Stand My Watch

SHINE! That’s what I’ve been hearing that the Church must do and we are the church. John Lennon said that “We all shine on. Like the moon and the stars and the sun.” But most of us don’t. Matt Redman said “We will shine like stars in the universe. Holding out Your truth in the darkest place.” That’s much closer to where things are. No matter how dark or dismal it seems, we are to follow what Christ said in Matthew 5 when He told us that “You are the light of the world. You are to shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Something needs to burst forth in us so that light is released!

In Judges 7, Gideon is listening to God’s orders in preparation for war against the Midianites and the Amalekites. The army of Gideon is finally pared down to 300 so that all would know that it was God, not man, that brought this victory. Each man carried a sword which can be seen as a metaphor for the word of God in Ephesians 6. They also carried an empty pitcher in which they would put a torch, and upon breaking, would burst forth and shine. At the command to attack, they all yelled, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” They then broke the pitchers and ran into battle with a sword in one hand and a torch in the other. The enemy was routed. This is what we are to envision when we face great odds and overwhelming circumstances. We must embrace what the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us.” When He touches us to reveal His son to others, we are actually broken open to overflow to those He has appointed for us to touch with His glory. As a vessel of God, this light that has been revealed must shine forth.

No matter what the odds, we have Christ in us, the hope of glory. Quitting, because we feel beat down and persecuted, is not an option. Even though we feel our outer person is wearing out, we need to remember that our inner being is being renewed daily. We need to believe that we are overcomers. That regardless of the circumstances, we will stand. We all watch and read things on a daily basis that cause us to wonder what will become of this world and our place in it. What we believe in and who we follow is crucial to overcoming. Read Isaiah 58 and see that we are required to watch for the less fortunate and at all times do your best to worship the Lord. Then your light shall break forth like the morning. And He will guide you. Jesus said in Luke 8 that we are to shine forth. We are not to be put under a basket, but on a lampstand for all to see. But to some, you may appear as a nuisance and they will try to extinguish you. Now, more than any period in a long time, we need to stand up and proclaim who we are. If you wish to follow what man says, then expect to be quite disappointed when you see the end result. Many, who say they represent Christ, are walking hand in hand with politicians and merchandisers and will lead you into a ditch. That is counterfeit light. And all that shines there is a spirit of deception.

Ephesians 5:8 says, “You were once in darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children light.”  We are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of those who remain shrouded in darkness. Speak truth that will expose what they are doing. Remember, Jesus promised us that if you follow Him you will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. And that which is being perpetrated by so many that are called to be leaders, is to only cause confusion and division. In the midst of brutal and perverse culture, be innocent of evil and that which harms your fellow man. Represent Christ so that He is seen in you and attracts, rather than repels, those who are lost. As it says in Philippians 2:15, “Appear among them as shining lights in the universe, offering them the words of eternal life.” Blessings.

Someone says to you, “follow me.” Do you know what that entails? Where are they going? What is it that they want from you? What will be the cost of following them? After all these years of doing things a certain way, do I just make a drastic change in my life, and forsaking all, just follow that person?

In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus posed this question to His disciples. In most cases the word for “follow” was the Greek word “Akoloutheo.” It basically is an invitation, but also an exhortation to follow Him. This man, Jesus, who tells them that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, is showing them a new path. It leads to all they’ve heard or read about, but it’s a scary path into the unknown. Following this Christ is going to upset a lot of people. Especially religious people. But these new followers have been doing things a certain way for a long time. But in the words of Bono, they “still haven’t found what they’re looking for.” But now, here it is – and not how they’d ever imagined. This Jesus seems to not only know the Word, but is the living Word. And He seems to be able to use it at times that really upset the religious hierarchy. He’s doing things that were previously contrary to the Law. Healing on the Sabbath. Touching lepers and healing them. Talking with a Samaritan woman and even having women follow Him. But He could also be tough and to the point, as seen in His biting rebuke of Peter in Matthew 16 and in John 21. These rebukes are lessons to Peter, the disciples, and to us. Lessons that we are to be mindful of the things of God and not the world, and that even if someone else seems to be in a position where they may forgo death, we are to just pay attention to His command. “Follow Me.”

They did follow Him. Right to the cross. Then, everything seemed to be out of order. They no longer made sense. How could this be? But He had told them this would happen and that He’d return and would not leave them orphans, but give them the Holy Spirit as guide and Helper. All but one followed. Most to their deaths as martyrs. They followed when words He spoke in John 6 caused many to fall away. And that same command of “Follow Me” echoes resoundingly now. His word is still a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. But are we following this path? For some reason, too many seem to follow after darkness and shun the light.

We have the words that give truth and life before us, but we follow the dictates of an unsettled life. Anger, wrath, malice, filthy expressions of what we feel, and basic disregard for His command to love one another, while completely disregarding His words in Matthew 28 to “observe all that I’ve commanded you.” Jesus said in John 15 that we’re His friends if we do what He has commanded us to do. For some reason, people seem to believe that they can follow others who act in ways contrary to the teachings of Christ, yet still abide in the vine. That cannot happen. Rather than asking God to search our hearts and see if there is any wicked way in us, we go about carrying a banner with His name on it, while at the same time doing great harm to His Kingdom. That’s a double minded person.

Every day in the news, and constantly for the past 1 and 1/2 years, we have seen things masquerading as being in step with Jesus. They are not. Men clothe themselves in holy robes and presume to tell us that this is God’s will. Those same men, clothed in holy robes 2000 years ago, said Jesus was not to be followed and was false. What we are seeing today in politics, government and too many church circles, is to be prayed for but not followed. Judge it by the fruit you see. These trees are twice dead. Plucked up by the roots. We are either children of light or darkness. You can’t have it both ways. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6 that we are to avoid disputes, arguments and strife, and instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. I see so little of this being done. In the book of Hebrews, we are told to pursue peace with all people. If you listen to many of our government and spiritual leaders today, you seldom hear that. A most terrible root of bitterness has grown in our midst, and no matter the command to “Follow Me” by our Lord, we are out of step. That command has no expiration date. And if you have fallen short, then repent and get right back into line. As John tells us in 3 John: 11, “Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” Ask God to cleanse you from even your secret faults. Jesus told us that His sheep know His voice. Do not follow the voice of another. You can truly find what you’re looking for. His way is the only way. Follow Him. Blessings.

What’s in a name? Proverbs 22:1 says “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” One can make a grievous error and it will stick to their name forever. But we also remember the names of those who did great exploits. Most people remember that Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the twelve that were sent out to spy the land in Exodus and came back with a good report. But who remembers Shammua or Palti, or Ammiel and so on. They were three of the ten who did not believe God would be with them and came back with a bad report. They never entered the Promised Land.

It works the same way with those who were infamous for their actions. Most know Judas Iscariot was the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Most remember John Wilkes Booth was the man that assassinated President Lincoln. The saying “Your name will be mud” is most often attributed to Dr. Samuel Mudd who conspired with Booth and was sentenced to life in prison for his role. Although the saying may have originated before that, most people, when asked, believe it has to do with Dr. Mudd’s treason.

Joshua, chapter two, tells the story of Rahab the harlot. Joshua had sent out two men to spy out the land of Jericho. They lodged at her house. When the king of Jericho heard men were spying out their land and were staying with Rahab, he ordered them to be given over to him. She lied and said that they were there but had left. She hid them. Rahab did this without them asking her to hide them. She had prophetic insight. She had heard of the God of the Israelites and the many miracles and how God, in His power, was with Israel. She stated in Joshua 2:11, “And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven and on earth beneath.” Rahab asked the two men to show kindness to her and her family for her kindness. She was essential to their escape and to the necessary plans to defeat Jericho.

The men were true to their word and Rahab and her entire family was spared by her faith in this God she had heard of prior to any involvement with the Israelites that allowed. Her faith is spoken of in the New Testament book of Hebrews 11:31. And in James 2:25 she is said to be justified by her works in saving the two Israeli spies. Yet just about every time she is mentioned in the bible, she is referred to as ‘Rahab the Harlot”. You’d think the part of her name that had to do with her prior occupation could have been dropped. But amazingly, she was given great honor. She ended up staying in the midst of Israel all her days and married Salmon. Some believe he was one of the two spies she helped escape. From that union came Boaz the great grandfather of David. Rahab became part of the Davidic covenant leading to Christ. She was truly justified by her faith and her works.

This can be seen as a precursor of the promise Paul gave to his jailer in Acts 16:31 when he told him, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your whole household.” Sometimes a name is just a name. Rahab became a mother of the line that brought forth David and eventually Christ. All need to listen to what they hear of the Lord. Don’t go by the actions of some that turn you off to who He truly is. Seek Him out. He knows your name. He always has. Even before you were born. You might be surprised to see what is written about you by His recording angels. He is looking for what you do now as opposed to your past. When you ask forgiveness for your sins, He is faithful and just to not only forgive you but to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Rahab believed without seeing and walked into His grace and wonder. The same awaits everyone. We are called as children and heirs of God.

Isaiah 43 tells us that He has called us by name. We are His. Do not remember the former things. He says He will do a new thing with us. Even making roads in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. There is no one that can reverse His works. Proverbs 3:34 says “The wise shall inherit glory.” What’s in a name? Ask Rahab when you see her. But for right now, ask Him. He gives grace and glory and will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. Blessings.

Sometimes it seems like your spiritual insight into a matter or a person is better than 20/20. You meet someone and realize they are not just special, but that God has His hand on them. Andrew, the follower of John the Baptist and soon to be disciple of Jesus, had that prescient insight of who he saw Christ to be, which is evidenced in these next few illustrations.

John 6:1-13 tells the story of Jesus multiplying five barley loaves of bread and two small fish. Jesus was with His disciples by the Lake of Galilee and saw a great multitude of people that had followed Him. The number was 5000, but that was likely just a headcount of the men. It could very well have been 15,000 to 20,000 people counting women and children. Jesus then asks Philip, “Where shall we buy enough food to feed all of these people?” Jesus said this to test Philip’s faith, as He already knew what He was going to do. Philip’s reply was, “Even if we give everyone a small portion, it would cost more than 200 pieces of silver.” That was equivalent to about 8 months of wages for the average person. It was also a bit of a trip to get back to town.

Andrew had an idea and felt there was something special that might be done here. He had been a disciple of John the Baptist and had heard his teaching on the coming of the Christ. Andrew most likely witnessed John baptizing Jesus. He heard him say that this was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I’m sure he heard the voice of God speaking and saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Andrew knew this was the Messiah and upon invitation immediately followed Him. But Andrew also became the first evangelist for Christ and went and told his brother, Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” He then took his brother to Jesus who changed his name from Simon to Cephas, which means Peter the Rock. Andrew knew that he saw one with the ability to transform your very essence, not just change your name.

Andrew next sees Jesus perform a miracle of immense proportions by rescuing the hosts of a wedding that had run out of wine. This changes the path of Jesus’ ministry walk. Miracles bring out believers and also those just wanting to have a look. Jesus has the servants fill six stone water pots to the brim with water. Each one of those pots held twenty gallons. That was 120 gallons of wine. And not just average wine, but the best wine. I am sure those people never tasted wine like that again.

Andrew hears Jesus witness and minister to Nicodemus and then the Samaritan woman at the well. He next sees Jesus heal the paralytic man by the pool of Bethesda. Andrew is seeing and hearing things that he had hoped to one day witness as a believer in the coming Messiah, but this was more than he had imagined. He is hearing the words of life being spoken by the Living Word. So when Philip is not sure how to really answer Jesus’ question as to how to feed the multitudes, Andrew is reminded of all he has already seen and heard firsthand by Jesus. So he sees that if this man that could change water into wine and heal a nobleman’s son without even going to see him and lay hands on him, then just maybe the five barley loaves and two small fish could be turned into a feast. So Andrew says, “Look! Here’s a young boy with five barley loaves and two small fish…but how far would that go with this huge crowd?”(Passion Translation) Andrew just knew that the Lord would do something amazing but even still he had a tiny amount of wondering exactly how his Lord would do it. And man did he see. Jesus blessed the food and then gave it to His disciples to pass out to the crowd. They saw it multiply as they distributed the food. They gave out meals to thousands and there was still food there to feed the people. It is one thing to marvel that so little could feed so many as an onlooker at Gods’ restaurant but quite another to be a server and never have to say you’ve run out of food. And when they were done there were twelve baskets of food left over. A basket for each disciple.

Jesus could have just had manna drop from the heavens like it did with the Israelites in the desert. But that would still not have had the effect this miracle did. He was also saying He is the bread of life. The manna could not do what He would do. He is the living bread which came down from heaven. He was showing them eternal life. He who believed in Him would have everlasting life and He would soon go and prepare a place for those who believe.

Andrew means brave. He stepped out and brought his brother to Jesus with no doubt. His spiritual insight sort of got things rolling with the disciples. He preached the word in vast areas and at the end was told to stop by the proconsul in the city of Achaia and told to join in sacrificing to heathen gods. For his refusal, he was crucified on a cross shaped like an X. During the days he was suffering and dying, he was still exhorting onlookers to embrace or adhere to the faith of Jesus.

We have access to see things in so many venues. Many of us have seen mighty things done by the Lord right before our eyes or have heard the testimonies of miraculous works. Andrew was not disobedient to that heavenly vision. He tasted of that heavenly gift. 1 John 3:1 says “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God.” What is ours through belief in Him did not come cheaply. This is faith at work and it was at work in Andrew before he saw Jesus. He knew. I leave you with the James Moffat translation of 1 Corinthians 2:9, “What no eye has ever seen, what no ear has ever heard, what never entered into the mind of man, God has prepared for those who love Him.” We have inherited the same godsend and ability for spiritual insight as Andrew. Blessings.

Fake news is heard over the airwaves and seen in print every day. You cannot get away from it. If you don’t like something, or if it has a percentage of content that doesn’t hold water, then it’s called “fake news.” It is a favorite phrase of politicians and it really just gained traction in this most recent election cycle. Much of what is called fake news isn’t, and at the same time, reports you hear that seem to be valid, are not. This is not new. Fake news has been here since the dawn of time.

In Genesis, Satan convinced Eve that God hadn’t really said you’d die if you ate the fruit from that tree. But he twisted the words. Threw in just enough to entice and cause doubt. And then Adam joined her. They didn’t die right then, but death entered in, and man, things have been screwed up ever since! They were seduced by the “good” of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We still look at the so called good in things that are very dangerous and have death tangled up in their meaning.

In Numbers 13, God had Moses send out a man from each tribe of Israel to spy out the land that God said He was giving to the children of Israel. Even though God had already decreed that He was giving them the land, 10 of the men, believing what they saw with their eyes, came back with a false report. There were giants in the land and the inhabitants were too strong to overcome. Yet Caleb and Joshua believed the promise of God and knew they would take the land. But the people believed the report of those who did not believe the promise of God. They went even further and attempted to select a new leader and return to Egypt. This error in discerning His truth caused a 40 year wandering in the desert. Believing in fake news is a killer.

In 1 Samuel 17, David went to the battlefront to see how things were going and to bring a bit of lunch to his brothers and a snack of cheese for a few others. When he got there, he found the whole army in fear of the Philistines and their champion, Goliath. David believed the report of the Lord, yet the others believed a false report of threats and what their eyes told them. They forgot how many times God had delivered them. David not only stepped up to fight this giant, but spoke with him and told him what he would do to him. And he would use Goliath’s own sword to do it. What hutzpah! He was true to his word. When he felled the giant, he then took Goliath’s sword and cut off his head. A teenager with faith killed a giant and THEN the people followed and routed the enemy. We, too, need to discard so much of what assails our ears and eyes and cause us to follow outright lies and half-truths. They are destructive!

In the Gospels, we see Jesus bringing light to areas clouded by fear and belief in wrong doctrine. He showed what belief could accomplish. Jesus told His cousin, John the Baptist, who was in prison, “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Yet with all Jesus did for 3 and ½ years, they eventually lost faith. They feared the Pharisees. They heard what was true and saw with their own eyes, but all deserted Him. They had all the prophecies available to them, foretelling of what would happen, but did not hold fast to that which was true. So, Jesus was crucified. Yet the Pharisees feared that this belief in Jesus could become a following. So they had Pilate place guards around the tomb of Jesus. That didn’t work. They had no answer as to why Jesus did not stay in the tomb. Believing He was resurrected was out of the question. So they bribed the soldiers that were to have guarded the tomb and started a fake news story that Jesus’ disciples came at night and stole His body. Of course, no word as to how they were able to move the large boulder in front of the tomb and to do it without alerting the guards. But hey, a story is a story, and if you spread it around enough, people start to believe it. And many still do today. But, as it says in Zechariah 12:10, “They will look upon Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” There’s a penalty for those who believe the false and cast off the truth.

1 John 4:1 says not to believe everything you hear. You must test it to see if it’s true. This isn’t just from preachers, but all you read and hear. You have the Holy Spirit in you who will guide you into all truth if you listen. We should be progressing in our understanding and have gone from milk to solid food as it says in Hebrews 5. But people become dull in hearing. Still needing teachers to lead them and explain the difference between right and wrong and what is or is not from God.  Ephesians 2:2 states that Satan is the prince of the power of the air. He works to bring discord and division among all people, but especially in the body of Christ. And it’s working. Spend 15 minutes scrolling through comments on Facebook or posts that people like and repost. When you see such extreme reactions, you must realize that you’re ceding ground to the enemy of truth. If you’re not surprised by some stance taken by people that you know to be Christians, then you need to examine yourself as to your position in the faith. You are already infected and in danger.

The world is caught up in this like a person who has fallen off their horse, but their foot is still in the stirrup and being dragged through a spiritual minefield that will leave you bloodied and bruised. Stop and take an accounting of what you are allowing to be received as facts. Does it line up with what Jesus taught? If not, then it’s a lie. Proverbs 3 talks of the one who finds wisdom and gets understanding as being blessed. The epistle of James says to ask for wisdom and God will give it liberally. We have all that we need to guide us into what is true, yet we allow that which hits right in the middle of our soulish realm to affect us. This causes us to walk in a spirit of error and lies which brings death. Death to truth, life, healing, understanding, being able to evangelize, and most importantly, to our spiritual walk with God. We can ask for discernment to navigate these troubled waters, but you first must realize that by being a part of this, you are helping to cultivate this evil crop of fake news. Come out from among them and be separate. Don’t be cheated by the philosophy of men or basic worldly principles. Follow Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This includes all you see and read and hear. All you take in. He is faithful. As it says in Proverbs 2:2, “Incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding.” It is there for all of us. I pray light to break this ever increasing confusion and darkness and that your understanding will be enlightened. Blessings.

I wrote in my blog titled “Soul Ties” that we connect with someone via our mind, will, or emotions and form a soul tie. Some ties can be positive, others negative. The advent of the cyberspace age has introduced a new peril far more dangerous than anything we have yet seen.

Since the beginning of time, the spoken word had the ability to keep others engrossed and even mesmerized. From stories and oral history, to plays and books, and eventually progressing to radio. This offered a different fascination in that one’s imagination was quite engaged. They found that serials of different shows like The Spirit or The Lone Ranger had people talking and waiting for the next episode. People began to relate to characters on many radio shows. Orson Welles scared thousands with his radio story of an alien invasion as if it was happening right as people listened. People began to see the power of this medium and how it could be used to make a lot of money. Television brought in a whole new form of communicating. Now you could “see” what you previously just heard. Soaps, named for soap advertisers on these continuing shows, had people so enraptured they started to act as if they knew these characters. As TV evolved, this was the case with many series. Just as with early movies, producers and directors got people hooked by using cliffhangers. You had to see the next adventure to find out what happened to your hero. So far, much of this seems tame and benign. But this was a nascent medium so far. TV series became more sophisticated and started pushing the envelope with censorship, and now we have pay TV where little is left to the imagination. People were becoming more tied to many things that were able to erode at the basic foundation of core values ~ not so much in what was shown, but from the doors that were being opened from this evolving electronic medium.

Sex sells. As soon as video joined with this, it became a multi- billion dollar business. And cyberspace has allowed this industry to increase exponentially. Porn became accepted, but the damage it has done is increasing in severity. The worst parts of these industries became even more dangerous in how it contributes to sex slave trade and abuse of children. The evil practices of idol worship under ancient civilization had nothing in comparison to what is going on today. People everywhere, including the church, are seriously addicted. It has become a worldwide pandemic evil. And surprisingly, with the advent of 24 hour news, we have a new pathological problem infecting us.

I’ve lived long enough to have seen much in the form of communication increase, but I find that which we now see in social media to be a different form of danger. What started as people catching up with each other and networking has become a venue to spew hate and hide behind a degree of anonymity. As Christians, we have no excuse to be ignorant of Satan’s devices. As it states in Ephesians 2, he is the prince of the power of the air and works diligently in the hearts of those who are disobedient to the truth of God. The enemy appeals to the natural thoughts and cravings of a rebellious mind. This is not new. Satan was a liar and a murderer from the beginning. But if we’re in Christ, we are a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things become new through our place in Him. It states in 2 Corinthians 4, that “the gods of this age has blinded the minds of those not walking in God’s truth.”

The enemy works to divide and sow discord. As it states in 1 Peter 5, “Our adversary (Satan) goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” A big roar, but actually it is bereft of power, as Christ defeated him and we are in Christ, far above every power and principality. We are told to resist the devil and remain steadfast in the faith. By submitting to God we are empowered to overcome. In Luke 10:19, the Lord tells us, “I give you power and authority over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means harm you.” But we keep conceding this territory right back to the enemy when we become constantly embroiled in this chaos and come into agreement with that which only tears down through hate and unforgiveness. Rather than pray to build up, we end up cursing through our following a wrong voice. This discord displayed in social media has caused soul ties with people you might not even converse with in person. And if you were in proximity to them, the discourse could very well be of a more conciliatory nature. But couple that with a political atmosphere that seems to just breed more contempt and division, and you can see how easily the vitriol escalates. The ties people are now making with others, commenting on views shared on TV and radio, are becoming toxic to the point of eroding even our relationship with God. He has no part in this. I clearly heard Him say that “this spirit of lies from the father of lies has filled the airways and is doing irreparable damage. And those who say they are believers have jumped in with both feet. And those who should be looking after you and protect you, are powerless because they are under the same spirit.” This is like what we heard in Matthew and Mark in the parable of the sower. The enemy comes in to steal that good word put in you. Hate and division have no part in His kingdom.

We must stop and realize how this hate spewed venom compels us to be tied to others that cause us to stay in a place that destroys our peace and our relationship with the Lord. And how can we seek to expand His kingdom when we are undermining it with our actions? Do not be partakers with these deceivers and workers of discord. Come out from among them and be separate. The Message Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10 that we don’t fight as the world does and “The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing and manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire corrupt culture.” Every warped philosophy and every evil induced argument that exalts itself against the knowledge of God must be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. If you’re part of the problem, you cannot be used as part of the solution which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

If you’ve made soul ties with those you interact with on social media, you must realize that it causes an erosion of your relationship with God. I pray you renounce it and all other attachments that have been established with people bringing about negative connectivity. Ask God to cleanse you from all that has attached itself to you through these soul ties. You need to also realize that every word spoken and all thoughts created through this media become ingrained in you, and are always before Him. They are at odds with His Spirit of truth. Pray for wisdom and a discerning ear to hear. Unlike the words spoken in cyberspace, every word of God is pure and He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Blessings.

I felt led to speak a different Easter message than is normally given. This message testifies to the gift given to us by Christ and Christ giving His life for us that speaks of things which would melt the heart of David.

In 2 Samuel 7, David proposes to Nathan the prophet his wish to build a house for the Lord which would house the ark of God. Nathan agrees with him and tells David to do all that is in his heart. But the Lord later speaks to Nathan and tells him to tell David that he cannot build a house for the Lord. He has shed too much blood. The one who will build it will be David’s son, Solomon. Yet every part of the architectural plan, to the most tiny and exacting detail, was given to David who then instructed his son, Solomon. But David was not left out. God instead told David that He would build him a house. The Davidic covenant. His bloodline and throne would be established forever. The bloodline of Jesus the Messiah. David’s words show his understanding of this and his humility. He says in 2 Samuel 7:18, “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me this far?” He then verbally confirms his place in God’s decision and prays a prayer to the Lord in verses 28-29 saying, “O Lord, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

David knew full well of the magnitude of what God had promised him. A blessing beyond imagination. David was a man after God’s heart. His love for God was without question. The temple that Solomon built was done to perfection. The stones that were made were done so outside of the temple. They were so perfectly made that no finish work was necessary when placed in the temple. This speaks to us in Ephesians 2. Through the death of Jesus we are given a house of the Lord also. Us. Our body. The Passion Translation says in verse 21-22 that “This entire building is under construction and is continually growing under His supervision until it rises up completed as the holy temple of the Lord himself. This means that God is transforming each one of you into the Holy of Holies, his dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you.”

Jesus spoke to His disciples in John 14 and told them that He was going away. The full impact of His dying on the cross was not understood. Jesus tells them He must go but that He will not leave them orphans. The Passion Translation of John 14:16-17 says that “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like Me – and He will never leave you. The world won’t receive Him because they can’t see Him or know Him. But you will know Him intimately, because He will make His home in you and will live inside of you.” He promised to make us His habitation. He said the Helper would guide us into all truth and would glorify Jesus.

Do you realize that it states in Romans 8:11, that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us? And in Romans 5:5, that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us! In 2 Corinthians, we see that the Holy Spirit was given to us as a guarantee. But more like a deposit with redemptive value. So, when we give up these earthly tents, we will be present with God. Paul asks us in 1 Corinthians 3, if we know that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you. The very concept of this is only conceived in our hearts by faith. And this, too, is a gift of God. This Christ in us, the hope of glory, lives in me. And this life I live in the flesh, I live BY the faith of God, who loved me and died for me.

In 1 Corinthians 2:9 it says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” We have been given the Holy Spirit as His gift to dwell in us. We did nothing by works to deserve this. It is His love for us that is so profound and deep that He sent His son to die for us that we might not only have eternal life and forgiveness of sins, but an earthly abode for His Spirit to dwell in us and guide us. We were bought at a price that cannot be calculated in our understanding. We are redeemed by His blood according to the riches of His grace. And the temple we provide for Him speaks of our love for Him. We are all fixer uppers. There are times I seem to have forgotten who lives in me. Parts of me have been closed off to Him. I took my eyes off the prize. We all do this yet He is faithful. And when we confess, He forgives. Only in Him are we complete. We must all check daily to see if we are in the faith. To see if we are a house that even we would want to live in, much less the Spirit of God. We must have the heart of David and say to our heavenly Father, who am I that You would dwell in me? That You would die for me, a sinner, and then make me a temple of Your Spirit. This seems ineffable. Too sacred and special to be put into words. Yet I receive this love.

I pray we all have a walk worthy of the Lord. Fully pleasing Him. Increasing in the knowledge of Him. I pray we are strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power and that we endure and remain steadfast and know His joy. I thank Him that He has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light, and to realize that He has delivered us from the power of darkness and transported us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. This Easter meditate on the gift He has given to all of us. We are “His house” and we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. Blessings.

I was ready to address the second part of my blog concerning cyberspace soul ties, but I felt led to write a short topic on a verse from John that the Lord gave me.

In John 13, before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that the enemy was going to do his work through Judas. He was aware of all that which was now before Him. Yet he arose from the supper and put a towel around His waist and poured water into a basin. He then proceeded to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel around His waist. When He came to Peter, he pulled back and said, “Lord are you going to wash my feet?” The Lord answered, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will after this.” Peter responded, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus then said, “If I do not wash you, you will have no part in Me.” Peter responded that the Lord should also wash his hands and head! Jesus then said, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For one would betray Him.

Jesus went on to explain that what He did they must do also. He was the example. “A servant is not greater than his master; neither is he who is sent greater than He who sent him.” But, “he who receives whomever I’ve sent receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives the Father who sent Me.”

Easter is but a few weeks away and how many are reflecting on these words Jesus spoke knowing what was going to happen to Him. These words should resonate with us always. He is still offering for us to come before Him and be cleansed. That which He did was usually done by a servant. But He was the ultimate servant. Cleansing your feet washed away all that you picked up in your hard travels and work of the day. It was a hard life for most and having that service done to you was cleansing to both the spirit and the body. All the things you went through and the troubles and hardships that were caked onto your feet were washed away as a sign of hospitality. But this was different. This was the Lord. And Peter realized that which he had touched and put his hands to in his life also needed to be cleansed. And more importantly, his thoughts that he believed to be unseen were suddenly there for his Lord to see, and he wanted that cleansed also. As should we all. The mind is our major battlefield.

The Lord was giving an example that His disciples must live by. But that example also pertains to us. We must be servants. Give and it will be given to you, but give only because He who is everything gave to us. If you follow His commandments, you will love one another as He loves us. He gave His life for us, though we still seem to miss it and not understand. All that pertains to life He has given us. Yet so many seem to grasp on to things that bring calamity and heartache. People gravitate to those things that touch the senses and only too late realize they have chosen a crooked path. Keep your eyes on the prize. Any other way will bring destruction. Quit believing what so many say that causes you to deviate from His true path. It ends up in a ditch. He said that He has sent the spirit of Truth that we may be led and not be deceived. But it seems His sheep run after that which they see or hear that touches their soulish realms, which in turn brings a division between them and the Lord.

Stop right where you are and ask Him to cleanse you. For those that see, you’ll be surprised by how much filth and grime comes off you. His love and peace is ever present. Put away that which is going on throughout the world and the politics of this country, the church, fear of your future and fear of the present. Give it to Him. The Lord says in Ezekiel 36 that “I will sprinkle clean water on you and you shall be clean. I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all idols. I’ll give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I’ll take out the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I’ll put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes. Then you shall be My people and I will be your God.”

That’s what Jesus was giving in John 13. Cleansing. A new life. A new outlook. His view. Give in to Him. It will bring new life. Even though the outward man seems to be perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day. All of His promises are yes and amen in Christ. It says in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that “Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” Even though it was not necessary, be like Peter when he realized what was at hand, and say cleanse all of me. Blessings.

Soul ties are discussed and recognized in the bible as both positive and negative. When we’re connected with someone via our mind, will, or emotions, we form a soul tie. As stated, if we form a soul tie with someone that is a positive influence on us, then that soul tie is positive in what it produces. But the converse of that can tie us with someone that brings about a negative influence and bad results.

We are not meant to be alone, and look for relationship, love, acceptance, and validation. Bonds can be formed that produce lasting friendships and bring a sense of peace and fulfillment to our lives. This can come from friends, spouses, siblings, parents, church leaders, mentors, or those in leadership positions that have an effect on our lives. We form ties with people that often have similar likes and thoughts to us. We feel they believe as we do and therefore feel comfortable with them and are more likely to form a bond of trust with them.

Biblical examples of Godly soul ties can be seen with Ruth and Naomi in the book of Ruth. It shows how Godly soul ties can affect history and even change rules. Ruth was a Moabite. In Deuteronomy 23, it states no Moabite can enter the assembly of the Lord because of their treatment of Israel after they left Egypt. Yet, because of Ruth’s friendship and vow to never leave Naomi, she ended up marrying Boaz and became the great-grandmother of David, and therefore entered the family line of Jesus. The rule in Deuteronomy became void for her.

Elijah and Elisha had a soul tie from the standpoint of Elijah being the mentor. Elisha kept his eyes on his mentor and never left his side. He ended up with a double portion of Elijah’s anointing.

In 1 Samuel, it states that the soul of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was knit to the soul of David. The two of them made a covenant of lasting friendship with each other. They said that their vow was in the name of the Lord and that the Lord would be between them forever.

You can see the same Godly soul ties with Jesus and His disciples, or with Paul as a spiritual father to Timothy. If you read in the epistles Paul wrote, you’ll see the deep connection he had with so many he called friends. Deeper than just those who ministered together. This is how it is supposed to be.

We see all too frequently that the soul tie between two people, or even a group of people, can be out of order in many ways. People sometimes seek to have needs met that put them in a place where they are used or abused. Some prey on others and take advantage of emotional problems. This can happen with any relationship. People control others by fear and manipulation. The person being controlled may be looking for love or acceptance. The fear of losing someone, even when the relationship is unhealthy, allows that ungodly, co-dependent relationship to continue. Someone may be looking for another to heal a fractured relationship or be the product of abusive or neglectful parenting. You then end up gravitating toward the wrong person who will actually just continue that pattern of abuse or control. They may affirm you or just make you feel strengthened as in an “us against them” relationship, or even be a sympathetic ear to all your problems as well as feelings of revenge which may serve to affirm you. All of these are soul ties that are contrary to God’s will.

The most commonly talked of wrong biblical soul tie involves sex. When two people are joined together sexually out of wedlock, a connection is made. It speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 6. You become soul tied to that person and at the same time, tied to everyone they were with, for it is out of God’s order. The same is true of adultery and any other sexual connection. We pervert what He gave us as perfect. When this happens, we can see how we become entangled. Unless that tie is broken, we can end up affected as those subatomic particles I wrote of in my blog on Entanglement Theory. We are affected by that other person even when out of that person’s presence. It can become likened to one who suffers a phantom pain with the loss of a limb. You may feel a pain you believe to be from your foot, but it is no longer there. You’re still connected.

Even church leaders are not immune to this. All too often you see a case where someone is being controlled by a church leader they felt they could trust. It can start out harmlessly, but then you find some unmet need you have being met by them, not God, and a wrong tie is developed. As with any tie, they may have initially helped you with rejection, loneliness, insecurity, low self- esteem, a broken relationship, abandonment, disappointment, etc. These people are users. Hucksters. They do not show the love of God, nor do they look to heal and then see you established in your ministry. You become a necessary sheep providing an offering or filling some need they may have. This must be broken. Even parents make wrong soul ties and control their children. They end up raising an emotionally unstable child that will often just make another wrong soul tie with someone else if not healed.

One soul tie I’ve not seen talked about that I perceive becoming a grave problem is what I call a cyberspace soul tie. I see people so emotionally tied to others that they are unaware that their attachment is not God’s will.  Nor do they see the damage it’s doing. This is just a cursory examination of soul ties. I’ll speak on this and cyberspace soul ties at another time.

We need to know that through Christ we become new creations. Old things have passed away and all things become new. We were bought at a price. We cannot become slaves of men. Only be yoked to Him. All other things out of His will cause heartache and problems. Develop a right tie with Him and know your faith and hope should be in God, not men. I pray you ask the Lord if any wrong tie exists with you. If so, repent and break them in Jesus name for whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Psalm 1:1 says “Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. His delight is in the law of the Lord.” Send every wrong word that you’ve been enticed with back to whoever spoke it. Renounce all ties not in His perfect will. I pray His peace and wisdom for you. Blessings.

 

Entanglement theory is a term used in quantum theory to describe the way that particles of energy or matter can become correlated to predictably interact with each other, regardless of how far apart they are. When two subatomic particles come in contact with one another, they are forever entangled. Even when they leave each others’ presence, if you reverse spin on one particle, no matter where they are, the other one automatically reverses its spin. My understanding of physics or quantum theory is quite pathetic. I can read an excerpt from Einstein or Bell and try to get the gist of it, but even that is past my capability.

If we attempt to apply this formula to maybe even a lesser degree in life, it makes sense. There are people we meet or become connected to that seem to be forever entwined with us. We can both simultaneously be thinking of each other at the same time and, at times, make the same decisions because we seem to be on the same wavelength. It’s as if we are talking on the phone from opposite ends of the country and make the same choices in a certain situation with no pre knowledge of what the other was doing. There is a profound connection. Yet conversely we can meet some people and never think of them again once we’re out of their presence.

I believe this works in ways that go beyond just meeting people. We see instances of people that seem to be closely linked to others that they’ve never met. They see them on TV or in articles they read and have a commonality of thought with that person. This can be someone who positively affects you in that what they say or write is encouraging or uplifting to you. It can get you through tough times or provide a means of relaxation to you. Authors, ministers, politicians, or other public figures can say or write things so closely related to your mindset that it seems you know them. Thusly, their actions have a profound effect on you. Sometimes adversely.

Listening to things said or written by people I know, or on social media, is a perfect example of this. Some political point is publicized and everything seems to flare up. It is as if one person starts to spin in a certain direction and someone else does the same thing miles away. The connection in the mind and emotions is affected and often reason seems to be cast off. People become so emotionally joined, they are unaware that they react just like those sub atomic particles in quantum theory. They are forever entangled and seem quite incapable of extricating themselves.  If they could look at their reactions, from the vantage point of an objective viewer, they would run the gamut of feelings of amused, to horrified, to disbelief. How does this have such a profound effect on your reactions? The Word says we are not to be deceived. No matter what political leanings you may have, they are not to have this effect on you. Every word out of our mouth is recorded. The things we say that cause others to turn from the Way is on us. We will answer to them. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no unwholesome word proceed forth from your mouth, but only such words that are good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it may bring grace to those that hear.” The next couple of verses tell us to do away with all bitterness, anger, wrath and evil speaking. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as Christ forgave you. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

We cannot expect to be an example of Christ if we continue to act this way. If others do this, you should not react as those entanglement theory particles do if you are following Christ. It you are affected this way, we are told in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “To examine ourselves as to whether we are in the faith. Test yourselves.” If you’ve accepted Christ, He is in you. You cannot have room for Him and these awful thoughts and actions at the same time. We all come to a place that outside things have too great a hold on us and we need a good internal house cleaning. Do it when you are in a place of recognizing this is what you need. Self- cleansing is easier than having it done to you.

Regardless of how you feel that adverse spin is affecting you, do not let it cause you to react in an manner unworthy of a believer. Hold fast to that which is good. Avoid the useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds. Follow that which is true and good. Pray as David did and ask Him to cause you to know the way in which you should walk and to let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable in His sight.

I’ll write on the spiritual implications of entanglement theory at another time. Blessings.