8-9- 2025     What is Revival?

    

What is a revival?  What does it really mean?

Webster’s defines “revive” as return to consciousness or life, become active or flourishing again, reanimate, restore (from an unused state), to renew. 

Of course, revival is the state of being the condition of the aforementioned.

Note that in the bible, the word “revival” is not used.

The Hebrew used for “revive” is chayah (2421) which is translated be alive, quicken, recover, or be whole and is used in both present and past tense. 

A single Greek word is anazao (326) meaning live again or revive and is used only twice in the New Testament, both used a past tense situation.  Once where sin is revived (Rom. 7:9) and again speaking of Jesus’ resurrection (Rom. 14:9).

Childhood revival in Baptist Church

As a young child, I remember going to a church located about two blocks away.  From the top of my street, one direction from my house was two blocks to the main road between Washington DC and Annapolis, Md.  The other direction, two blocks again, the road ‘Y’d’ and there sat the church, in a house.  I think that it was a Lutheran church, I don’t remember anything else about that church so I don’t think I went there for long.

I do remember the Southern Baptist Church which my neighbor across the street attended.  Their son was my age so we went through school and Sunday School together.  In those days, Jr. High ran grades 7-9 and High School ran 10-12 and I attended this church during those years.  After graduation, I attended that church sporadically until I met my wife, about eight years later.

I remember that the Baptist Church always had an evangelist come in, I think, late spring or early summer.  Now, most of these evangelists were fresh out of bible school, practicing what they had learned in their schooling, some, perhaps, strengthening their so they might pastor their own church.  Understand, not all graduates became evangelists, but all were looking for a church to connect with. 

When my “girl-friend” and I decided to marry, the Baptist Church I had attended had recently brought in a new pastor who was till in his first year (I think).  This is the man who performed our wedding ceremony and we began attending there as she also had a Southern Baptist background.  Evangelists were still brought in annually.

Back then, the evangelist was supposed to give the church a “shot in the arm”, to revive them, to bring a little life back into their being.  As I remember, when an evangelist came, He revved up everybody trying to ignite new ‘fire’ for Jesus.  That was his job and it always seemed to work – for a while.  But after the evangelist was gone, most people settled back into their ‘groove’, their ‘comfort zone’.  The pastor was always encouraging us to abide in god’s love and to be friendly with our brothers and sisters and visitors, but the Holy Ghost was not evident in our church.  Yes, most folks did their best to live a Godly life (as they saw it), most sang along with the songs from the hymnal.  That was good yet the pastor had to encourage the few ‘Amens’ which were heard during his sermon.

Over the years, Father has taken me through some ‘main-stream’ churches as well as many  ‘full-gospel’ and Pentecostal churches having me take note of the flow of the service which varied greatly. 

The bible tells us that no one speaking in the Holy Ghost can call Jesus accursed nor can anyone call Jesus Lord without the Holy Ghost.  In other words, we cannot confess Jesus as Savior unless the Holy Ghost is in us (1 Corinth. 12:3).  Paul also tells us not to ‘quench the Spirit’ (1Thess. 5:19).  Here, the Greek word for quench is abennumi (G4570) which means to quench, put out or extinguish.  In short, it’s not just the simple fact that the Holy Ghost is in us, but we must make the decision to allow God’s love ot operate through us as well.

When the apostles and disciples were baptized with the Holy Ghost in the upper room, what  happened.  What sounded like a rushing wind was heard, what appeared to like flames of fire rested on (and in) each of the 120 who were present and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. They began to speak with other tongues.  Tongues is the Greek word glossa (G1100) which basically means acquiring a language one did not learn naturally.  They also spilled out into the streets and the crowd observing them said they acted like ‘men on new (drunk).  AND no matter what language men spoke, they all understand what these Hebrew men were saying!  Peter reminded them that these 120 were fulfilling the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:228-29, Acts 2:`1-16,).

In Ezekiel 37:1- 14, Ezekiel speaks about the dry bones of Israel.  Children who had become complacent in knowing “The Law”, they had forgotten who God truly is.  Their ‘religion’ had become nothing more than dried out actions which desperately need a ‘shot in the arm, kick in the butt or whatever.  Father showed Ezekiel how to bring this pile of dried bones back to life.  A process, yes, but even after these bodies were reformed, even though they stood up and could communicate, they complained.  Though hey move around, they were no yet truly alive.  Father says that He’ll give us what was still lacking – His Spirit (the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost comes from God (John 14:26). 

Many churches send evangelists out into the world to ‘save’ souls.  To receive Jesus into their hearts.  All well and good, but how many of those souls still have something lacking?  Though Philip’s preaching brought many souls into the kingdom of God, Peter and John went to Samaria so these same folks might receive he Holy Ghosts (Acts 8:1-17).  Also, consider the twelve men Paul encountered on the road to Ephesus, who had received John’s baptism.  “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?”, Paul asked. To paraphrase a bit, the response was “Er, what’s a Holy Ghost?” (Acts 19:1-7).  Also consider Cornelius and those in his household (Acts 10:1-48).  Here, the first 29 verses recount Cornelius’, then Peter’s account of this story on how they came together, then vs 30-48 tells us what happened.  We see situations where people received Jesus and were baptized in the Holy Ghost then they were baptized in water, Note that in either case, Jesus was received first! 

As I said in the beginning, revival does just that, revives, renews or brings back to consciousness.  Anything alive does not need reviving, only something that has died or is close to dying.  Webster’s says that evangelism, basically, is bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know Him.  Interesting that the bible only mentions the word ‘evangellist(s) three times.  The Greek word is euaggelistes (G2099) which means evangelist or preacher of the gospel.  Here is another word to consider – ‘watchman’.  Watchman is only used in the Old Testament.  Three words are translated as ‘watchman’ -  Natsar H5341) which imeans to guard, observe or preserve, tsapah (H6822) which is to observe or behold and shamar (H8104) which is take heed, be aware, observe, watch or the like.  So, the evangelist is intended to draw souls into the kingdom of God.  Ezekiel tells us that the people need to set a ‘watchman’ so that if an enemy approaches, the people can be warned so they can take measures to protect themselves.  They are safe.  But if the watchman doesn’t do his job, the enemy can come and the people are harmed, the watchman carries he blame.  But when he watchman does his job but the people don’t listen and the people are overrun, the people are to blame  But when the watchman doesn’t do his job, the burden is on him for not warning the people (Ezek. 33:1-7).  Looking at the two definitions, we may draw the conclusion the though the evangelist brings souls into the church while the watchman watches for problems outside the church – or maybe inside as well.

Why did Paul write the letters to the churches he established?  He heard that they had fallen off track, they were not following the original teaching Father had given them.  As an example, Paul writes Timothy to tell the people that they had gotten off ‘track’ and need to spiritually make things right again (2 Tim. 2:14-21). 

Jesus spent three years sharing the New Covenant with the Jews on how He is fulfilling the old covenant.  Note, I said fulfill, not replace.  There is a difference.  Father obligated Israel to ‘do’ the Law (10 Commandments) and in so doing, they would be expressing their love for Him (Yaweh) and be saved.  AS we read the Old Testament, we see where many Israelites actually loved God from their heart and not just in what they did (read Genesis through Malachi).  Jesus encourages us to not be like the hypocritical Jews who did things for show, but rather do it from our heart in sincerity and honesty (Matt. 6:1-6).  Jesus was not introducing a ‘new foundation’ to the Jews but clarifying the meaning of the old, that is renewing their understanding.  But with the Gentiles, He was bringing new words of life through which they could learn and grow.  Jesus performed the duties of both a watchman and an evangelist! 

Confessing Jesus as Savior and being baptized in water to wash away our sin is just the first step we must take to enjoy eternal fellowship with the Father.  And yes, Father will bless us as we abide in His will (John 15:7) in this life.

And yes, Jesus IS the Rock of our salvation, the foundation of our relationship with Father through Jesus by the power of the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8). 

There are two aspects of a covenant.  One is the one who offers it and then those who agree with it (confessing Jesus, Rom. 10:8-13).  Once we have received Jesus into our heart, now our journey truly begins.  That is, we become a ‘living’ sacrifice for, in and with Jesus.  We renew our minds daily with His Word and then doing it as a demonstration of our love for our Lord (Rom. 12:1-2).  Our faith is demonstrated through ouir works (James 15-20).  

After ‘salvation’, we find that we still may ‘commit’ sin.  So what’s going on here?  AS Paul says we all have sinned (Rom. 3:23).  Our old nature is still with us, but praise the Lord, Jesus has overcome our old nature (Rom; 7:14-25).  So I have to bring my body under subjection, that is my control (1 Corinth. 9:27) by not repaying evil with evil but build a joyful Spirit within me, pray continually, be thankful for what I do have, allowing the Holy Spirit full operation in me and through me, receive prophecy from those who follow God, treat all people as creations of God (‘saved’ or not), etc. (1 Thess. 5:14-26).  And should we sin, acknowledge, confess, repent and renounce that sin (1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19 & Prov. 28:13).  Then put the sin (as Father does) behind our back (Isa. 38:17 and cast them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), or as Father allows me to say “into the sea of forgetfulness’.  Then, let’s get back into the ‘race’, on the right track.  Confess = homologeo (G3670) which to confess or admit.  Repent = metaneo (G3440) which is to change one’s mind about something.  Renounce = azab (H5800) forsake or leave destitute.  In other words, when Father forgives us our sin, He totally forgets them, they are out of His mind.  Should we do any less?                   

Once we’ve fallen short of Father’s expectations (sinned), we’ve already mentioned take first step we must take.  There are other things we must do so that we don’t fall into our enemies snares again.  Three things pop out at us immediately (or at least they should).  1.  We have to read the bible.  The scriptures describes God’s love for us as well as giving us a multitude of examples to help us understanding and guidance so we can implement that love.  A biggie would be “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that none should perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9).  Even though someone else may share with us, the scriptures confirm the truths of God.  We also need to keep reading the scriptures and the Holy Ghost will help us to get a deeper understanding of our relationship with the Lord (Rom. 12:2, John 16:13) 

2. Prayer time with our Lord.  Taking the time to talk with Him and then listening to what he has to tell us.  The Holy Ghost will teach us to recognize Father’s voice.  Father reveals things to us through the Holy Ghost (1 Tim. 2:10-13).  Understanding scripture helps us to recognize when it is the Holt Ghost speaking to us. What we hear in our heart and what we read in the bible are in agreement.  The more contact we have with our Lord in prayer, the more He is able to grow us (Rom. 2:12). 

3   Reading the bible and praying with Father helps us to grow in our relationship with Him.  Our Father indicates this when came to visit Adam and Eve in the garden (Gen. 3:8).  This example is given so that we may conclude that this was a normal ‘thing’ for God to do – walk in the garden and talk with Adam and Eve.  Other examples Father shares with us that He talked with His prophets, apostles and disciples.  God had a relationship with them and now He desires one with us.  Consider that Jesus encountered Saul (Paul) on the rod to Damascus (Acts 9:1-7).  As we open ourselves up to the Lord, He will open Himself up to us.  The Holy Ghost is in us.  Therefore we have the mind of Jesus Christ and Father will reveal the depth of His love to us (1 Corinth. 2:11-16).        

Paul tells us to run the race as though we expect to win (1 Corinth. 9:24-25a).  Don’t be fooled for many have already crossed the finish line before us, but everyone who crosses that line is a winner – through Jesus Christ, our Lord! It’s not just ‘that we cross the finish line’ but ‘how’ we finish - in love and joy.

As we live for, in and with Jesus, Father has placed a ‘calling’ upon each and every one of us.  Not everyone will become a great preacher or a magnificent singer or even an awesome athlete.  If so, where are the teachers, those who can ‘run’ a successful business, the librarians, clerks or maintenance staff.  Take a look at the production of a musical concert or a movie.  There a lot of people working together to make these things happen – writers, musicians, directors, cameramen, stage crew, etc.  All we have to do is ask and Father will show us to that which He has called us . Then, we allow Father to hone our skills so we can perform to the best of our ability to please God.  as we do our ‘jobs’, we find favor with God, we will also find favor with man (Prov. 3:1-4).

Evangelism is bringing life to those who have yet to enter into the kingdom of God.  It can also help to revive a dying church. 

Like the prodigal son, one must have had something to come back into it (Luke 15:11-24).  The watchman sounds the alarm when danger approaches, whether that danger is outside the church or comes from within.

Revival is for the church when a church slides back into complacency from being too ‘comfortable’.

Revival is pouring life back into a body (the church), no matter the level of the sign of life.    

Amen

 

7-26-2025           New Beginnings

Ecclesiastes tells us that all things have their season (Ecc.3:1).  Father has shared with me that we are in a season of Spiritual Explosion.  It is the second of three seven year periods.  The first seven year period in inclusive from January 2015 through Dec. 2021.  Father was selecting His army to ‘be ready’.   The second period is ‘concluded by the end of 2028.  This is the season we are currently in.  Father has spent seven years stirring hearts of His children and encouraging them into their ‘calling’.  Since Jan. 2022 He has been ‘arming’ His troops and has started sending those who were ready out for battle.  This is a calling in and sending out period. Have we been aware of what Father has been doing these past 3 ½ years? 

Look at the 2023 ‘revival’ at Asbury University in Wilmore Kentucky which caused quite a stir in Christian circles.  Some of the activity since then have included:

·         Campus Revivals:

The Asbury revival inspired similar events at Lee University, Cedarville University, Auburn University, and other institutions. 

·         HBCU Movement:

God was also reported to be moving powerfully among historically Black colleges and universities. 

·         Baptisms:

Some churches saw spontaneous baptisms, and one church in California organized a large-scale baptism event with over 4,000 participants, according to the Washington Times. 

·         Factors Contributing to the Revivals:

Experts suggest that the revivals may be fueled by a desire for deeper connection with God and others, potentially in response to social and political fragmentation, the pandemic, and feelings of isolation. 

·         Gen Z's Role:

Many of the participants in these revivals are members of Generation Z, who are seen as seeking authenticity and genuine connection. 

·         Impact:

These revivals have led to increased worship, confession, and dedication to faith, with some describing transformed lives and a renewed sense of purpose.  (google.com)

 

As the next three years grow, don’t be surprised to hear more about Spiritual growth – or maybe experience it yourself!

 

Have you heard the expression “Christians just ain’t actin’ like Christians no mo’”?  Those who have and/or are accepting Jesus onto their lives and hearts are discovering that there’s more than ‘just’ going to church, giving tithes, singing some songs and hearing a ‘great’ sermon’.  Look at the short list above. There’s more than ‘to just existing’ in a Christian environment.  People are wanting more! 

 

Father has always desired a relationship with man.  He created Adam.  Father visited with Adam and spoke with him (Gen. 3:8-9).  Yet, God is Spirit (John 4:23-24) communing with Adam, a physical body, man.  God also knows that man, being in a physical body, needs physical companionship as well (Gen. 2:18-24, Acts 2:41-42).  He created Eve for that physical, relational companionship.  But as man’s family expanded, Father also knew we needed to gather together in community as well.  There is greater strength in numbers (Ecc. 4:9-12).  We enjoy a relationship with our heavenly Father, but we also enjoy a relationship with others who are like ourselves (other people).  We are ‘communal’ creatures.  Father made us that way.  Jesus tells us that where two or three re gathered, He is in our midst (Matt. 18:20).  And even after Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Ghost came upon those gathered together in the upper room (120 of them - Acts 2:1-4).  In spite of disagreements, man has had little trouble ‘communing’ with other ‘people’, even though there always seemed to be something ‘lacking’. 

 

After the ‘fall’ and man was kicked out of the Garden of Eden, the family of man grew, yet communion’ with Father started slipping away – farther and farther.  Even to the point where the question rises up “What has happened to communion with Father?”   Man’s own wickedness (Gen. 6:5-8) and his refusal to abide according to God’s love (John 3:17-19) separates man from God.

 

This is what some people are ‘rediscovering’ today!  This movement in this season is not just about ‘getting saved’, that is coming into the kingdom of God, but reconnecting with our heavenly Father.  I mean ‘connecting’, not just having a casual acquaintance.  It is a time where our relationship with Father will be restored.  Many will discover that Father has always wanted that personal relationship with Him.  He will welcome us, not just back into His kingdom, but into His family!  The ‘prodigal son’ was in the family, decided to embark out on his own, but then coming to his senses, he came back into the family (Luke 15:11-21).

Yes, Father loves us.  Yes, Father will bless us.  Yes, Father will meet our every need and many of our hopes and desires (Matt. 6:8, Psalm 37:4).  But Father does ask us to do one thing – Love Him with all our heart, mind, spirit and strength (Mark 12:28-31).  That is with everything that we are and with all that who we are!  Yes, Father wants to be ‘Numero Uno’, But that doesn’t mean we can’t have relationships beyond Him (people around us).  It does mean that we include Him in our relationships as well as in all that we do.  We ask His advice – and follow it (John 14:13-15).  We recognize that no matter how much effort we’ve put into something, it is Father who has opened the door for us to walk through (Rev. 3:8).  Thank you Father!

This all comes back to relationship.  We have to discover who He (God) is.  We do that, not just by reading the bible, but asking Father to explain things to us as we read it.  Should we still not quite understand a passage – ask Father for clarity. He will show us by confirming it with other scriptures in the bible or by our asking our pastor or others who have been walking with the Lord longer than we, or even through public Christian resources, etc.  Remember that Father created all things by speaking (His Word) it into existence.  Paul tell us we have the mind of Christ Jesus (1 Corinth. 2:16) and the Spirit (Holy Ghost) intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26-28), so why don’t we access our resources?

Remember, as Christians, we should have the Holy Ghost living within us and He is not an ‘it’.  The Holy Ghost is the literal breath of God living in us.  The breath of God (Hebrew ruwach – spirit or breath) passed over the face of the waters (Gen, 1:2).  When He was baptized in water, by John, the breath (Greek Pneuma breath or spirit) of God came upon Jesus like a dove (Matt. 3:16).  Jesus breathed upon His disciples and said ”Receive he Holy Ghost” (John 20:22), Thus telling us that we needed to receive the Holy Ghost.  Jesus emphasizes this just before His ascension, “You shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you …” (Acts 1:8)   Jesus briefly explained ‘why’ we need the Holy Ghost (John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8).  Of course, the apostles and disciples received the Holy Ghost as they were gathered in the upper room in one accord and praying.  Notice the unity and the activity for that’s when there was like a rushing of wind and what seemed like tongues of fire coming upon each of disciples (Acts 2:1-21) and they praised God and spoke in other tongues.  Tongues! A sticking point for many Christians today, even with the “Full Gospel and Pentecostal’ movements.  Tongues is the Greek word glossa, a language, not naturally acquired, God’s gift to believers for a direct communication with Him.  On August 30, 1963, John F. Kennedy becomes the first U.S. president to have a direct phone line to the Kremlin in Moscow. The “hotline” was designed to facilitate communication between the president and Soviet premier.  The establishment of the hotline to the Kremlin came in the wake of the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, in which the U.S. and U.S.S.R had come dangerously close to all-out nuclear war.  In days of old, the people had to have the high priest speak to God for them (Heb. 9:7-28). Instead of having to wait to see a priest, pastor or other intercessor, we might consider this in likeness to our ‘hotline’ with Father, direct line of communication, through the Holt Ghosy  – in Jesus name of course (Col. 3-17).

 We know that Jesus is the WORD of GOD and that  Word was with God from the beginning (John1:1-4).  God created all things by ‘speaking them into existence (Gen. 1:1-31 – vs 3,6,9,14,20, 24,26 & 29 ‘God ‘said’).  Who carried God’s Word into action?  God breathed life into Adam (Gen. 2:7), as well as all creation and God’s breath is whom?  The Holy Ghost!

Jesus expects us to receive the Holy Ghost because we will need Him to be active in our lives if we desire to be fully effective for God, through our lives.

This is what this season is all about, so we can walk in the same power through which Jesus operated, here on earth, so we can do what He has called us to do (John 14:12-14),  that is do the same things He did, and more!  What did Jesus do?  Preached God’s kingdom, caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, to mute to speak, the lame to walk, raised the dead as well as cast out devils (read the gospels)!  Oh, and through our faith, He insures us our eternal existence (Rom. 8:16, Eph. 1:1-14) with the Father so we can help others find and do the same.

Watch it.  As this season progresses, we shall see more and more of God’s true love rising up among His brothers and sisters. That means all of us who abide in God’s love and will (Matt. 12:46-50).  Not only will souls be coming into the kingdom, but they will also come to understand that we are to live our lives for, in and through our Lord Jesus Christ – and we can do so through the Holy Ghost operating in us!

The Holy Ghost helps us to live for Jesus so our lives can continue to grow and be fruitful (John 15:8). 

So our ‘New Beginning’ starts with accepting Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.  Another new beginning is allowing the Holy Ghost to enter our hearts and operate in us and through us. And every time Father increases our knowledge is an opportunity for more ‘New Beginnings’.

Looking for a ‘new beginning’?  Looking for a ‘true’ breakthru?  Welcome Holy Spirit!

Amen

 

 7-12-2025 Resting in the Lord

            

As I was reading Psalm 15 when my phone started buzzing all over the place. I noticed that twice a ‘suspected spam’ was calling in (big deal), but I noticed that there was something else.  But I looked up a word from the passage I was reading, then I checked the other notification.   Pastor Loretta’s ‘Monday Devotional’.  In a nutshell the devotional passage was about how Abigail, the wife of Nabal, encouraged David not avenge himself concerning her husband’s offense.  Instead, she advised David to keep his eye on what was truly important and not taint himself with trivial things (1 Sam. 25:1-37). 

Hmmm.  This past Sunday our pastor brought us a July theme of “Rest, Reset and Recalibrate’.  In other words, ‘learn how to rest in the Lord, shed the meaningless things with which we have been holding us back, then refocus on and restructure that which  is really important.

Understand that ‘rest’ is the beginning of focus and restructure.  If one cannot find peace and rest, how can he change his focus to anything constructive, or much less restructure his actions? 

Personal observations:  when I get tired, I have a hard time keeping things together in my mind.  That is, things that I should know as well as my own name takes a vacation.  Lately, Father has been helping me set up what I need to get done or even just what I would like to get done for the day.  In the morning, I set up my priority list for the day and that helps a lot.  It makes sure things of greater impact get done.  I check my list at the end of the day, I see that if I actually covered, my needs or my WANTS.  Sometimes, I have barely met my needs, much less anything else.  The key is that I don’t get frustrated when I don’t get everything done.  My list is mental so I don’t write everything down (I know, I know) and that helps me not to get angry with myself (believe it or not).  I mean, if we get frustrated with ourselves, how can we rest? I know that I feel peace and relaxed when I have met my goals.

But, in the past few year, Father has shown me three things which bring me peace and rest.  I have five songs I sing along with and a sixth I just listen to as my body settles down.  I said sing along with.  That means I get active, I don’t just sit there.  My actions (movements) express what the song is singing about.  As a suggestion, on Mon., Wed. & Fri. I sing along with “You know My name” (Tasha Cobbs Leonard), “Chain Breaker” (Zach Williams), “Break Every Chain” (Tasha Cobbs Leonard), “Holy Water” (We the Kingdom with Tasha) and “I Speak Jesus” (Charity Gayle).  Then I sit down and listen to “Amazing Grace”, sung in Cherokee.  Oft times, before Amazing Graced ends, I find myself becoming very relaxed, almost to point of dozing off.   

On Tues. Thur. & Sat., I sing some songs which Father has given me over the years.  Subject but no titles.  A few of these songs, the pastor let me bring to our fellowship, but none are published.  #1 I asked Father to give me something to reflect how I feel when I am with Him; #2 again, something about how I feel when I am with Him (Father asked me); 3^rd a song which reflects my experiences going through many different Pentecostal churches’ and how the Holy Ghost reflects Himself in and/or through us;  #4 a song Father gave me about Jesus’ return, a hand-clapper which I thought would be good for children, but which the Pastor has asked me to bring few times over the years;  #5 another song reflecting how I feel when I’m with the Lord based on a James Brown hit – yes it is up tempo; and, time permitting, #6 a song about how I feel about representing Jesus in today’s world.  The flow each of these song is inspired upon songs I knew growing up, except #1 & #4.  Father asked me “What if those earlier musicians sang their song for Him instead of the world?  Father changed the lyrics to satisfy Him.  With some of these songs, I use a tambourine as accompaniment.

No matter which set of songs I’m singing, I get the same Holy Ghost feeling.  That is, my knees get a little weak and I get shivers all over (as expressed in #2).  I also find this happening when I prepare a bible study or a blog entry.  I usually don’t feel anything until I go to stand up.  getting up out of the chai may take several attempts.  Elvis had one shaky leg, I have two! 

I love it!  I feel relaxed, at peace and rested.  In those times I could care less about what’s going on around me.  As James Brown said on one of His songs “I feel good!”, nananana.

In the past year or two, I found myself getting this feeling when I bring a bible study, or listen to a goo study, or the pastor bringing the word or even just listening to or singing along with our praise and worship songs at our fellowship.

Is there any argument that Psalm 23 is the greatest passage for rest?  Let’s examine it.

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The Lord is my Shepherd, Shepherd is the Hebrew word raah (H7462), meaning friend, companion or pastor.  Want is chacer (H2637) need, decrease, make lower.  The Lord is my companion who will meet my needs (Phil. 4:19).

We need to understand that the Lord guides us in what we do.  Of course it helps when we ask him for guidance (John 14:14).  In our obedience to His love and commandments, He does meet our needs and as we growl in Him, even our desires as they line up with His will (John 15:5-11).  In short, we can’t just ask for a million dollars simply because we want it, but likewise, we will never be lacking in what we truly need.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

Makes shavah (H7737) bring forth, compare, equal; pastures naah (H4999) home, pasture, pleasant place; leads nahal (H5095) conduct, sustain, provide, guide; waters mayim (H4325) water, flood, spring.

He will put us in positions to rest as we listen to and do what He says.  We can be at peace with all that which around us.  When I sing songs to the Lord and even when I am reading His word or just watching or listening to something edifying, the woes of this world are a ‘million miles’ away. TYJ (Thank You Jesus)!

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Restores shuwb (H7725) turn back, build, convert, recompense; paths magal, magalah (H4570) path {the road we walk}: righteousness tsedaqah (H6666) justice, virtue: sake maan (H4616) purpose, intent.

When I’m with the Lord, my soul regenerates energy and I find myself more willing to follow His leading because the cares of this world are off at a distance.  He does this, simply because He is who He is – love (1 John 4:8).

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

Walk yalak (H3212) make one’s way, go:  through al (H5921) against; Valley goy oar gay (H1516)  valley; + tsalmaveth  (H6757) shadow of death;  Rod shebet (H7626) stick for punishing, writing, fighting or walking;  staff mishenah (H4938) walking stick, support; comfort nacham (H5162) comfort (self, pity; fear yare (H3372) dread;  evil  ra (H7451) evil, bad, calamity, sorrow, trouble.

Even though I have to go through some things, He nudges me in the direction I need to take.  No matter how ‘simple’ or ‘involved’ situations may seem.  He is my support!  When I remember that He is with me, I don’t have to be afraid of any situations that comes upon me

 
⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Prepare arel (H6188) strip clean, bare;  table shulchan  (H7979) spread out as a table; presence neged (H5048) opposite, over, before, against, presence; enemies tsarar (H6887) bind up, distress; anoint dashen (H1878) remove ashes, cleanse;  head rosh (H7218) on forefront of head, high point;  oil shemen (H8081) grease, liquid; cup kowc (H3563) container; runs revayah (H7310) satisfaction, runs over.

When necessary, Father makes me look pretty good when I am in the presence of those who would de me harm.  So much so, I know that they can do nothing against me unless I let them.  My Lord is at my side!  He blesses me, protects me so much that I can’t contain the good He does for me (Phil. 4:19, Mal. 3:10).

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Goodness towb (H2896) good, bountiful, glad; mercy checed (H2617) kindness, love, mercy, pity (Godly); follow radaph (H7291) follow or run after’ days yowm (H3117) sunrise to sunset; life chay (H2416) living creature;  dwell yashab (H3427)  to dwell, stay; house havith (H1004) dwelling place, home; forever orek (H753) length, forever/ yown (H3117) orek + yown together carry connotation of length of  time which have no end.

When I walk with my Lord, Father’s goodness and mercies are all around me.  AND I know that as I live in obedience to the Lord’s love and will, I will abide in His house in this world land the one to come!

Living in Father’s love and walking in His Word brings safety, safety brings peace and it all enables me to rest in the Lord.

Praise the Lord who lives and reigns forever

 

 6-28-2025 Dangers of the Worldly Understanding

                                    

Reading through the 1Peter and 2 Peter , this time, I find it more interesting than ever before. It reminds me of Joe Friday of the 1950’s crime drama ‘Dragnet’ – “the facts ma’am, just the facts’.  Peter spells things out pretty clearly, I think.

As we read through (even) the bible, I think people get wrapped up in the story lines and the colorful details but miss the message.  I know that I’ve been guilty of that in past years.  I have also learned that researching the Hebrew and Greek words used in a chapter or verse, I‘ve discovered that I get a better context of the words being used.  Context can make a huge difference in how we ‘see’ a passage which we read.  How we read some words today may not be the same way those words were used centuries go.

I don’t know about you, but I always ask the Father, through the Holy Ghost, to guide my understanding and show me what I need to know in the passage I’m reading. 

Today, I’m presenting a paraphrased version (of KJV) of 2Peter chapter two.  Please feel free to compare with other versions of the bible  KJV NKJV, Living Bible, Message, New American or any other version you like or to which you have access.

2 Peter Chapter 2

1          In the days of old, false prophets rose up among the people and some will also arise up in your midst.  They will bring up lies even denying the Lord who bought them (as well as us), condemning themselves to destruction.  

2          And even though these men speak evil of the truth, many will follow them and their evil ways.

3          Filling their own lustful desires.  Misusing words, they will take advantage of you and though it seems as though nothing happens to them, their damnation awaits them.

** In case you missed it, false prophets will come into our fellowships or even rise up from within.  The apostle John tells us that a ‘spirit’ that tells us Jesus is not come in the flesh is not of God but the spirit that does confess that Jesus is come in the flesh is of God (1 John 4:1-3).

4          God didn’t spare the angels that sinned but cast them down to eternal torment and delivered them to the chains of darkness until their judgement and that eternal judgement is the ‘lake of fire’ (Rev. 20:14).

5          God did not spare the world when He brought the flood upon the ungodly but did spare the righteous Noah and his family (Gen. 7:1-24).

6          He turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes as an example of those who live ungodly.

7          Yet He delivered Lot who was surrounded by the ungodly (Gen:19:1-16).

8          For Lot, a righteous man, was troubled daily by their unlawful deeds (The Law – 10 Commandments).

9          The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of their temptations and reserve the unjust until the’ day of judgment’.

** Father gives us a contrast between the ‘good’ Abraham and Lot versus the two evil cities.

10        That is those who walk after flesh, the lust of uncleanness and despise government.  Those who are presumptuous (to benefit themselves), are self-willed and not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries (those in authority).

11        whereas the angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring false accusations against them (even against the devil, Jude 9).

12        But sinners, as natural brute beasts bound for slaughter, speak evil of the things which they don’t understand, shall utterly perish in their own corruption.

13        They shall receive their reward of unrighteousness as they take pleasure in causing trouble in the day.  They are spots and blemishes strengthening themselves through their own deceptions while they try to drag you down.

14        Their eyes are full of adultery and they cannot stop from sinning.  They deceive unstable souls (not solidly grounded in God’s Word) and have committed covetous practices  (desiring things which others possess), they are cursed children.

**  These are those who will not be with the Lord in eternity and if we aren’t on solid ground in our relationship with Jesus, we could be among those who fall away.  Jesus tells us that, in the last days, there will be a falling away in the church (2 Thess. 2:1-4).  That means even those who have been a part of a church.  Our relationship with a church does not guarantee our salvation, but our relationship with Jesus does!  This doesn’t mean can skip church to avoid the ungodly, for we don’t forsake the fellowshipping together with other believers (Heb. 10:24-25).  There is strength in numbers. Jesus is in our midst even where only two or three are gathered in His name (Matt. 18:20).

15        They have forsaken the ways of righteousness and gone astray, following the ways of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness (Num. 5-34).

16        God rebuked Balaam for his sin by speaking to him through the donkey, upon which he had been riding, which forbade him to continue his madness.

**  Read the account of Balaam and the donkey to get the full impact of what happened (Num. 22:-35).

17        These men are like wells without water and are like clouds carried about by the storm, for whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.

18        They speak great swelling words of vanity, they draw people in with lusts of the flesh, wantonness, drawing those who are clean into a life in error.

 

19        These men promise liberty but are bound by and serve their own corruption.   A man becomes a servant to that which has overcome him (Matt. 6:24).

 

20        For after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and being entangled and overcome by the world again, the latter end is worse than its beginning.

 

21        it would have been better had he never known the way of righteousness then to turn away from the holy commandment given to him.

 

22        But as the proverb says “The dog returns to his own vomit” (Prov. 26:11) or “Or after being washed, the pig returns to wallowing in the mud (traditional truth).

 

**  Note the end of those who strayed from the Lord.  To know Jesus, then turn away they become no different than not knowing Jesus at all.  Peter even suggests that the end of those who strayed might even be worse that those who never knew Jesus.

 

We’ve mentioned a lot of negative things here and mentioned briefly the alternative to sin.

But we need to know how our adversary works through people so we can be on guard.

Praying and reading scripture daily fills our hearts and minds with God’s ways.    It is great to hear the lesson the Sunday School teacher brings.  We love it when the pastor brings an awesome message (AMEN!).  Yet we need daily to put God’s Word into our own heart (Rom. 12:2). That is, read the scriptures for ourselves and let the Holy Ghosts open our heart and mind for understanding.  If all we receive is what we hear from others, we come into danger of being oblivious to the flip side of the coin (evil).  In other words, we ignore evil but try to gather as many blessings as we can.  Paul tells us that the job of the church is to edify (1 Corinth. 14:12, Rom. 14:19) so we need to encourage and build up those around us.  However, we can become so wrapped in God’ blessings, we forget about our obligation (to the Lord).  Choose to serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15).  To truly know Him is to love Him, loving Him is getting to know all about Him.  The choice is ours.

Should we become ‘comfortable’ in the Lord, we may become slack in continuing to strengthen our own hearts and minds, thus letting our guard down, thus letting our enemy sneak in and we find ourselves guilty of what Peter talks about here.  Should we fall away completely and not repent, we find ourselves in the situation Peter describes in verse 20.

HOWEVER, when we discover that we have strayed, we need to repent of what we have thought, said or done - and mean it!  God loves us so much He will forgive us our confessed sin.  If you will, He puts the sin behind His back (Isa. 38:17) and it slide off into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:19). 

Understand that when a man is tempted with sin, he is drawn away (from the Lord) by his own lust and as soon as he has agreed with that temptation, sin is conceived, he is guilty (James 1:13-15).  A negative thought in and of itself is not the sin, but when we consider taking action on that thought, we have sinned even though we may not have physically performed it.  The fact that we desired to do it is the sin.  Then, un-repented sin eventually will lead to destruction (a total falling away from the Lord), which then puts us into the same category as a sinner (James 1:13-15).

When we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us that sin (John 1:9) and should a righteous fall seven times, he is preserved (Prov. 24:16).  That is, he confesses that sin and gets back on track living for, in and through Jesus!  We do have a responsibility in our relationship with Jesus.  If we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15).  His commandment is to ‘love’ (Mark 12:28-31).  To love is to put God foremost in our lives and make sure that He is not just an afterthought or a last resort.   As we allow Him, He guides our decision making. 

We remember that ALL those around us are people, just like us with feelings (joy and sorrow), hopes or disappointments, no matter how they may present themselves.  We treat everybody with dignity and respect (love our neighbor as ourselves- Matt. 22:39).  No, we don’t put ourselves in danger, but we don’t turn away anyone who is truly seeking the Lord.  If we aren’t sure of the other person’s intent, ask the Lord.  He will let us know. 

No human being is perfect so when we do sin, we need to remember to remover ourselves before the Lord, as forgiveness, then allow the Holy Spirit to give us he strength to get back up  on our feet, back on track in pressing forward.

The world cannot receive the things of God for the things of God are Spiritually discerned (1 Corinth. 2:14), but the Holy Spirit knows the mind of Christ and reveals to us, what we need to know (1 Corinth. 2:10). Remember, because of our commitment to the Lord, the Holt Ghost is in us (John 14:15-17, Acts 1:5-8).

In Jesus’ name

Amen