth became a chaos and vacant, and darkness was on the surface of the submerged chaos. Yet the spirit of the Elohim is vibrating over the surface of the water.

This is the Concordant Literal Version. It is a direct translation from the Hebrew. He brings order out of chaos with His Word. Where there is darkness, and emptiness and chaos, His Spirit hovers over this, brooding. If something created by a holy God who is pure and powerful was without form and empty, dark and desolate, how can man expect to create anything that will produce order? As I look closely at these Scriptures, carefully, prayerfully examine them, I see HIM, hovering over this dark, empty place where there is only confusion, nothing is in right order. But He hangs over this and speaks, and at His Word, the darkness is gone. He says "Let there be LIGHT."
Light is required here. He speaks, (Psa 33:9) and it is done. Light means illumination. Things are clear now, in every sense. He speaks, darkness and confusion are gone. Man can create nothing that has any sense of order about it. When God created the earth, it took His Word to bring light and order to it. How powerful His Word is. Then He divides light from darkness. He is showing us, teaching us with every thing He does how it is to be. What fellowship has light with darkness? 2Co_6:14 The two can NOT co-exist in the same place.

Now, let us consider this: this awesome God brought order and understanding on a massive scale to this planet-with His Word. Let there Be Light! He said it. If you are struggling, if you have failed Him and feel you aren't accepted by Him, but you want Him then come. If your life feels like chaos, if it is desolate, and barren, and empty and everywhere you look everything looks dark, come. When everything feels like it has spun out of control, and nothing makes sense anymore, come. If you are fighting depression and all you want to do is sleep to escape, get up, and come. If the pain is bad, the emotional hurt you can't deny or escape, come. Whatever the problem, it is not too big for this awesome God.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.


We don't minister ourselves, but HIM, His promises, His life is the answer. He commanded the light to shine out of darkness so we could see in our minds the understanding that the glory of God is Jesus Christ, our hope of glory. He puts this treasure of Himself in our earthen vessels, in our human bodies, made from dust of the earth, sustained by His life, naturally and spiritually. Like Paul, we can be troubled on every side, but we are not hemmed in. When it looks like there is no way out, He is the way. He is the Waymaker! When we are persecuted, pressed, and pursued by the powers of darkness that would love to flood our minds with despair and hopelessness, HE lifts up the standard. He will not let us drown. We can look to Him, even if we are so weak we are barely hanging on and He will reach down and save us when we cry out to Him. He will never leave us or forsake us. Hallelujah! Look up, Beloved, He has not left you alone. He has been there all along. Just call out to Him, He will rescue you, and bring you through victorious! There is no darkness too powerful for the light of His Truth. He is the First and the Last, He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End of everything. It all started with HIM and it ends up with Him.

Light or darkness? Your Choice

2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

This is a serious warning Peter is bringing to the people here. Too often we read the Bible casually without taking time to stop and meditate and think carefully on what we have read. Let us pray the Lord will deliver us of such a bad habit. Peter warned these people will behave and minister in such a way that others will follow their error, and this way is a dangerous, destructive way that will lead straight to hell. There is a spirit of covetousness driving these false representatives, and they have these scripted little sermonettes which sound pretty and nice, and do not offend, and lead straight to your wallet. Before they ever were, judgment was set against this kind of behavior and God will not be mocked. What is sown will be reaped. Just because they have not yet been judged, they and others think God is okay with what they are doing, but He is nothing like them and He will not change His just laws, nor allow injustice to be unpunished. They sell their cotton candy sickly sweet preaching tapes to unsuspecting people for way too much money, making merchandise out of them, as the Scripture warns and it's like feeding poison to those who don't discern.
When you see ministers getting up and preaching prosperity and peace, with no mention of the cross, or the blood, no mention of this leadership and infilling of the Holy Ghost that leads us to the cross where our self life is crucified with Christ and He reigns in us, there is a problem. Jesus did not come to bring peace on the earth-He lived the example we must follow. He lived a self-less life poured out for the sake of others and there was much tribulation and suffering involved. Because of these covetous and selfish ministries, which talk religious but have no power, no fruit of the Spirit, the world looks on in amusement, recognizing the fake, and they mock and laugh and speak evil of the Gospel and the Lord. They provoke others to blaspheme, to defame the name of the Lord and His Holy Word.

Christianity is reviled, and those who stand for truth are demonized as extremists and identified as haters and intolerant. This is the spirit that rages even now and it is getting worse. It is going to get much worse. I saw on the news this morning, a humanist group has bought a controversial ad with a young woman dressed as Santa with her hands up in the air and a smile on her face. Above her, in big green letters "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake" It is a holiday themed ad, and has been purchased by the American Humanist Association to be placed on the side of BUSES in Washington, DC. Public buses. The anti christ spirit is alive and raging so we need to be drawing nigh to Him, fortifying ourselves and seeking His wisdom and truth so we aren't swept away in the flood of deception.

The righteous dwell among these, and see what is happening, and are vexed by the deceit, by the total misrepresentation of God. It grieves their heart to see people led astray by the selfish desires of their own heart which these false teachers and prophets are only too happy to cater to. There is an interesting Scripture here I want to pause and examine and depend on the Holy Spirit to open our understanding.

2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

God was not lenient with the angels that sinned. They erred, they missed the mark. They fell from their first habitation-heaven as angels of God. They followed an 'angel of light' into rebellion against God and the Scripture says there was war in heaven. That also tells me, by example, that if I were to follow an 'angel' of light, someone who represented something other than the True Light, which is Jesus Christ (Joh_14:6) then I will end up fighting against God, and the truth. I would end up lost, too in spiritual darkness. The only way free from this kind of darkness is divine intervention. Pattern set for all who follow this path of deception. Those who teach His Word to others really need to consider and to take heed to this Scripture-including myself. I am not a preacher, but those of us who even write about HIM and share it with others is included here, too. Any messenger of the Word is included.
Whether you bear witness of the Word to your friends and co-workers, or family, or preach or write about the Lord, we must know these things and be so very careful. That word angel is angelos, and it means a messenger, pastor, or angel sent from God as an ambassador or bearer of tidings. I am always aware as I study the Word and write down what the Holy Spirit shows me, (He shines that Light that helps me understand) that I am totally NOT smart enough to think all this up on my own, and amazed that the Lord would let me speak His Word and I pray HE not let me get it wrong. What an awe-inspiring responsibility and privilege. It's intimidating when I stop and think about it.

These angels have been cast down to hell, the Word says. The word for hell is G5020 tartaroo. It means these angels are incarcerated, locked up in the deepest abyss of hell or Hades. They have been imprisoned, with chains of darkness. I can't fathom in my mind that kind of blackness. When you apply this to human beings, recall the Lord Jesus Christ warned the people to walk in the Light while they had the Light lest darkness overtake them for those who walk in darkness don't know or realize where they are going. (Joh_12:35) If we err from truth, which is light or revelation of truth, the only thing left is to wander off into darkness. This is the same darkness (spiritual death and blindness) the lost are bound in until they come to Christ and surrender their heart and life and repent of their sins. What an awful thing. To be lost and not even know it. It takes the work of the Holy Spirit shining that light into their darkness so they can see; so they can understand they are lost.

The chains of darkness-is this a literal place of darkness in a place called hell so thick it can be felt or is He just telling us this darkness is so strong it binds? Exo_10:21 refers to the plague of darkness over Egypt sent by God and Scripture says it was a darkness that may be felt. The word used for darkness in Exodus is different. (H2822) It means a darkness that brings with it destruction, and death and sorrow. Jesus also warned them in Luk_11:35 to take heed or be very careful that the light (or understanding) they had was not of darkness. The light He is talking about here is (G5457 phos), it means a natural fire or light. That speaks to me of something dependent on the natural. Make sure your understanding of truth is not rooted in human effort, and human wisdom (which always tends to examine everything with a self-centered focus) for both will lead you astray. Then in the next verse, Jesus says this:

Luk 11:36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

This word for light is (G5460 photeinos) and it means transparent, bright, full of lustrous light. It's a pure light, so if the second light is pure, reason says the natural light mentioned in Luk_11:35 was not pure. There are no dark corners or hidden places, the whole being is well lit, full of light. If you are walking in a place that though lit, has dark areas, dark hidden places, it's hard to tell what might be lurking hidden in those places. The Scripture says in HIM there is no darkness at all. No darkness will be allowed in heaven, so let us pray the light of the Glorious Gospel shines brightly in and all through us, lighting up any hidden areas of darkness and exposing them so they can be removed. This kind of light will shine, illuminate everything so it can be seen and understood. (G5461 photizo) This is what the Holy Spirit does. Those who are seeking understanding of the Lord, of the Word, He has to come and shine this photizo light for us to understand. This is also the kind of light He shines in darkness so the lost can see their condition and come out of darkness.

2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

This God who said "Let there be light" when there was nothing but a dark, empty void, has lit up our heart-our minds with understanding that the glory of God is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! It requires the working of God-we can't free ourselves from this darkness, and neither can the angels that sinned. You don't know how awful that darkness is until you have seen pure light. God help us never to wander off back into darkness. But if we don't accept and embrace the Light, the understanding that He gives us, that is exactly what will happen.
These false prophets and teachers are described this way:

2Pe 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

This is the result when men love darkness rather than light. God won't force Truth on people. If they want to remain willfully ignorant, He won't force His Word on them. He sends it to them and gives them an opportunity to accept or reject what He says. The choice is entirely ours. I thought about this because it is a disturbing verse. These are wells-a source or supply but they have no living water. They are like clouds-no substance, not anchored, but easily carried by the storm. They are unstable. Their understanding is not truth, their mind is held in custody by darkness-blindness to real Truth. What an awful condition. My God-when you see people railing against righteousness, demanding their rights to unnatural lifestyles, remember their understanding is guarded by darkness. You look up the word 'reserved' G5083 tereo, and that is what it means. To be guarded, held in custody, kept. It will help us when we understand these things not to rail on them when they rail on us. We won't return evil for evil when they speak evil of us, we should pray for them. We once were in that kind of darkness, bound, unable to understand truth, unable to save ourselves, hopelessly lost until HOPE shined the light that we could be free into our minds, and we joyfully surrendered in repentance, and embraced His sacrifice for our sins. Doesn't understanding this make you want to stop what you are doing and start praying for your lost loved ones? Oh, God help us be more concerned, for others, and not ourselves.

The Comfort God Wants To Give You

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

You hear the word "grace" a lot in church, and in the Bible. But what does it really mean? Have you ever stopped to think about it and meditate on this amazing word? In the Greek, it comes from a word 'charis' and pronounced khorece. It means God has bestowed certain favors and benefits and gifts upon us just because it is His character, His nature, to love us and want to help us. He knows better than we the flaws, inconsistencies and failures of our lives and our hearts, yet this does not cause Him to withdraw His grace from us. No, just the opposite-He extends it freely. His grace is His kindness, His willingness to offer His good will, and do what it took to offer us entrance into the goodness and blessings He has to share with us-which we did nothing to earn or merit.

Paul is writing to a people who came out of gross sin, were greatly blessed of the Lord, but promptly fell into error and division. This always happens when the Lord is moving and working among His people. The enemy will try to come in and conquer and divide. A house divided cannot stand. So, he is also writing to people he knows have been party to attempts to smear his name and service to the Lord, as well as those who have been led astray again since his last letter and visit. When Titus reports back the people repented and accepted the truth, Paul writes again. He doesn't come with an "I told you so" or harsh criticism. He writes reminding them they are recipients of the grace and peace of God.

Grace and peace. How do you truly have peace? Saying you possess it and truly having it are two different things. This peace by definition means God has no controversy with you. It means you can rest assured in His ability regardless of the situation around you. This kind of peace comes from knowing God yourself and learning who He is and how He works. Now, the Holy Ghost knows the hearts of men and women and He knows how to convict and convince them of sin and when they have erred, and repented, He comes offering peace and grace of God. Blessed-that word means adorable, worthy of praise, is God, the Father of our Lord Jesus. He is the Father of mercy-He has compassion and takes pity on His children. He knows the weakness of their flesh, and that they are but dust. He is the God of all comfort- encouragement, exhortation, urging His people to trust Him, look to Him, and lean heavy on Him for HE alone by His Word and His Spirit is able to hold them up in times like we live in.

In verse 4 the word for comfort is parakaleo-and it is used to describe one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It means to call near, invite or all for one to come closer so they can find the comfort and encouragement they need. He is calling for us to draw near to Him so He can teach and instruct us and that will strengthen and encourage us. This Scripture says He comforts us in all our tribulation. He is our Father, and He knows we are troubled about many things, and He knows what we need. He wants His troubled children to come to Him, not expecting harshness but help. There is such a pressure, and distress many are facing right now. We all have our own afflictions, be they mental, physical, financial or family problems. There is an all out spiritual warfare raging and God's children need to be edified, encouraged, and taught truth, more than ever. We need to have our minds saturated with the Truth and we all need to be praying for the Holy Ghost to fill us. As we are comforted by God through His Spirit and His Word, then we are able to comfort others. The word comfort used here is similar --"paraklesis" and it means to call those close who need help, so they can be encouraged, and strengthened. There is so much anguish and trouble in the lives of so many hurting believers. He knows this and He wants us to remember He alone can comfort and bring us through. Remember He said our faith would be tried by fiery trials, and sometimes we would be in heaviness because of these. But we can look to Him and know He will not let this take us under. No matter what storm is raging, He walks above the storm, and we will make it to the other side if we are obedient and seek Him. He doesn't want us depending on anyone or anything else but HIM and His Word. This is one of the reasons He sent the Holy Ghost to us.

Isa 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isa 25:2 For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defensed city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

The fact that He is OUR God, that He redeemed us and bought us, and saved us is a miracle and something to be so thankful for. We are not putting our trust in Buddha, or Mohammad, or self, or this new age religion that is so prevalent. We are trusting in TRUTH and TRUTH is Person. He is the Lord! He's real, He knows our needs, hurts and desire to please Him. He does not give up on us when we are ready to give up on ourselves. For that we can lift up His name, exalt HIM higher than our problems, or our failures and praise His Holy Name for what He has done-deliver us, time and time and time again, and for what He has not done-which is forsake us. Glory to His Name! Hallelujah!! He has worked so many miracles, He has parted seas and rivers, He has breathed life into dry bones, He has opened blinded eyes, He has raised what is dead and given it new life! His Word has always been faithful and true. He can take the strong hold of the enemy and reduce it to ruin in seconds with a Word of hope and truth.

Isa 25:4 For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

He becomes the defense, the strength to those who are weak, though He always has been their defense, now they are made aware of this. Their back is to the wall, they are in a tight place, but He is there. He's an ever present Help because He knows there is an ever present evil that would swallow them up. He's drawn them close to Himself and sheltered them and they are learning by experience He alone is their hiding place. He's their Rock, a solid, unshakable place they can stand when everything around them is being shaken. He will never be moved. He will never be overthrown or caught by surprise. The enemy can never triumph over this glorious God.
The storm has been fierce and it has taken a toll on the people. That word 'poor' is dal (H1800) and it means dangling, weak or thin-barely able to hang on. They have been buffeted hard, they have fought this warfare and they are weary and in great need of help. He's the strength to those who are in need, destitute in a hard place, in real trouble. When I looked up that word distress (H6862) in verse 4, in the original Hebrew it means: They have an adversary who has afflicted them and brought great anguish into their lives, and much tribulation and sorrow. I was amazed. God is their shelter from the storm-and this is a demonic storm. This the flood of demonic activity that causes confusion, torment, sorrow, temptation, and grief. The enemy is sending forth this flood to try to overthrow their faith and sweep them back into darkness. He said in Isa_59:19 when the enemy comes in like a flood, He will lift up a standard against him. The standard is the flag that goes ahead of the army, and who is the Captain of our salvation, Church? The Lord Jesus Christ!
In the dry, desolate place that has been utterly wasted, a heavy toll has been exacted because of the prince of the power of the air who has laid siege to God's people, is determined to steal their faith in God and His promises. He wants you to throw the Book down and believe the lie out of hell that you have had enough that you don't need it anymore! He wants to snuff out the of Christ within you. The blast of the terrible ones-that word 'blast' is an interesting word. (H7307) Both the New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance and Strong's Hebrew Definitions agree: It's an attack that comes on the wind, a spiritual attack, as a breath of cool air to try to extinguish faith in God, love for God, and zeal for God. The fiery darts are launched as a barrage as the enemy tries to manipulate your thoughts, provoke your temper and cause you to lose your courage and lose heart. He wants you to be despondent, grief stricken, in despair. This is the blast of the oppressor and it is a terrible, strong, and violent sifting within your mind to try to destroy your faith in God and in His promises. He wants to make you believe the Word of God is a lie and there is no hope and he has you backed up against a wall with no where to go.
Remember, he is the liar and the father of all lies. When you are against a wall, God is that very present help and He is there with you. He said He would never leave you or forsake you.

Isa 25:5 Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

When Israel was up against a wall, God made a way through the Red Sea and they walked across on dry ground and God had His prophet leading them, and God Himself was their rear guard. He had their back and would not let the Egyptians rush in upon them. No, that fiery cloud was right there, preventing the enemy from following them until it was time-until they were safely across and then God moved to allow the enemy to rush in to their own destruction.

God will bring down the noise of strangers, that strange voice that batters your mind trying to wear you out. Oh what a blessing and encouragement I got as I dug in these words, and examined these Scriptures. The word is H3665 kana, and it means God is going to subdue this uproar and horrible noise of the enemy. The stranger, that profane, foreign stranger-who is the enemy and adversary of our soul, will have to bow his knee in humiliation, vanquished by OUR GOD, and be brought down low in subjection, under the mighty hand of God. He's going to make the enemy give account and answer for what he has done. The Scripture says the branch of the terrible ones will be brought low-(H6030) and it means made to answer or give account. As the heat in a dry place-He, God Almighty is going to dry up this flood. Hallelujah! Be encouraged, church. You really can be strong in the Lord. Has He not commanded us to be strong and of a good courage that we don't have to be afraid or dismayed for He is the Lord OUR GOD and is with us where ever we go! He knows what is coming and He wants you to spend time with Him, in His Word, in prayer, getting fortified, filled up with oil, now, while we can. He is calling us to draw nigh to Him and away from the things that would distract and vex us. He wants us to draw nigh to Him so He can draw nigh to us and comfort us, saints. What an awesome invitation. I pray you come. I encourage you to find a place, at an altar of prayer and be still, knowing you have been invited you will be received, and just understand He is GOD. Think about what that means. HE IS GOD. Nothing escapes His knowledge and He is never without a plan of victory! Hallelujah! Don't listen to the lies of the devil when he tells you that you have failed God that your life hasn't amounted to much. Little is much when God is in it. If he tells you that you are a failure, that means you are succeeding in getting somewhere with God. If you were a failure, he'd be lying to you telling you that you were a great success! He can't tell the truth, so when he tells you that you are a failure, rejoice! He lies!

After the Cross

Peter and John had ran to the sepulcher and found His tomb empty, but they could not believe the women or the two who met the Lord on the road to Emmaus. There was some stressed out men in this room. They had all failed Him. They had all forsook Him. If He had truly risen, why would He come to them? But how could that be? They saw Him die. They didn't think it possible, but they saw it. But then again, they were talking about a Man who could walk on water, who told the wind and waves to be at peace and they immediately stopped raging. This was no normal Man they were talking about. There was some arguing going on in here, too, I think. Perhaps they were blaming each other for not doing something to help the Lord. Perhaps they were picking at each other's mistakes, in their misery. I think they were blaming each other, and then realizing there was enough blame to go around. Oh, Peter had denied Him, James and John had wanted to call fire down on Samaria. They had all ran away in the garden. Nobody had spoken up in His defense at that mockery of a trial. None of them had lifted a finger to help Him in His worst hour. Surely, their misery and guilt was overwhelming. They were all devastated and none of them had any peace with themselves or with each other. There was still mourning and quiet weeping going on in this place. (Mar_16:10) They had learned so much, they had seen so many miracles performed by this Man-even performed many themselves in His name. And this is how it would end? In utter helplessness with His own paralyzed with fear, unable to move forward, their faith and confidence shattered? How could He forgive them for their abandoning Him in His hour of need? How could they forgive themselves? Was there resentment among the disciples toward one another? I don't know. But I do believe there was friction and depression and despair.
But then Peace appears in their midst. Oh, hallelujah, the church may be down, but not out.

Joh 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Their eyes widen with astonishment. I can't imagine all the conflicting emotions that rushed through their minds and hearts. He knew they weren't at peace which was why that is the first thing He said. He didn't come with "I told you that you would all fail me." He didn't come to remind them of their failures. He came to put their fears at rest and give them peace.
Peace, He says, be yours. As My Father has sent Me to share the good news that there is freedom and hope possible, and to show the world who He is, and what He is like, even so I now send you. Then He breathed on them and said "receive ye the Holy Ghost."
In Gen_2:7 He formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. Every part, every organ, every member of Adam's body began to function correctly, in perfect harmony with the rest of the members of this body when the breath of God blew in his nose. That word receive (G2983) in the Greek is 'lambano' and it means to accept, to strive to obtain, hold, gripped, to lay hold of any person or thing, claiming what is one's own to one's self, to make one's own companion or attendant. It also means to take a thing that is due, receive what is offered. We must give Him access to ourselves. We must have regard for His power, His position, who He is, with HIGH esteem. We must experience Him and get to know Him and listen to Him. Consult Him first always.

Thomas wasn't with the disciples at this time. His name means 'twin'. He doubts their word, just as they did, when others tried to tell them Jesus had risen. Something about Jesus' death had hit Thomas particularly hard. Unlike the others, his reaction was "unless I see the prints of the nails in His hands and touch them, and put my hand in His side, where they pierced Him, I will not believe." This was the disciple who was so passionate, when he heard Lazarus had died, said "lets go that we may die with him". (Joh_11:16) He asked questions, because he had a desire to understand, when Jesus was telling them He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I believe there was a deep work going on in Thomas' heart. He was unable to take anything on faith now. He loved Jesus passionately. He had never given the Lord any trouble. There is no mention of the Lord ever having to calm him down or rebuke him as he had with Peter, James and John. But neither had he been included in some of the intimate times with the Lord they had. When they tried to tell him the Lord had appeared to them, and brought peace to their hearts, he would not believe. He would not listen to them.

This church is getting off to a slow start. They have been shaken. They seem to have no direction, or motivation to do anything but stay indoors, out of sight, in hiding. Eight days later, the disciples are again gathered together, and this time Thomas is there. And again, Jesus comes, offering peace. His attention is on Thomas this time.

"Thomas, reach out, see my hands? Here they are...reach out your hand and thrust it in my side..don't be faithless...believe."

At the sight of Him, hearing Him echo his own words, I believe it took Thomas to His knees...for He said "My Lord, and My God." Understanding lit up His mind. This truly is the Lord. He really did come back from where men couldn't come.

But, still, after these two episodes, the disciples were still struggling, unable to put it together. They seemed unable to function as He had said they would. I think Peter was just fed up, and decided to go fishing. That was something he could understand. It was simple. The others went with him. They toiled all night but caught nothing. It was a wasted effort, for their was no fruit produced by the efforts of their flesh. There was nothing accomplished except frustration and emptiness, and weariness. When we try to serve the Lord in our own strength, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. All works done in the flesh, not in and by the power of the Holy Spirit will be burnt up. They will be as wood, hay or stubble.

Early the next morning, as they approach land, they see Someone standing there. He asks them if they have any meat? Have you eaten? The implication is have you found any fulfillment in what you are doing? They have found nothing.

He says cast the net on the right side of the ship and you will find what you come out here for." They did, and the net filled up so fast with fish they could not pull it in. Then they knew it was the Lord. Peter grabbed his outer coat and unable to wait until the boat reached land, jumped in the sea and hurried to the shore...
I find it interesting that when the Lord's people obeyed, the harvest (and we worry why people aren't being saved like they should be) was there and all they had to do was pull it in. When He tells you where to spread the net,it's because only He knows where the hungry fish are. Same with people. He knows where those who are hungry for truth are. How important it is that we can hear His voice and follow Him for ourselves. God help us if we are depending on the preacher for a word from God. Bring what you caught, He says, but come eat what I prepared. Come and dine, He says. Come eat with Me. As they all sit down together, something is different about this meeting. Simon, you love Me more than they do? Jesus asks him. This word Jesus uses is Agapao. (G25) It means to love much, beloved, cherished. I believe He is saying this because Peter has made this boast. Perhaps it was when they were arguing over who would be the greatest-who would do more for the Lord, or perhaps it was when Peter told the Lord he would go all the way, that he'd die for the Lord, or go to jail with Him, right before Gethsemane, and Peter's denial of the Lord three times.

Yes, Lord, he said, You know I love you.
Feed My lambs. Tend them, rule them, supervise them. This should go without saying, but I am going to say this: Tend them as I have you-diligently, passionately, kindly, and patiently. Bear long with them in love. The word for feed here is G1006, bosko, and it means to feed, to protect, guard, to keep safe.

It is the duty of a Christian teacher to promote, and instruct every member of the church in the way of truth. It is the duty of the teacher to be fully submitted to the Holy Spirit, to be in close communion with the Spirit of God because only then can the teacher get the food for the sheep that will strengthen, and prepare and keep them. The lambs have a hard journey ahead, with a deadly enemy stalking them, seeking whom he may devour. They cannot make it on milk alone. Milk alone will not help them grow strong as they need to in order to survive. They need strong meat, anointed and quickened by the Holy Spirit who alone knows when and how much they can digest. If the shepherd of the church-the pastor, or teacher is not in close communion with the Holy Spirit, the best he can come up with is milk. It will not do. The sheep will be sick and weak and fall away eventually on such a spiritual diet. The shepherd must feed on the Bread of life himself-in total dependence. Then there will be no arrogance, no harshness. You can't feed directly on HIM and it be any other way.

If you get in His presence, and He teaches you, and feeds you life, it will humble you, open your eyes to your own helplessness and you will know that there is no way you could have gotten this on your own.

This shepherd can then go and stand before the sheep and gently break the Bread of life he has been given, and ask and trust the Lord to bless and multiply it in the hearts and lives of the people, and deliver it to them. He will trust the Holy Spirit to convict hearts and work the work only HE can do as the seed is sowed. For then, the Word will be sent forth by the Lord, and it will accomplish what He intends it to accomplish. It's not just a man, searching for a message himself, with no spiritual leadership or guidance-or very little input, and get up and throw the Word at the people and dare them not to obey it. It grieves my heart when I see this happen. If you have to get up and threaten the people with God's judgment for their lack of worship, or their lack of being moved by the Word, and these folks have set under your leadership for years, then you need to go examine yourself and get alone with God and find out what the problem is. If the lambs are dying off, running away, or being devoured, and the sheep are sick and weak-the shepherd isn't feeding them right. The River of life is being hindered from flowing and the Spirit isn't moving in the midst like He wants to. Something is blocking the life of God working in the midst. Then, the shepherd can trust that the Master knows the difference between the tares and wheat and ministers to the wheat. He gives the sower the right seed to sow in the hearts of the people and the Holy Spirit is right there to water it, when it is done under His leadership.

Again, Jesus asks Peter, calling him Simon, Do you love me? Simon is one who hears, but he wasn't anchored by the Word. But he will become Peter, the rock, the one who won't be tossed about or shaken or go back ever again to the former things. That is the power of the Spirit of God.
Feed my sheep. He says this time. There is a difference between the sheep and the lambs. The word for feed here is different this time. It's G4165 pomaino. It means to feed, tend, and keep sheep, furnishing them food, and a place to feed, but also to rule, or govern them. This means dedication, as well, and diligence. The shepherd is required to protect, guard, feed, guide, instruct, govern, and provide a safe environment for the sheep. How we need to pray for our pastors. Theirs is a job that requires a complete submission to and close daily contact with the Lord.

The third time, the Lord looks at Peter and says "Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me?" This time, the word for love used here is phileo (G5368) and it means to have affection for, with personal attachment to, be a friend to, in fondness as a matter of sentiment or feelings. Peter was distressed, remembering his denial of the Lord, and wondering why was the Lord asking him again. Peter most likely thought, well I denied Him three times, now He doesn't believe I love Him. But I think there was another reason the Lord was putting Peter on the spot-and it had more to do with the other disciples' thoughts and feelings about this, I think.

Something was being taught them here. Lord, help us see and hear what You are saying and what you mean in these Scriptures for there are none of us who have not failed You, who by our indulging self and following the desires of our flesh, have not denied You. Please forgive us, and please open our understanding to these Scriptures. May Your Word strengthen and prepare us to face the days ahead, and draw us to communion with Yourself...help us reject the fear and guilt that would hinder us from coming to You and remember You said those who come to You that You would never cast out or send away empty.

Again, Feed my sheep. This is the first word "feed" as with the lambs. (G1006) Then the Lord begins to minister things to come to this man. When you were young, you followed your own path, wherever you wanted to go, you went. But when you are old, you will reach out your hands and Another will bind you and take you where you wouldn't want to go. There is a two-fold application here. Yes, the Lord is hinting at the death Peter will die one day for the sake of the Gospel. But, he's going to be an apostle, led by and governed by the Spirit of God and he will be led into some hard places where his flesh is unable to go or to want to go. He will be jailed, beaten, threatened, persecuted, and vilified. He will have to deny himself, and surrender lordship of His life to the Holy Spirit. He will be shown that the Word is for all people, not just Jews. His religious prejudices will be overcome, and destroyed. This will be a growing and learning process that will continue after the Lord ascends back to heaven-one to which he will submit.

When we die to self, it glorifies God. When we are willing to reject ourselves and embrace HIM, HE is glorified. People might call you crazy because the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. Still, secretly they will wonder what it is about this great God we serve that would make us willing to go to such lengths to have Him. They will wonder and when they see Him in us, they will want Him or run from Him but they will not be able to be casual about Him. Then, Jesus said "Follow Me." I believe He is saying, I set the example by the life I lived here on earth before you. You are all witnesses to how I lived, what My life was about, who governed My life, and decisions. You saw the struggle in the Gethsemane, but My Father was faithful and saw Me through that hard time, when I had no one else to lean on. You saw a life poured out for others, so they might have hope and redemption and access to My Father. Follow My example. Live as I lived, walk and talk as I did. Follow Me, deny yourself and embrace ME and My way. My way means you have to die. But if you die to what you are, you will live to what and who I am. Will you follow Me?

Luk 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

He knows we can't do this on our own. We have to come to Him, and trust Him to be the strength in us to lay ourselves aside and embrace Him. Remember the testimony of Jesus Christ is one of self-sacrifice but it's also one of victory, power and it changed the world. If He told them to tarry and wait for the power to follow His example, then we must do this. If we try to follow His example in our own strength, we won't be able. We will make fools of ourselves and end up misrepresenting Him. Lord help us to bring our fears and failures to You, help us acknowledge it if we haven't been seeking You and we don't have the burden for the lost we should have. Help us to come running to Your presence, knowing You alone are our hope, and there is no other way. Help us to surrender ourselves fully to You, exchanging rags for true riches, and walk as You walked-totally devoted to the will of the Father. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and we can't fill ourselves. (Eph 5:18)

People are hurting, sin is destroying families, this nation is falling apart. All around the world, people are dying lost, miserable in life, and without hope in death because they don't know You. There are so many false teachers, false leaders and prophets leading the people into confusion. We know we've failed You, Lord. We read the Book of Acts, we read Your life on display in the Gospels and we battle shame and fear and confusion but we hunger to be like You and we can't fill ourselves. We have allowed too many things to hinder us from coming into Your holy presence and we just don't know how to fully give ourselves to You, but we want to. Lord empower us, draw us. Help us see You as You are! This poor and needy world has seen so much fake and phony they don't believe. Many are hard to You because of the deceit in religion. Religion truly does kill. Oh, Holy Spirit we need You to come, and breathe on us and set us in order in the Body of this Great Christ! Help us find our way to the place in Him we belong. Help us see the glorious hope placed before us is worth rejecting everything else so we might obtain Him and His glorious life. The sufferings of this time are truly not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed then. There is no comparison.

He is incomparable and one day all shall stand before Him. Those who surrendered fully to Him will be so glad they did and those who didn't will weep and wail when they behold His magnificence and see His love for them and know they are lost to Him forever because of a choice they made-many based on a misrepresentation of God to them in their lives. God help us not do that to someone. Forgive us for doing that. Help us, Holy Spirit, to follow you quickly to the cross and be done with self, trusting You alone can raise us up in the newness and power of a victorious life of Christ. We can't live this life in human strength. We can't follow you in our own strength. It's not by human might or human reasoning but by Your Spirit and Your Power (Zec 4:6). Have mercy on us and help us, Lord. You have given us the desire, but You must be the power in us working the work. We know You are more willing to do this than we have been to receive it in the past and we ask Your forgiveness. Make us willing to be willing to do anything it takes to have this victory over self, sin, the world and the devil. In Jesus' matchless and mighty name, we ask.

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Can I get an amen?

Hearing HIM---Are You HIS?

A man of God I know said something to me after church the other night that so resonated in my Spirit, it sent me digging in the Word. He said the Lord had spoken to Him and told him if we weren't walking close enough to Him to hear His voice for ourselves we wouldn't hear the trumpet sound, either. I was immediately convicted and the Holy Spirit bore strong witness with my spirit that this was true. As I began to search the Scriptures, He drew my attention some things I want to share with you.
In John chapter 9, Jesus has been confronted by angry Pharisees because He healed a blind man who was born blind on the Sabbath day. The blind man worships Jesus when he learns who healed him. In the Word, I have learned the word blind is often indicative of ignorance, and the word 'see' often means 'to know or understand'. He begins in John 10 and there are Pharisees there daring Him to say they don't understand "Are we blind also?" (Joh_9:40). Their righteousness is based on the accomplishments of self inside religious paremeters. But this is what He says:

Joh 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Joh 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Joh 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Notice in verse 3 He says the sheep HEAR HIS VOICE. They hear, they understand. They consider what He says. They learn from Him. They give heed to His Word. In the Greek this word "hear" is akouo (G191) and that is what it means. It doesn't mean they hear just the sound of His voice. They hear with consideration and comprehension. They hear Him call them by name, and that means character, authority. His holiness, His complete otherness than what we are, calls to us, draws us to Him, so we can be like Him. His sheep hear, understand and are drawn to Him.

Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Joh 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Next, they follow Him. They join Him, become HIS, and go where He goes. They side with Him every time. They learn Him, they become familiar with and dependent on Him. The word for know here is 'ido' (G1492) and it means this: if a stranger, a strange voice tries to talk to HIS sheep, they cannot understand and will not be able to pay attention for the stranger will not be able to hold their interest. They will not regard or care for the voice of a stranger.

Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

This word "know" is different. It's G1097. It means to be intimately familiar with, to understand with an increasing certainty. This is the same word used to imply intimacy between a husband and wife. He says I am intimately familiar with my sheep and they are with me. We have a special, close relationship with each other a stranger is not part of. That means there is a fidelity involved. Faithfulness.

Joh_17:3 says "this is eternal life that they may know YOU God, and Jesus Christ". This means there has to be an unbroken connection for when the connection is broken, the oil leaks out and the sheep dries up and withers.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

He summarizes this carefully: My sheep hear me, they understand me, they are intimate with me, and they follow where I go, they go. Now, I had to examine myself. Do I hear the voice of the Lord speak to me, yes, but not nearly as much as I want and need to. My fault, not His. Do I know Him as well as I want to? No. Again, my fault, not His. Do I always follow Him? I'm striving to, even when flesh doesn't want to. Have I been guilty of drawing back, battling unbelief and fear? You betcha. Thank God for the cross, the blood, and forgiveness. But you see how clearly He defines the relationship He has with those who are HIS and I ask you how many Christians do you know who fit in to this description JESUS gives of His own? He doesn't mention their status, age, race, or position in life. He doesn't mention whether they are smart or successful, or pretty or popular. He says they focus on HIS voice, they refuse strange voices, they know HIM and follow HIM. They follow Him because they have learned Him and desire Him, not things from Him, not other things besides Him. 2Ti_2:19 says He knows (same word) those who are His own and let those who profess His name remove themselves and cease and desist from deliberate sin, from that which is unjust, and wrong. The Scripture says we are the temple, or house of the Lord-His dwelling place. He sends His Spirit to live in us, to guide us, teach us and prepare us to meet Him. We are part of Him, members of His Body.

1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

That oneness means complete agreement-there is no division or dissension. When we are joined, literally so totally united-glued to HIM, we think like Him, we talk like Him, we act like Him, we work like Him. This is what it means when the Scripture says as He is in the world, so are we. We are to be here in His stead, behaving as He would if He were here physically. Doing His will not just mentioning His name. That requires a deliberate effort to spend time with Him in prayer and the Word, learning Him. This requires a rejection of those things within and without that would cause a separation of fellowship with Him. This requires removing ourselves from whatever thing would seek to drown out His voice. In Joh_5:39-40 He warns there are those who search the Scriptures for IN THEM you think you have eternal life-but it's not so. He says you won't come to ME that you might have life. The Word is to teach us, confirm to us and strengthen us, to comfort us. But it's also to point us to HIM for it is in His presence we find LIGHT that shows us our need, our problem areas that need cleansing. In Isaiah 6 you have an illustration of a God-called prophet who has been preaching repentance to an apostate people, and rightly so. Yet, when he determines after the death of his uncle, king Uzziah, to seek God, and gets a revelation of the Lord, he sees his OWN need of repentance. Had he not gone to seek the Lord, he could have went on the basis of Scripture only, and missed the mark and ended up lost. I know that sounds like heresy to some but you have to combine reading the Word with talking to the Author and waiting on Him to hear from Him. He said if we called He would answer! (Jer_33:3)

2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

This time we spend is an investment. We invest our time in seeking Him, seeing Him in the pages of this Book, praying and asking for understanding, the Word comes alive and the Holy Spirit ministers to us and shows us who He is, this lovely, incomparable Christ we are supposed to serve, and are betrothed to. Don't forget that. We are betrothed to HIM, not ourselves, not the world, not temporary passing things that we think we need now or we'll just die. The more we spend time with Him, the more like Him we become. Ever heard the saying "you are known by the company you keep?"

1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

His Word is like a mirror, it's an enigma, a mystery that we learn a little at a time, as we invest our time. But one day, I will know (G1921) epiginosko, fully and thoroughly understand everything accurately-there will be no missunderstanding. Full revelation, full understanding.

2Co 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

It's not about us, it's all about HIM and the way we live and conduct ourselves is a message to those around us. God commanded the truth to light up chase away our darkened minds, our darkened understanding and that glorious truth lit up our understanding and helped us know that God sent His glory-His Son, to us, to live by His Holy Spirit in us. Since it is HIM that has the power, the goodness, the Truth, the Way, the Life, then HE is the Treasure within, and we can boast of nothing but our need for and dependence on Him. Only then does God get the glory.

1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

What wonderful love the Father has given us to call us His children! This is why the world doesn't understand a true Christian at all. They don't understand and aren't acquainted with HIM so they don't understand us that are. Beloved, we are His children, and it's not apparent right now exactly waht we will be like when He comes for us, literally, but we understand that when He appears, when He makes Himself known to us, we will be similar-like Him, in appearance, character and behavior and speech, because we will see Him just as He is to be revealed. He manifests Himself to us by the Spirit, and as we understand more of who He is, it changes everything about us. It will change how we talk, how we act, what we do and how we think and how we treat others. But there's coming a day when He will descend from heaven for His Bride.

For the Lord HIMSElF shall come down from heaven with a command, a cry that will stimulate and incite or rouse His Bride from whatever she is doing at that moment..and she will be taken by the force of His power from this earth to meet Him in the air. His power will lift us up and draw us to Him and our eyes will see HIM, our Beloved, the One our heart longs for.

To those who look for Him shall He appear...that means they are expecting and waiting and watching for Him. Those who are watching for Him will see Him. Those who have that expectation. That word 'salvation' in the Greek means 'deliverance, rescue'. Those who know this earth is not their home, they are only passing through for they look for HIM who is their hope of glory.

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

We know this world has been condemned, marked for destruction by the owner. There is no reason to put down roots here, to put all our hopes and dreams here. There is no reason to invest time and money in the things here when it is not necessary. Of course we need food and clothing and shelter and must pay our bills. But we are commanded not to lay up treasures down here. We aren't to store up things for self. We are to preach the Gospel, however and whenever we can. Whether it's from a pulpit, or by the life we live. We are all epistles seen and examined by those around us.

1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

A moment is an atom of time. How very small. Smaller than can be seen with the naked eye. The word is 'atomos' ...moment. An atom of time. How small is an atom? I don't know but I know that means I better be ready when that moment comes. In an instant, the final trumpet will sound, and what is mortal will become immortal. So, if this is the final trump-when is the first trump? Some of the Scriptures indicate that His voice will sound like a trumpet. In 1 Thess 4:16 it doesn't say the trump of God will sound, it says The Lord is bringing the trump with Him, but it stands to reason if He brings it, He's going to sound it.

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

I used to panic and battle fear when I heard that Scripture read. It still tries to bother me-and sometimes it does. I realize now, I need not fear so long as I just make sure I stay in the Word, yielded to it, by the power of His Spirit (Zec_4:6) totally depending on HIM to make the promises real and effective in my life as He said He would, and talk to Him as much as I can, and listen even more than I talk, for if my mind is always on HIM then He will keep me in perfect peace. The more we direct our hearts and thoughts toward HIM the more He will direct HIS toward us. This is how we get prepared to meet Him. The Spirit is there to convict us if we do wrong and we are to be zealous and repent right then. He gave us a wonderful promise so we need not fear:

Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

We have to keep ourselves reminded He loves us-He is our Beloved, and we are His. We have the Holy Spirit so He can teach us how to pray-how to let Him pray through and in us, which will build up and increase and strengthen our faith, as we guard the knowledge that no matter what happens God loves us, and we have been promised mercy of the Lord and grace at His appearing. We can learn to walk in the Spirit and overcome ourselves, the world and the devil. God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we could ever ask or think-we just have to spend time with Him, learn what He wants to teach us, and follow Him where He leads. He can make us, take us, guide us and use us to help others follow too. Hallelujah. But if we don't know His voice, we will be misled. If we don't take time to get before Him, become intimate with Him, then we will fall away and be running with no oil in the midnight hour. There are many seducing spirits operating right now, deceiving many. Jesus repeatedly warned "be not deceived".

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

If we focus on HIM and don't waste our time on things that don't matter, we are wise. He said if we seek first HIS kingdom, and HIS righteousness, everything else would be taken care of. Don't be lured by the enemy's temptation that you need to know knowledge of good and evil by studying the end times, the last days, the beast and all this other stuff-he just seeks to draw you away from the Tree of Life-and that is Jesus Christ. If we know Him, He knows us, and He won't deny His own. Knowing HIM is the most important and necessary thing a Christian can do.

Pro 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish:

That word 'vision' means understanding, or revelation. Think about it. On that day, nothing else will matter but does He know you? Can He look at you and see the reflection of Himself the way we look at our children and see ourselves? If we know Him, it will change us. It will save us. Lord, You alone our life, may we be hid in you, having in our hearts and minds forsaken ourselves and this world while the choice can still be made.

The Nature of the (Mark) Beast

I have been studying the cross, the last weeks of Jesus' life, and His suffering on the cross and I just wanted to share this because I heard a message entitled "The Mark of the Beast" preached by Pastor BH Clendennen, of the International School of Christ. I was privileged to meet this beloved man of God one time, briefly, but have been greatly impacted by the School of Christ. Still, I take no man's word alone on what is truth without going to the Source and searching it for myself. However, that said, what I found and learned with the help of the Holy Spirit confirmed what Bro Clendennen said.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The word for "made" here is G4160..in the Greek it is poieo. It means to be the author of, to cause to bring something about, to make ready, prepare, to provide a thing for one's own self, to make one do something, appoint or ordain something for someone else. Christ Jesus, our Lord, the Scripture says is the Author and Finisher, the beginning and end of our Faith. Every saint of God, born again, is marked by the blood of Jesus Christ, which in itself signifies forgiveness, cleansing of sin, self-sacrifice, the selfless act of Another that constitutes our hope.

The same word is translated in the KJV 'causeth' in Rev. 13.

Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

This anti-christ of the great tribulation that will come after the rapture, will have this thing, this mark ready. He will bring it about and produce and provide it for the people of this earth. It will be something that will seem to be sensible, convenient, and the people will not have to be forced to take it for the most part-they will clamor for it. I know that goes against traditional religious opinion. The mark ( likeness, or nature) of Christ is self-sacrificing love, for the good of others. It is something that marks or identifies His own. They also have this seal-the blood of Christ, and the word of their testimony (death to self, and the world and sin) making them alive to God, which sets them apart from the world. Many Christians (and I used to think this, as well) have bought the lie that if they miss the rapture they will refuse the mark when the time comes in the future that some decision will be forced on them.

Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

When you look up the word "mark" (G5480) the Greek word is charagma and it means to stamp, impress an image formed upon another. When we behold Him through faith, and divinely given revelation which must be sought after, we are then changed from our image into His. (2 Cor 3:18) Now, if God seeks man to conform him to the image of His Son, ("Let us make man in Our image") (Gen_1:26) you better understand the devil seeks man to conform man to his own image, which is another word for likeness. Simply put, God wants us to be like His Son, Satan wants us to be like him. What is he like? Selfish, proud, envious and angry. Christ is meek, humble, gentle, Light, Truth, long suffering, compassionate, loving, kind. Everything the devil is not. In order for the Anti Christ to be revealed, He who now restrains and with holds must be taken out of the way. That is the Holy Spirit. And since God is not going to take the Holy Spirit and leave those in whom He lives, it is reasonable to believe when the Spirit is removed, so the church too.
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

So we see those who have the nature of the devil operating in their lives without repentance, without seeking the overcoming power of the Holy Ghost to deliver them, will not be going anywhere with the Lord. We are all born with these things and yet when we are born again, this nature conflicts with the new nature we are given. If we yield to the Spirit of God, and feed on the Word of Life, we will be strengthened and through the Holy Spirit overcome what we are. If we do not, and we have one foot in the church and the other in the world, we will not overcome and we have that mark already. If we hold onto selfishness, self first, pride, or any of the works of the flesh, then we allow that nature of the beast to mark us. We are what we feed on-what we eat. Is it the things of the world that please self or is it the Christ who is the Tree of life and His Word, His Spirit?

You can walk in Bible book stores and watch Christian TV and you see so many books about the end times, the anti christ, the mark of the beast, the movies, the tapes preachers make "what to do if you miss the rapture" and NONE of this is Christ-centered. Indeed, most of it is theologically wrong. To those who do not believe in pre-trib, that is your right. But ask yourself this: If you can't live close enough to the Lord to make the rapture, with the power of the Holy Spirit (of Truth) available and the support and fellowship of believers, HOW can you live for God with all that gone? You can't. Without the Spirit of Truth to show man right from wrong, man will believe the lie. It will be very convincing-the signs and wonders will deceive the whole world, according to the Word.

Don't debate pre or post trib beliefs because that is not profitable. What is profitable is being ready to go, period, regardless of what you believe. One belief (pre-trib) lends itself to diligence, the other (post trib) to lukewarmness. Which is better? Diligence. If you, rather, spend your time seeking HIS face, getting to know the REAL ONE you will be able to spot a fake immediately. Ask yourself how your time would best be spent-reading a book or studying Scriptures on the anti christ, and the tribulation in an effort to prepare yourself ---or feeding on the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Strength, our Source, and trusting the Holy Spirit to get you through whatever comes? There are only two roads-narrow (Christ) and broad (everything else). If you are studying or debating the Anti Christ, or reading about the imitation, then you will not be communing with the Christ. You fall for the same lie Eve fell for..."you need to know knowledge of good and evil" when in fact you only need the Tree of Life-Christ. The Bride is making herself ready for her Bridegroom-not studying and and preparing to face the devil's imitation. The Holy Spirit will prepare the Bride to meet the Bridegroom not His imitation. The anti christ spirit is alive and well now in the world. You need look no further than your own heart to find it. How many times does the Lord convict us of things in our lives and draw us to prayer and we make excuses and do not listen or hang on to what He has said must go? That is self exalting itself in the Temple of God (as its own god) over all that is God.

2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

That is the root of the anti christ spirit. Self first. We are the temple of God if we are born again. Yet do we always yield to the Spirit or to flesh? Focusing on anything but Christ can cause luke warmness or carelessness. That was the central point to what Bro Clendennen said. When Christ is not enough to satisfy the Christian and their heart wanders to other things, even religious things, like Israel's did in the wilderness, they have stepped on dangerous ground. You can call it or defend it however you want. It's in the Book because He wants us to know how the Story ends. But it's not to become our focus. He is to have the pre-eminence in all things. Folks in America seem to think God is going to have to allow tribulation to come to the church here to shake us awake...and I have thought that myself and I believe we will face even worse persecution or tribulation ..but the rest of His Body in many places are already going through great tribulation and persecution. Perhaps America herself is symbolized by the five foolish virgins whose oil ran out because her time was not spent plugged into the Source of her life. American Christianity is having a love affair with the gospel of prosperity, and self, even in devoutly religious denominations, whether it's being at ease and peace, peace when there is no peace coming to this nation, regardless of who is elected president, or whether it's religious rules and regulations, the church is stuck in a routine and largely is at ease in Zion or ignorant of the danger of NOT being in close communion with the Lord regularly. If we are not living close enough to the Lord to hear His Voice for ourselves then will we be able to hear Him shout and call His Spirit out of here and us with Him? Isn't that something to think about................


1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Destroying the Works of the Devil

originally published January 2007


Jesus had been doing things, he had been healing people, casting out devils, working works that only He could do. He enters the synagogue which was the temple or the house of God. The synagogue when constructed was patterned after the tabernacle Moses had constructed in the wilderness. It was constructed so that worshipers as they entered the building looked toward Jerusalem. At the upper end of the Sanctuary, there was a replica of the ark of the covenant which contained the Book of the Law, and which faced toward Jerusalem, and at that end there were the upper seats reserved for honored or wealthy patrons. This is where the Pharisees and the Scribes sought to be seated. These seats were elevated above the heads of those on the lower level, and probably added to their own feelings of supremacy over the 'regular people' and the poor, for which they had very little concern. It was probably from their vantage point that they watched Jesus as He entered the synagogue.

Mar 3:1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
Mar 3:2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

This man had no strength in his hand. He could not use it. There was a law in Leviticus 21 that stated no man who had a blemish, such as being blind or lame, or any other physical deformity of the seed of Aaron which would be the Levitical priesthood, could come nigh to offer the offerings of the Lord or the bread of the Lord. He was to eat the bread of His God, both of the most holy and of the holy, but he could not go into the veil or come near the altar for it would profane the sanctuary. The Pharisees had added so many of their own precepts to the Law that it burdened the people, and obscured the Law of God by the Pharisees' traditions and rules and regulations. They did not look kindly on the man with the withered hand being inside the synagogue. Remember, in Acts 3, the lame man was laid at the gate called Beautiful OUTSIDE the temple. He was not allowed in because of his condition. But remember, this was not what God instructed. It was men with carnal minds, who were offended by the sight of those with deformities or disabilities, and did not desire their presence before God. In so doing, they totally misrepresented the character and heart of God before the people.

Jesus looked at them and was grieved and angry with the hardness of their hearts, but healed the man with the withered hand. He knew they were just looking at Him to find fault. Here was a group of religious people who appeared holy, and clean, and had a head knowledge of the Scriptures but did not understand the spiritual meaning of the Scriptures, were blind to Its truths, and had no power. Their form of godliness was in word and appearance. Inside they had wicked, proud hearts, and Jesus said in one place, were full of dead mens bones as whited sepulchers. They were threatened. The very presence of Jesus, who HAD power and authority and who truly cared about the needs of the people, exposed them as the frauds they were, and they recognized He was a threat to their position, their image in the eyes of the people, and to their own power over the people. The Pharisees had so esteemed themselves they felt they would be defiled if a poor person accidentally brushed against their garments as they walked through town. If it was a poor and infirm person, why, the Pharisee would feel defiled.
There is no shortage of religious pride in the world today. Men take pride in their traditions and precepts, and tend to look on those who are different as unworthy, or as unclean. We must be shaped and conformed into the image of CHRIST by the Word of GOD not men's opinions of what we are to be. I've seen people in churches who thought it sin to wear jewelry and makeup, yet there was immorality among the leadership and they had a tendency to judge you by their yardstick and it was hard for one to measure up. The ladies' dresses had to be so long, and their sleeves had to go all the way to the wrists, no matter the weather, or they were considered 'worldly'. Yet those holding the yardstick and doing the measuring, figuratively speaking, were apt to judge and criticize rather than encourage and point that person to the loveliness and majesty of Christ. They became powerful tools the devil used to discourage people from the House of God, which was why their numbers in their churches dwindled and the young people left and did not return.
Jesus did not treat people like that. He was moved with compassion for them. He reached out and healed, comforted, restored, delivered, and helped people. He was so full of the power of God, and yet so approachable in the eyes of the people, they gathered around Him wherever they could find Him.

Mar 3:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
Mar 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
Mar 3:12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

People who were vexed and tormented by unclean spirits, which means demonic, foul spirits, when they recognized Jesus cried out and fell down before Him. Again, He told them to hush. He had the authority with His Word, so full of the power of God to silence the spirits, as well as cast them out.

Mar 3:13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

This same Lord was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. He ascended back to the throne of God on High. He began to call and draw unto Him whom He would, and those who hear Him calling, and come, repentant and humble to Him, are saved and washed by His blood and redeemed. Hallelujah!!!

Mar 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
Mar 3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

That word 'ordained' means to make ready, prepare, to declare someone whatever the One in authority says he is, and put one forth and lead him out. To appoint one. He sent them forth to spread the message that people needed to repent for the kingdom of God was at hand. Help was here. Hope was here. Deliverance was here. They thought they needed deliverance from Roman authority, when in fact they needed immediate deliverance from demonic oppression and religious pride. Those He chose were to possess the authority given by the Lord Himself to heal sickness. Now that word 'heal' in the Greek is 'therapeuo'. It's like our word 'therapy.' It means to wait upon, menially, as a servant would for his Master, to adore God, as well as relieve one of disease, to cure, and worship. I was surprised to find worship was one of the definitions of the word heal. Isn't that what happens when we come, and like He told us to, cast our cares on Him, and worship Him, and adore Him, and spend time in His presence? He is able to reach down and work in us and fix what is wrong. I remember the first time I knelt in surrender before Him, he did a deep work in me, He healed a hurt in me so deep nothing else had ever been able to reach it, and it was destroying me from within.

But in a moments' time, He took that out, and poured in His love, and healed the pain I had carried for so long. There is so much in that verse. He calls and draws, and those who come and yield their all, He chooses and appoints and empowers. He reaches in the very depths of their being and heals their pain and that relieved soul breaks out in worship for the One who did what no other could do, and because they experienced His healing power, they can share this with others He sends them out to minister to. He also gave them power to cast out devils. Authority to drive them out, expel them from the habitation in a person's life and body. Force is not needed, violence is not needed, because when HE gives you authority, is the authority of God that backs you up. That is all that is needed. Someone who loves Him and believes His Word, and is willing to stand on what HE said, in faith, can put the devil out. It's not to say he won't try to sneak back in another way, the thief always tries to come back in some other way. Just as a wolf will hide in darkness or thick underbrush, waiting for his chance to snatch up a helpless sheep if the shepherd is not watching, or asleep, the devil watches. But praise the Lord, HE never slumbers or sleeps. He that keepeth me never slumbers. He watches over me always. Oh, thank you Jesus!!! Folks, I did nothing to deserve this wondrous, matchless love! He is so awesome!!! What He ever saw in me I could not even begin to figure out. But I am sooooooooooooo glad He reached down and saved me!

He said Fear not I will help thee! He said He'd be my rearward guard! He said He'd go before me and behind me, and nothing shall by any means hurt me. He promised me the power of His life and Spirit working in me that which is pleasing in His sight, and His Word which worketh powerfully, effectually in those who believe. When Jesus stopped the devil cold, He did it with His Word. He did not argue with, or converse with the devil. He did not threaten the devil. He did not shout or yell or wave his hands wildly. He did not have to lay hands on the person possessed. With the Word of His power, demons come out. Nor did they come out free to wreak havoc in another nearby person. They had to leave and go where He sent them, whether it be in a far country, into the swine, or into the abyss. He knew who He was. He knew He acted on behalf of a Holy God who was HIS FATHER. He knew His Father because He spent time with Him.

Dan 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

It is not for our reputation or so men will think we are something-we are nothing and can do nothing without HIM. We must not go unless we are sent. We must wait to be endued with power from on high, as He instructed His disciples, although He gave them the authority to cast out devils and heal the sick before they were filled with the Holy Ghost. They were filled with the Holy Ghost so they could be empowered to lay down their lives and thoughts and ways completely for the Lord. That's what He said. Ye shall be witnesses unto me. The word 'witness' in the Greek is 'martus' and it's where the word 'martyr' comes from. The old self life, it's all about me, has to die. Who wants to keep rags of self righteousness that are filthy and corrupt when we can have pure and holy righteousness that is Christ? Not me. No wonder that filthy, lying devil will tell God's people, 'give up, go back. It's too hard, God expects too much, His standard is too high, you'll never measure up, you can't make it!" HA! Liar!!!!! I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME!!!!!!!! (Phil 4:13) I can't do it, but CHRIST IN ME CAN AND HE'S MY HOPE OF GLORY. HE KNOWS THE WAY AND HE LEADS. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS FOLLOW HIM. EAT HIS WORD, PRAY AND LET HIM FILL ME WITH KNOWLEDGE AND THE POWER OF HIS SPIRIT TO DO YIELD MY LIFE TO HIS CONTROL SO HE CAN WALK AND LIVE AND MINISTER THROUGH ME. And people in this world are seeking thrills? THAT is going to be a thrill! He didn't write this Book through the hands of holy men filled with the Holy Spirit for us to just read but for us to live! He gave us some things and we are fools if we let the devil lie and intimidate us out of claiming that which is ours-HIS LIFE in us, to build up the kingdom of God and tear down the works of the devil!

Seduced by the Strange Woman

Prov 7 tells us we need to keep the Word of God in our heart and remain mindful of what the Word says at all times. The Lord said He would send us the Holy Ghost Who would remind us of all things He had said. He brings that Word to our remembrance, but we have to fill up on it, we have to feed our spirits with it. Solomon was the writer of most of the Proverbs, and he goes on to instruct, that we are to keep the commandments of God and live, to keep them as something very special to us, the apple of our eye. That word 'keep' means to hedge about, as with thorns, to guard, protect, to take heed to, to preserve from loss or injury and to observe-as in adhere to or obey. (H8104 in Strong's).
One thing I have learned as I have studied and read the Word is that it will not let you enjoy the pleasures of the world that would be like cold air on the fire of God in your soul. Those things that are hindering influences, it will not let you partake of in peace. When we yield our hearts and lives to the Word, we live. We partake of something that is eternal. It is life to our spirit. He tells us to bind the commandments to us. Let the Word guide what our hands do, hide It in our heart so It will guide our steps. We understand the Word of God is the wisdom of God written down for our benefit and is necessary for our survival as children of God. He wants us to know Him, to understand the wisdom He's made available. James 1:5 says if any man lacks wisdom let him ask of the Lord, and He will give generously to that man so long as he asks in faith and doesn't doubt.

Pro 7:4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
Pro 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

For everything the Lord has the devil has a counterfeit look-a-like. When the Bible speaks of the virtuous woman in Prov 31, we are given a physical illustration of the Bride of Christ. This Bride of Christ shines with the glory of the Lord and the lost and hurting are attracted to her because she is gentle and kind and filled with the love and Spirit of God. She draws with compassion and love because she feeds on these things-her Bridegroom is love, He is kind and compassionate, and glorious. But there is another woman-the strange woman. She has turned aside from truth, she's profane, adulterous, and very seductive. She is animated by Satan himself, and she goes about seeking to allure and turn aside anyone she can.
When the enemy of our soul comes, he doesn't always come like a roaring lion. Actually, he rarely comes at us that way. He's found it's more effective to be subtle, to use the appearance of light, and smooth words of flattery. An unsatisfied soul, a soul that is empty, frustrated, dry, or discontent is an easy mark. These are things that can be exploited and with the right kind of provocation, used against you. For example, God rained manna down on Israel in the wilderness. It was light, nutritious, and provided everything they needed to keep them moving, and alert. But when they grew discontent, not appreciating the Lord was feeding them what He knew they needed, they cried for flesh. The Bible says they were eating angels' food-heavenly food.

Psa 105:40 The people asked, and he brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
Psa 105:41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.

But they grew discontent with it. They wanted something of flesh. They murmured and complained, so the Lord let them have what they asked for. It wasn't as healthy for them, because we know the Bible says when we mind the flesh above the spirit we will die. If you look at that in the carnal, if you eat a lot of meat, and few vegetables, you will clog your arteries, especially with beef, and pork, and you will end up having a stroke or heart attack much sooner than if you took care to eat a balanced diet and exercise to keep the blood moving, and make it hard for that plaque to settle in your arteries. What they wanted was something that would weigh them down and hinder their progress. Have you ever wondered after eating a large meal, especially at the holidays, when you indulge in treats, and sweets, as well as lots of rich food, you get very sleepy and tired? You can't be sober, alert and vigilant, remembering your enemy walketh about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour if you are going about feeding on things of the flesh, whatever that may be, and I'm not just talking food here. You can over indulge in food, and it will slow you down, pack on the pounds, and it's a sorry source of comfort because it's so temporary and only vaguely satisfying, at best. When you indulge in anything that feeds the flesh-food, or carnal things of this world, it has a detrimental effect on the spiritual life inside of you. Remember, there is a warfare going on inside the born again believer. Flesh wars against spirit and the one who gets fed the most will win.

Pro 7:6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
Pro 7:7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
Pro 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
Pro 7:9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

Imagine Solomon staring through the lattice work on his windows watching the comings and goings of the people, and he sees a young man, approached by this strange woman, late in the evening, as the young man was passing nearby. It's important to note the young man was walking in places he should not have gone. He was near where she was, and in the falling darkness, she meets him. When he's going in the wrong direction, he's walking in darkness because he's drifted away from the light, and he doesn't understand wisdom. He's a youth, who probably thinks he knows more than he actually does. He sees the temptation, and it looks very appealing to the eye.
This strange woman is dressed like a harlot, appealing to the lust of the flesh, the sight of the eyes, and the pride of life is provoked here. She is on display as something that will incite these things in man. She is secretive, hidden in the darkness, watching and on guard to catch the unwary. She's loud, abrasive, she's rebellious, resistant to authority of any kind, she will not stay where she belongs. She is outside the life and light of God, and she is like a huntress waiting for her prey-somebody she can use, and infect with her darkness.

Pro 7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

I have to stop on the word 'caught' for a moment. In the Hebrew, this word means to fasten on to, to strengthen, bind, fortify, make hard, prevail, and take hold. It's a word that implies force and strength, resolve or determination. Remember what I said earlier about the dangers of being discontent, dissatisfied or frustrated, and empty? Dry? When this seductive spirit gets a hold of this young man, it automatically strengthens and fortifies that thing in him that makes him susceptible to her wiles in the first place. This strange woman plays on his hunger for satisfaction, knowing she cannot meet that need. She wants to convince him she can. If you can see it, this is another page right out of the devil's play book, when he tries to tempt and distract those who are unstable, weak or new in their faith.

Pro 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows.
Pro 7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
Pro 7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
Pro 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

She comes talking religious here. When she says she has peace offerings, that refers to the sacrifice and offering required of the people to God. A peace offering. Come on, you will find what you need here. It's a false claim to possession of something foreign to her. Peace with God. Everything will be alright, it's safe to trust in me. We can get along just fine. And then she starts whispering about all the material things she has-she indicates where she lives there is peace and prosperity and it's a sweet smell..a sweet song of lies to this boy's ears. She convinces him there will be no consequences to face. She urges him to satisfy that need he has with her, to satisfy that urge of his flesh, his lust, with what looks and sounds good. She gives herself away, as she continues talking, but this young man misses it.

Pro 7:19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
Pro 7:20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

As the Body of Christ we are warned by the Lord to watch, to be on guard because we don't know when the Lord is coming back for us, but He's only coming back for those who are watching, waiting and ready to leave. Remember He will not force Himself on anyone-He won't take anyone not wanting and ready to go. Those who are caught up in their own lives, their own pleasures and pursuits which have nothing to do with Him, He's not coming after. He warned to be careful not to be overcharged or caught up in the cares or worries and pressures of this life and be caught unaware. We are often guilty, but wrong to continually try to carry weights and problems, when He said cast them on Him, because He cares, and come, learn of Him, and let Him have our burdens. We are told to lay aside every weight. Be on guard. Be awake. Redeem the time. Make good use of it. Be working, with one eye to the plow in the field of God, seeking the lost for the Master, and the other eye on the clouds...for He is coming. Soon.
But then, this strange woman, this seductive spirit, gives herself away. She speaks of the goodman. Church, who is the goodman as mentioned here? In Matthew 24:43, we are told the goodman is the one in charge of the house. He is the steward, the husbandman. We were told by the Lord to occupy until He comes. Occupy-not let the devil run rough shod over us and take whatever he wants.

Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Mar 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

The Lord says watch. Be prepared. But what does the strange woman say? Oh, He's gone on a long journey, He won't be back for a long time. Some day He will return, but not now. There is plenty of time. She is persuasive. She flatters, exploits unmet needs, frustrations and discontent in this young man. Her powers of persuasion are strong, and he yields. She literally seduces him into bondage that will destroy him. A good example is when someone is trying to persuade your kids to try drugs out. They will tell our kids, oh, it will make you feel good, it'll numb your pain, give you strength, it won't hurt you. But there is a payday and it will do much damage. It will destroy.
There is a strange woman- a spirit of the world out there that seeks to draw in any it can. Remember, those who are lost are already caught. They are not the target. The target is the child of God who is new in their faith and unaware of the danger, like an innocent child, bursting with a new life the devil wants to stomp out. Those who are weak in their faith and struggling, because they have been battling hard, and are weary, and have gotten a little slack on their prayer life and study time in the Word, making themselves vulnerable.

Pro 7:24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
Pro 7:25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
Pro 7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
Pro 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

If you are battling a sense of discontentment, frustrated by events in your life that aren't going like you want them to, or tired of the struggle, and you keep hearing thoughts in your head pointing you down or back, you need to cry out to God. He is right there. Even a new born baby in Christ can put the devil on the run through faith in the power of the name of Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in Prov 18:10 "THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER; THE RIGHTEOUS RUNNETH INTO IT AND ARE SAFE."

If you have started out strong with the Lord and grown tired of the constant harassment of the enemy, and have begun to neglect things of the Lord, time with the Lord, and that is where we find our strength, take heed. Don't turn to the beggardly elements of this world-whether it be food, television, or trivial pursuits to satisfy the longing of your soul. Don't turn to flesh, or self help books to try to make yourself feel better. Don't return to old habits, or seek relief in mind numbing influences. Don't seek comfort in the arms of the strange woman-whatever that may represent in your life. Don't turn on the television and watch some peace and prosperity so-called preacher tell you how to feel better and get rich. There is only ONE true cure.

Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Run to His presence. He promised anyone who comes to Him He would not cast out or reject. He knows the pain and frustration and need you feel. He alone can meet that need. He's coming back and He wants you to be ready to meet Him. He is able to keep you from falling and to present you to Himself spotless, before the presence of His glory. Listen carefully. In the chaos of your mind and your heart, can you hear the still small voice saying "Come." He is calling whosoever will come. He is the cure to our pain and loneliness and hurts. He is the Balm of Gilead, He is the Strength of the weak, the Hope of the hopeless, the Power of the fearful, the Defender of the helpless, the Refuge for the tired and weary. Whatever you need, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost of God, and the Father, who is Lord of all can say, honestly I AM all you need.

Go to Him. He will not criticize or condemn. He will open His arms wide, comfort and console you and strengthen you. He will not leave you or forsake you, He loves you. Don't listen to the voice of the devil saying it will be better if you go back. He will kill you if you listen to him. When Israel was in the wilderness-on the very verge of going into the promised land, the devil used fear and weariness of the way to keep them out. They wanted to go back to Egypt. If God had allowed them to return, they would have found vengeful, angry and hate-filled Egyptians waiting to slaughter them. That tempter is whispering, trying to seduce people so he can destroy them. Take heed, if you are battling against discontentment, discouragement, frustration-as a child of God, you CAN in the name of JESUS CHRIST REJECT THIS. Resist it in HIS NAME and it has to first bow to HIS LORDSHIP and then leave.

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.