Bible Prophecy and 666
(Excerpts from DOC Vol 7 written in 2007)
Identifying "666" has been a hot topic in eschatology for many decades and as a result there has been ample speculation. 666 is often believed to be the actual "mark of the beast" but it is not. And, there is still speculation as to whether the number was originally 616, 665, or 666. The strongest research seems to point to 616 as being the original number as conducted by scholars at Oxford University in May of 2005 by using advanced imaging techniques on the earliest known record of the Book of Revelation, the Oxyrhynchus site (Papyrus 115). The Oxyrhynchus significantly aligns with the Codex Alexandrinus (A) and the Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (C) which are commonly believed as providing the best testimony to Revelation. It is interesting to note that Irenaeus, a Catholic theologian (three generations removed from John the Revelator), dismissed the 616 number as a scribal error.
Therefore, regardless of what Irenaeus wrote or what modern scholars have discovered, 666 (or 616) refers to the number value of the letters of the name of the Beast. And, here too, many scholars have speculated whether or not 666 (or 616) was a number code that referred to Nero Caesar, Gaius Caliula Caesar, Vicarius Filii Dei, or some other personage in Roman times or to other Catholic Popes. All these theories are intriguing but were excluded by John's own writings. Find out why and how by reading this book.
To truly identify the "mark of the beast" one must first identify the Beast including the "man of sin" or "son of perdition" (usually known as the antichrist), since the "man of sin" is not the Beast but speaks on behalf of the Beast and has power to enforce "beast" worship, institute a mandatory monetary system (mark of the beast), and give breath to the Beast to speak and kill any non-observers. John gives a significant hint to help the wise reader identify the beast, the mark of the beast, the image of the beast and the name of the beast.
“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: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
Revelation 13:16-18
More attention will be given to this very important message in later chapters of this book. However, the main point here is that a wise reader will be able to know, with a high degree of certainty, the identity of this beast by using a letter and number calculation method, which will equal 616 (or 666). The commonly known methods for calculating names and words into number values are Gematria and Isopsephy. The less commonly known calculating system is the abjad system (Arabic letter-number value system) and since it most likely that the Beast is the OIC (or the OIC reformed), the man of sin will most likely have an Arabic name, and the abjad system will most likely be needed to identify the Beast.
The quantum leap for most readers will be to acquire the ability to apply these methods to names written in foreign languages. For example an Arabic name has a name value in Arabic that is lost in translation when translated into English. The individual calculating the number value must then take the English translated word and calculate letter values using a Hebrew, Arabic or Greek letter value conversion chart. It is easy to see how true letter values (or name values) are quickly and easily lost in translation. This would also apply to Turkish names, Greek names, Hebrew names, and so on.
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:”
Revelation 14:9-10
This proclamation announces a warning that if anyone worships the Image or receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, they will suffer dire eternal consequences. One can reasonably assume then, but not with 100% certainty, that the Image and Mark of the Beast is established directly after the Great Whore and all her daughters are destroyed.
Since the Mark of the Beast clearly relates to commerce, the imposition of and the transition to a new currency would be much easier after the decline and fall of the great economy (“city”) and all the other sub-economies (“cities”) around the world (built on debt). For example, with economic collapse, a US dollar, EURO, Yen, et al. would no longer be an acceptable currency to buy or sell with. Said currencies would have no value and no reserve, making it easier for Islam (Medo-Persia), with a "liquid cash" reserve, to introduce and enforce a new currency. This currency could be easily transformed into a finger/iris print system linked to the OIC (or similar) currency. Said currency will bear the name of the Beast, which will equal 616 (or 666), probably using the abjad system (Arabic letter-number value system to calculate) versus the Gematria or isopsephy systems. Since most all surviving peoples of the earth will be extremely desperate, in every way, they will gladly accept the Mark of the Beast and worship his Image, no matter its source. For many, they will see the Beasts efforts as humanitarian, a "bail out". Others (believers with "ears to hear") will not.
As food for thought, the current cash card purchase system can easily fit the Mark of the Beast scenario as well. A person cannot purchase using this system unless they carry the card (in their hand) and remember (forehead denotes memory) the pin number. This system is readily used and accepted by all and for it to be utilized by the Beast is an easy transition with little resistance.
There are a number of current world events that will undoubtedly precipitate the destruction of the Great Whore and all her daughters. For example, financial wealth in the world is shifting. This change began within the last forty-five (45) years. It started after the birth of OPEC in 1960 with ten of the twelve OPEC members being members of the OIC. OPEC has produced an extreme amount of wealth for OIC members, which depth and breadth of their wealth is not exactly known as it relates to liquid and fixed assets. What is known is that in 1975 there was only one Islamic financial institution. In 2005 there were over 300 Islamic financial institutions in more than seventy-five (75) countries with institutional assets in excess of $250 billion with an estimated growth at fifteen percent (15%). Today’s (November 2007) estimated assets have already reached $500 billion. By 2013, the estimated assets are expected to exceed $1 trillion with no end in sight and with the oil crisis, this will most likely increase at much faster rates.
Islamic financial institutional growth is drawing the attention of big world banks and causing them to get involved with Islamic banking including Citigroup, HSBC and Deutsche Bank as well as financial capitals like London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Said banks are obviously interested in tapping into the estimated $1.5 trillion of funds sloshing around the Middle East. Currently, the Al-Rajhi Bank is the world’s largest Islamic Bank with assets exceeding 13.5 billion SR with only fifty (50) years of history from its earliest beginnings. This new Islamic financial phenomenon is shaking and will continue to shake the financial world.
Recently Abu Dhabi, just one subsection of just one of the OIC member states, bailed-out the world’s most profitable bank, Citicorp in November 2007 due to a severe mortgage financing crisis they were going though. Citicorp is the world’s second ranked shareholder equity bank; Citicorp is the world’s third ranked asset holder bank; Citicorp is the world’s fourth ranked market capitalization bank; and Citicorp is the world’s second ranked Tier 1 capital bank. And, yes, Abu Dhabi bailed them out giving Abu Dhabi a sizeable ownership of Citicorp. And the BBC announced on December 10, 2007 that Singapore and an anonymous Arabic bank just bailed out the HSBC with $12 billion in return for a sizeable ownership portion of HSBC. This is just the beginning of what is to come.
Unknowingly and certainly not intentionally, Satan, through his controlled Eighth Head, will execute YHVH’s plans regarding the destruction of the Great Whore. The OIC through its membership and leaders are already beginning to quake the global financial world through its Islamic financial institutions that began shortly after the formation of OPEC and the OIC. This power shift will eventually destroy the current world currency and economical system, which Islam hates. Again, radical Islam, as portrayed in what Osama Ben Laden is trying to accomplish, truly wants to dominate the world religiously and subsequently politically and will not stop until this goal is achieved. Osama believed, and rightly so, thought that if he could topple the world’s economy, he could topple the world powers. But, where he went wrong was thinking that by bombing the World Trade Center he could break the world economy. Osama was premature and misguided. The world economic stage is not ready to crumble yet because the fullness of time has not yet come at it will not happen by demolishing one buidling.
Radical Islam, although troubling to the world, will not prevent other more subtle economic power shifting that is already occurring. The OIC, through its members, will continue to advance the following steps over the next eleven (11) years, whether currently planned or not, which will facilitate an earth shattering breakdown of commerce/economy like as never been seen since the dawn of human history:
1. Amass larger and larger ownership percentages of non-Islamic world banks especially as the economies they represent suffer periodic economic down turns, which are a direct result of volatile economies, which will result in more bail-outs.
2. Continue to promote Islamic (OIC) “monopoly over economy” through terrorism and other more subtle methods. Radical and conservative Muslims value Islam and its world-wide religious dominance over wealth, not that they would say no to wealth, but the priority is clearly Islamic dominance, even to the death. Their cause is more important than money, economy, etc.
3. Develop an OIC currency (which can be interpreted as a “mark”), similar to what the EU did with their Euro.
4. Convert petrodollars into the OIC currency.
5. Threaten to turn off the oil taps to enforce the OIC agenda, if necessary. Without oil the top three economies would fail and all the cities dependent on them.
6. Eventually enforce an electronic OIC currency system that easily tracks and monitors all participants or non-participants.
7. Employ a fingerprint and iris print system in conjunction with the OIC currency that can easily police and then exclude (by death) any non-participating individuals who have not and do not worship the Image of the Beast or take his mark.
July 28, 2008 Footnote: Since the writing of this book (2007), politicians around the world are now beginning to wake up concerning the recent greatest shift of wealth occurring in history and without a physical war. Wealth is leaving the hands of "Christian" nations via oil purchases and going into the hands of Islamic nations, with no end in sight. Actions to stop this transfer now is too late since any effects from policy changes now will take us up to the 666 event.
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LOVE vs. Hate and Christ vs. Antichrist
(Newly added excerpt from Disciples of Christ Volume One)
An antichrist is often thought of as a specific evil person who will one day arrive on the scene and deceive the world, ushering in the end of times. However, this is not how John explained it in his epistles and in the gospel of John. A closer examination reveals something more than is often considered.
Trying to follow John’s logic can be challenging but a slow careful read and re-read helps. For a starting point John indicated these basic premises:
1. YHVH first LOVED US (Believers) (1 John 4:10, 19; 3:1) and did so via the sending of his only begotten son (not only son) Yeshua Christ who was obedient to YHVH’s will by laying down his own life, being buried, rising from the dead, spending 40 more days with his disciples opening their understanding of the Kingdom and then taking his broken body and shed blood to heaven as the atonement and redemption for all mankind.
2. Believers in return LOVE YHVH which means that Believers LOVE YHVH’s child (Yeshua Christ) as well (1 John 5:1).
3. Believers must also LOVE all of YHVH’s children (adopted children, all believers), not just one child (Yeshua Christ) (1 John 4:11; 3:1).
4. LOVING YHVH and carrying out his commands is proof that a person LOVES the children of YHVH (1 John 5:2).
5. Obeying YHVH’s commands is proof that a person LOVES YHVH (1 John 5:3).
6. LOVING YHVH’s children (brothers/sisters) as Christ LOVED his disciples (and humanity) is a commandment of the New Covenant (2 John 5-9; John 15:12).
With the above premises established there are other elements that must be discussed, the opposite of LOVE. John uses the word “hate” and the word “antichrist” relative to people who may at one time have been thought to be believers but are now engaged in behaviors and teachings that are opposite to how Christ taught or behaved. Therefore, an antichrist (Greek: antichristos) is anyone who opposes Christ or who behaves and speaks directly opposite to how Christ behaved or spoke. Below are John’s premises regarding antichrists:
1. The Spirit of antichrist has been at work since the Apostle’s day (1 John 2:18; 4:3).
2. Many antichrists have already come and will continue to come (1 John 2:18).
3. Antichrists come from within the family of believers (1John 2:19).
4. Antichrists tells lies in general and also spread lies concerning Christ (1 John 2:20-27).
5. Antichrists do not listen to (or obey) the message of believers (1 John 4:6).
6. Antichrists do not remain in what they heard from the beginning (1 John 2:22-27).
7. Antichrists deny that Yeshua is the Christ (1 John 2:22).
8. Satan, the devil, is certainly an antichrist.
But John does not stop here, therefore it is incredibly important to expand these premises and follow the path to where John is taking the believer.
1. If a person says they LOVE YVHV and does not LOVE the brotherhood, he is a LIAR (1 John 4:20).
2. If a person is a LIAR they are an antichrist for Christ is truth and speaks only truth in all purity (1 John 2:21-22).
3. If a person does not LOVE his brother he is not a child of YHVH but a child of the devil (1 John 3:10), an antichrist.
4. If a person does not do what is right, he is not a child of YHVH but a child of the devil (1 John 3:10), an antichrist.
5. Every spirit that does not acknowledge (covenant with) Yeshua as come in the flesh is not from YHVH and is the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3)
6. If a person does not remain in the Son, even in the Father and his promise, even eternal life which comes from the covenant enjoinment process, they are antichrist (1 John 2:23-27).
The final extension of John’s teaching on this subject is the most critical part of all since it goes beyond critical thought and into the dimension of the applied, the real crux of the Kingdom of YHVH.
1. The definition of LOVE comes from Christ’s behavior, that he laid down his life for the believers (1 John 3:16; John 15:13).
2. This same definition applies to believers, that believers ought to lay down their lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16; John 15:12).
3. The definition of LOVE is more than words or tongue, but is to be an applied concept validated with actions (in purity/truth) that specifically identifies giving and sharing of material possessions (alms) with believers in need (1 John 3:17-18; 4:20-21).
4. Christ promulgated this “applied” teaching (a doctrine of Christ) in the beginning (Matthew 25:31-46; John 15:12-13).
5. James confirmed this teaching in his writings (James 2:14-17).
When reading the teachings of Christ, found in Matthew 25 (verses 31-46), it can be clearly seen that Christ fully intended to infer that charitable behaviors administered to the least of the brethren, or the absence thereof, is the same thing as doing it unto Christ. And why should it not? Are not the least of the “brethren” children of YHVH and co-heirs with Christ? By exhibiting charitable behaviors to the “least of the brethren” one is rewarded with eternal blessings. Conversely, the absence of these charitable behaviors brings an eternal reward of eternal punishment. There are no exceptions.
“And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it (LOVE). 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”
2 John 1:5-9
Finally, there are several conclusions that must be drawn, summarized and reviewed.
- Yeshua is the Christ (Messiah), YHVH with us, the promised “seed” that would fulfill all things and open the door to all who hear, believe, enjoin the Messianic Covenant and remain in the doctrine of Christ. Those that do not believe and obey but deny this are antichrists.
- Whoever LOVES YHVH also LOVES YHVH’s child (Yeshua Christ) and YHVH’s children (adopted co-heirs, believers) and if not they are antichrists.
- Whoever LOVES YHVH keeps his commandments, which includes LOVING believers just as Christ loved his disciples and humanity and if not they are antichrists.
- This LOVE only comes from YHVH (1 John 4:7; Romans 5:5) and is “shed abroad” into a believer’s heart by enjoining the Messianic Covenant and being sealed by YHVH (Ephesians 3:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:5).
- The scriptures defines LOVE as charitable behaviors administered to the least of the believers and if said behaviors are absent in a believer’s life said “believer” is an antichrist and never belonged to the body of Christ in the first place.
- This is one of the main reasons why most people will be shocked on judgment day. They were deceived into thinking that expanding a carnal kingdom (building larger church buildings and getting bigger crowds) was doing YHVH’s will.
- The two main functions of the “church” are a.) to administer its spiritual wealth with the world by preaching the truth of the gospel to the world and edifying the body of Christ through its five-fold ministry and other gifts AND b.) to administer to the physical needs of the brethren.
- The true original purpose for tithing was not for building temples, church buildings, etc. but for supporting the “ministry” and the poor.
- This is the reason why the unsaved Cornelius was unknowingly building a memorial in heaven, because of his prayers and alms giving (charity). YHVH saw it and even dispatched an angel to make sure this devout (Gentile) man would be included in the Messianic Covenant.
“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”
Acts 10:1-4
The coming and birth of Jesus Christ embodies and promotes a divine paradigm shift that was to redirect humanity onto a new path; a path of humility and servitude; a path of action that reaches out to sinners, to help the poor, the needy and the sick (Matt. 20:26-28; 9:12). This new path of humility and servitude is defined as greatness (Luke 9:48); conversely, the pursuit of wealth, power and prestige is not only carnal but a path that will end in emptiness (Luke 1:51-53; 12:15-21). Notwithstanding, if wealth and power is or has been acquired it is to be used for the benefit of and given to the poor and needy, that is, if perfection is to be acquired (Matt. 19:21). However, giving must be done with humility, even secretly (Matt. 6:1-4). But don't worry, because Jesus does observe giving from an equitable perspective (Mark 12:41-44) and HE will reward those that are charitable. Somehow, the bulk of the Christian community has forgotten this Christly teaching--but together we can change this and get the Church (the body of Christ) back on the narrow path (Matt. 7:12-27).
Being in the shoes of less fortunate fellow Christians should guide people in their giving? (Matt. 25:34-46 and Matt. 7:12) If a believer can perceive this concept, they will grasp that Christ was teaching (Matt. 7:12-27) a summary of the whole Law and the Prophets. Charitable and gracious words are not only meaningless without aligned actions (behavior) but actually determine a believer’s eternal status.
Therefore, the responsibility of the existing Body of Christ is two-fold. First, it is to share its spiritual wealth--the Gospel of Hope and scriptural wisdom and knowledge--with hungry unbelievers and believers alike. Second, it is to share its individual and collective non-spiritual wealth with less fortunate members of the Body of Christ via collections, distributions and sharing. [Remember, a person's wealth is not solely comprised of money earned or saved, but also includes his/her knowledge, possessions, skills, and so on]. To avoid neglecting the ministry of God's word, the Apostles delegated this social church responsibility to Godly men equipped with the talents and skills to do so. This duty was not assigned to the Preachers, per se, but to gifted and Godly ecclesiastical administrators. It is likely that no teaching of Christ and of his disciples is more violated among wealthy nations than this one.
More will be written on this subject in Disciples of Christ Volumes Four and Five.
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WCMA Daily Devotional
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The following are exact copies of Brother Schmaltz's Ezines placed here with written permission from Brother Schmaltz.
What Stops Us From BEING Apostolic?
In our last Ezine (Vol 1 No 4) we presented the idea that the proof of being apostolic was not in our doctrine or structure alone, but it was obediently going and doing what we have been sent to do.
The challenge we face is that in many (if not most) believer’s lives and churches we are not going. Now I understand there are always exceptions and there are churches and believer’s out there who are being apostolic. However, as a whole we are not accomplishing the great commission. So the question begs to be asked: “Why are we not being apostolic?”
Reviewing the early church, it is clearly seen that the apostles walked in a miracle producing authority, with the Lord confirming their preaching by signs and wonders. This miraculous demonstration of apostolic authority in the daily lives of the first believers was so powerful and convincing that cities were stirred to riots because of its affect, and a reverential fear or awe of God was
produced with many souls being converted.
In the Christianity of today, we find that many of man’s ideas have become a hindrance to the operation of the Spirit, limiting the church’s ability to operate in apostolic authority. Jesus said , “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,” (Mark 7:7-8). Jesus further spoke of the result of holding the traditions of man in verse 13,“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered:”According to Thayer’s “Making of none effect”is one word and it means“deprive of force and authority.”
The greatest hindrance to apostolic authority that is faced in this day, is the tradition of men and the resulting structure of traditional churches. Traditions create a biased paradigm that is used to filter scripture. This tainted view of scripture affects the individual’s faith and ability to walk in apostolic authority. Centuries of man’s tradition have created an organization that is far from the original apostolic church.
In the New Testament, the Greek word
paradosis is translated as tradition 13 times, 11 times in a negative context; the two times it is used positive it must have a qualifying statement to make itpositive. According to Thayer’s it means:“a giving over, giving up. 1. the act of giving up, thesurrender: 2. a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing.” Most online English dictionaries that I have looked at include for the modern word tradition a component of a “handing down or over.”
According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; tradition’s etymology is Middle English tradicioun,from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradition,from Latintradition-, tradition and is the action of handing over. It is from the same root word as treason. (emphasis added) Once again, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; the etymology of treason is Middle English tresoun,from Old French traison, from Latin tradition-, tradition act of handing over, from tradere to hand over, betray. (emphasis added).
It should be a shocking revelation to us that tradition and treason have the same etymology. They mean a handing over of something. So we see the significance of tradition is that it can be considered a treason of beliefs or values that were once held by individuals or a group. In respect to the traditional church, we see that there has been a surrendering, a giving up or handing over of the power of God, as demonstrated through apostolic authority. This treasonous act has been a replacing of the commandments and power of God for the traditions of men. This is truly making the commands of God none affect.
In the next Apostolic Notes Ezine, we will take a look at the difference between expecting and expectations and how they are influenced by man’s traditions. Following that, I will present for discussion some areas of traditions that I believe are hindering us from being a true apostolic church.
Our Purpose
Representative: One that serves as a delegate or agent for another.
– American Heritage Dictionary
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…
This scripture gives us wonderful insight into God’s purpose for mankind. Adam was created in the image and likeness of God. Vines tells us that
image means; "image or copy" of something in the sense of a replica. According to Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Likeness refers to the representational aspect of the image.
Adam was God’s image chosen to reveal or manifest Himself to creation. Through Adam, an invisible God made himself visible. But more than a visible image, Adam’s purpose was to be representational of God. As God’s likeness, he was to ACT as God’s representative thereby revealing the nature and characteristics of God by those actions.
Adam’s representational purpose was not manifest when God gave him dominion. It was manifest when Adam obeyed God’s command and named the animals. God’s image and likeness was revealed, not by Adam’s position, but by his obedient actions to the commands of God.
Jesus Christ, as the last Adam, came as the visible image of an invisible God. However, he was more than an image, he was representational of the invisible God. In John 17:6 Jesus states
; “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:”
According to Vines, manifested is a verb that means; "to make visible, clear, manifest,"
Thayer's says it is making visible or known“what has been hidden or unknown,whether by words, or deeds” (emphasis added).
A verb is an action word. Jesus came making an invisible God more than visible; he came to make him knowable by demon-stration.
Just as the scripture shows us that the first and last Adams were each to be a representational image of an invisible God, so we who are born again are to be representational. Paul tells us in Colossians 3:10 that we “have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ” (emphasis added). We have been born again to a new nature, one that includes His representational image.
As His body, the church is to manifest Jesus Christ to this dark and confused world. However, we are not to just present an image of a good moral life, we have been authorized to conduct business as representatives of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. We are to walk in His delegated authority as we demonstrate to this world what His kingdom will be like. By manifestation and representation, we reveal to this world there is something
better. We reveal to them that there is a King and He is coming with His kingdom and His name is Jesus!
What a privilege, what an honor, what a responsibility. We are chosen to ACT as the representative of the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings! Praise God!
Until next time-
Martin
Martin Schmaltz, D.C��.�� *DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article is the individual author’s opinion’s and beliefs and do not necessarily represent Apostolic Missions or any other minister, local church, or any organization.
January 17, 2007
The Lord is my Shepherd Psalms 23
Yesterday we discussed how the Shepherd will restore our souls--by saving our souls and by keeping us restored during our Christian journey. Remember, this is a benefit to those that are the sheep of HIS pasture. Outside the flock, away from the sound of HIS voice, there are no promises of such benefits. We have no protection from the wolves or the hirelings. The Shepherd will search for you to bring you back to the fold, but while you are willfully astray, you face the unprotected ravagings of the enemy of your soul. Stay in the fold and within the sound of the Shepherd's voice. Follow his guidance so that you may experience the unfettered benefits of the Master's blessings.
January 16, 2007
The Lord is my Shepherd Psalms 23
Yesterday we discussed how the Shepherd will make us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. Today, we will look at how the Psalmist declared that the Good Shepherd "...restores my soul." Have you ever felt weary, tired and depleated? Or conversely, have you ever felt elated, euphoric, on top of the mountain, full of joy, exhilerated and full of purpose? When the LORD is your shepherd you will discover that the LORD will bring your weary, tired and depleated soul to full restoration status. To restore means to bring back to the former level and quality as before. If you will follow and abide by the Good Shepherd's guidance, you will repeatedly discover the LORD's power and wisdom of restoration. Not only will HE reconcile you back to GOD with initial soul salvation but HE will bring repeated spiritual restoration during your Christian journey when needed.
January 15, 2007
The Lord is my Shepherd Psalms 23
Yesterday we discussed how the Shepherd will make us lie down in green pastures--comfort, food, nourishment and rest for our souls. Taste, for the Lord is good. It may not be familiar to your carnal dietary habits, but it will nourish your soul and bring the desired spiritual results. These green pastures will help you maintain spiritual health and mental health; it will help you mature in wisdom, knowledge and perspective; it will help keep you "centered" and focused on what really matters with a thankful heart. The results of the aforementioned will also bring appropriate and balanced phyical rewards--balanced and appropriate provisions for the physical body.
The Psalmist went on to pen, "He leads me beside quiet waters...". Sheep need calm water to drink from. Chaotic, swift running, tumultuous waters are not the kind of waters that sheep can drink from. But the Shepherd knows his sheep and is quite cognizant of this need. He therefore, will assuredly lead his sheep to quiet waters so they can drink so that they can have life and life more abuntantly.
Jesus said to the woman at the well, "but whoever drinks the water that I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
In another place Jesus said, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him". John 7:37
So let us follow the Good Shepherd and by his guidance, he will restore our souls and give us eternal life when we drink from the water he gives to us. Have a great day....more tomorrow.
January 14, 2007
The Lord is my Shepherd Psalms 23
Yesterday we discussed the plight of human nature that drives us to covet things--especially in an era of materialism. How critical it is to keep our eyes upon our Shepherd and hear his voice and follow where he leads rather than the many voices of materialism. By doing so, we will experience the pleasures that are at his right hand for ever more. We will not be encumbered by the pursuit of materialism but rather seek the "good part"-- to sit at the feet of the Shepherd and experience the joy of spiritual food and relationship.
The Psalmist penned, "He makes me lie down in green pastures." Is in not ironic how human are always seeking "greener pastures on the other side of the fence" while all along, our Shepherd will not only lead us to green pastures but makes us to lie down in it--to understand that where he has brought us is in fact the best, suitable green pasture available.
Have a blessed day...more tomorrow.
January 13, 2007
The Lord is my Shepherd Psalms 23
Yesterday we learned that the key to unlock the blessings of the 23rd Psalms was to truly come to a place where the LORD is your Shepherd in reality rather than just in words. Do not think that this dimension is achieved in one day. It is a process consisting of a series of experiences, testings, trials, and provings--over a period of time. Although we tend to live in a "fast food" culture in the West, human character is not developed at the same pace.
When the LORD is your shepherd, you "...shall not want." But what does that mean? Does it mean that you will have all your wants satisfied? Or does it mean that all your basic human needs will be met? Undoubtedly, there is a vast difference between what humans want and what humans actually need to survive. Coming to a place of being satisfied with your basic needs being met goes beyond the modern idea of materialism.
Unfortunately, what humans see, they often covet. It is part of human nature. But when the LORD is your shepherd, your human nature comes under subjection and the focus of your desires are redirected from carnal wantonness and covetousness towards the spiritual--a relationship with the Shepherd and conducting yourself in a manner that pleases HIM. Rest assured that no Good Shepherd has any interest in depriving and maltreating his sheep. Your safety and welfare is of grave concern to the Good Shepherd. For example, if the Good Shepherd can clothe the lillies of the field, how much more can the Good Shepherd clothe you? Or, if a carnal man knows how to give good gifts to his children, how much more does the Good Sheherd desire to give you the Holy Spirit to those that ask him!
Jesus said, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
Luke 12:32-34.
Submitting to the leadership and care of the Good Shepherd is a dimension that is truly inconceivable to the carnal mind. It goes contrary to all that is promulgated by today's modern times.
Have a blessed day...more tomorrow.
January 12, 2007
The Lord is my Shepherd Psalms 23
The key to unlocking and accessing all the benefits found in the 23rd Psalm can be found in the very first phrase. The Psalmist penned, proclaimed, acclaimed and emanated in his lifestyle that the LORD was truly his “shepherd”. Certainly easier said than done. After all, humans have cognitive abilities to make choices and be their own “shepherd”. Being able to trust and depend solely upon the leadership and the providership of another is not always easy and is even more difficult when one wants to pursue their own ideas and goals.
To many the LORD is not a shepherd but a “gimme” god—a wishing well. But for the Psalmist, the LORD was his guide, his protector, his provider, his comforter, his chastiser, and much more. The Psalmist had a mindset, a lifestyle, and a unique relationship towards and with the LORD that caused him to utter from his soul, “The LORD is my shepherd.” Find and live in that dimension and then the rest of the chapter will begin to become a reality for you.
Pray that God will help, bless and prosper the efforts of all WCMA affiliates as we all come to a place where we can proclaim from deep within our souls…The Lord is my shepherd !
More tomorrow...have great day ! |
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