Dabbling in the occult, not recommended! 510-1 - 8 - 8

Is there danger in dabbling in the occult? In my opinion, yes, even seemingly innocent games such asking questions of a Ouija board opens us up to demonic entities from other dimensions.

King Saul dabbled in the occult with damning results. I believe it was Samuel conjured by the witch of Endor. The witch saw Samuel, however, King Saul only heard him. 1 Samuel 28:19, “Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

Rather than disregarding the witch as a fraud, the spirit called up is referred to as Samuel in the Bible. Further, the fear on the part of the witch lends credence to the spirit being Samuel. 1 Samuel 28:13-14, “13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. 14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.”

As for me, I never had confidence in a Ouija board as I found that it couldn’t spell any better than I could. Nevertheless, decades ago, a group of New Age friends and I tried table tipping in a rather childish attempt to contact the dead. As we sat around the table with our eyes closed and fingers touching the table it started rocking and rolling. I opened my eyes and observed that our hostess was moving the table as I could see her hands move with it. The hostess was a very good friend but seemed to be hyper-sensitive to suggestion.

I didn’t realize back then that we were opening ourselves to the dark forces. We were very lucky as nothing negative seemed to come from our experimenting with table tipping. I shudder when I look back on those get-togethers thinking about how we were unknowingly inviting evil to join us.

As for dabbling in the occult, not for me and not advisable as it can be an opening to demonic entities.

Should moral laws should supersede the written, regulatory laws of men? 510-1 - 8 - 1

Should moral laws should supersede the written, regulatory laws of men? Two primary issues immediately come to mind. Same sex marriage and abortion.

Genesis 2:24, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” As the rather worn saying go, “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.”

Supreme Court Declares Same-Sex Marriage Legal In All 50 States June 26, 2015

“States cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions, the Supreme Court says in a ruling that for months has been the focus of speculation. The decision was 5-4.”

[http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-must-allow-same-sex-marriages]

Then President Obama had the White House lite with the rainbow colors misappropriated from God’s rainbow. Genesis 9:13-15, “13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. 14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

Exodus 20:13, “Thou shalt not kill.” Nearing 60 million babies killed through abortion.

“In a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rules in Roe v. Wade that women, as part of their constitutional right to privacy, can terminate a pregnancy during its first two trimesters. Only during the last trimester, when the fetus can survive outside the womb, would states be permitted to regulate abortion of a healthy pregnancy.”

[http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/supreme-court-legalizes-abortion]

Recently videos surfaced of Planned Parenthood employees selling aborted baby parts.

Baby Parts for Sale

Controversial videos show discussions with Planned Parenthood over fetal tissue sales

Even the left leaning Snopes rated the videos a Mixture, “I’ve been seeing videos today supposedly showing a top doctor for Planned Parenthood bragging about selling baby parts from aborted fetuses. This seems incredibly unlikely but I can’t find any info denying it.”
[http://www.snopes.com/pp-baby-parts-sale/]

Rather difficult to deny videos. However, anything seems to be possible in our fallen world.
Planned Parenthood videos: Anti-abortion activists charged with 15 felonies for secret tapes March 29, 2017

[Planned Parenthood videos: Anti-abortion activists charged with 15 felonies for secret tapes]

Former President Obama tried to further erode morals in this country by the creation of transgender bathrooms.

BATHROOM BILL" LEGISLATIVE TRACKING 2017 State Legislation 4-12-2017

[http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/-bathroom-bill-legislative-tracking635951130.aspx]

This insane denial of how God created men and women is a direct insult to our creator God. How long God…

As for the question should moral laws should supersede the written, regulatory laws of men I side with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Lessons learned from the feeding of the 5,000 531-1 - 7 - 6

The feeding of the 5000 men and their families wasn’t the only time God miraculously feed numerous people.

Exodus 16:15, “And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.”

Elijah journeyed to Zarephath and met a Gentile widow whom he asked to feed him. The woman had only enough meal for her son and herself. Nevertheless, Elijah ordered her to make a small cake for him first, in effect, giving God and man of God, Elijah the first place. She obeyed and her bin of flour and jar of oil never were empty.

In the times of the Kings, Elisha fed one hundred men with twenty small, round, flat loaves of barley bread and some fresh ears of grain. [2 Kings 4:42-44]

The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle of Jesus which is recorded in all four Gospels. Luke 9:16-17, “16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.”

There also was the feeding of the 4000. Matthew 15:36-37, “36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.”

What did I learn from the feeding of the 5000? Full disclosure, I’m something of a prepper. I have about a six-month supply of long term storage food. Not nearly as satisfying as a freshly grilled steak but will provide nourishment.

That said, the greatest preparation is trusting in the will of God. Jesus is the bread of life, far greater that satisfying the flesh. Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

King Saul’s conduct is an illustration of the conflict between the flesh and the spirit 510-1 - 7 - 2

In the flesh, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Per CM, King Saul had everything in his favor:
1) a strong body; 
2) a humble mind; 
3) a new heart;
4) spiritual power; 
5) loyal friends; 
6) the guidance and prayers of Samuel.

Lessons learned from King Saul include that there is a price to pay transgressions. As often happens as one gains great power, pride/ flesh raises its ugly head. Not only did King Saul become irreverent, he became presumptuous and impatient with waiting for the dictates of God as interpreted by the prophet Samuel. He seemed to believe he was above obeying God's word. King Saul attempted to perform as both king and priest.

Saul disobeyed God so we read in 1 Samuel 19:35, “And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless, Samuel mourned for Saul: and the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel. “

Later when Saul needed the deceased Samuel’s guidance he broke another of God’s directives, Leviticus 19:32, “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.”

Rather than seeking guidance from mediums, fortune tellers and their ilk we are to search for the council of God, not the council of man. King Saul was so immersed in his flesh that he became jealous and fearful of David. King Saul was losing his grip on reality with his on again and off again pursuit of David. He was like King Saul thought if he could kill David it would free him from his demons.

When in the flesh, I tend to do it my way. This may have worked for Frank Sinatra but not for me. Pride and ego can be a detriment and pull me away from knowing my dependence is on God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It is far better er to remember and act upon the words of Micah 6:8, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

How do our “fears of men” bring snares into our lives? 510-1 - 7 - 7

“The fear of man brings a snare,” and David almost snared himself right in enemy territory!  David had to pretend to be out of his mind before he could escape.”

[The Books of 1^st and 2^nd Samuel by Chuck Missler]

1 Samuel 21:10, “And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.” 

The man who was to be the greatest king second only to Jesus debased himself through fear. First in fear of King Saul, David had sought refuge with the Philistine king Achish of Gath. The people of Gath knew of the praise David had received, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” David went from the frying pan into the fire of the camp of the enemies of Israel. In fear he played a madman.

"Oh! What A Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice To Deceive"

[Sir Walter Scott]

1 Samuel 21:13, “And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.”

 “1 Samuel 21:10-15 Then David left Israel and fled to the city of Gath, Goliath's hometown. Here he, the anointed king of Israel, sought refuge among the enemies of God's people. When the Philistines became suspicious of him, he was forced to act the madman to save his life. De Rothschild notes that David knew well "that the insane were held inviolable, as smitten but protected by the Deity." And so the psalmist of Israel stood drooling in his beard as he scribbled on the doors of the gate. Because of the callousness of God's people and David's own lapse of faith, he was reduced to this disgraceful behavior.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Playing the madman worked. King Achish let David go and he escaped to the cave of Adullam. David composed Psalm 34 there, Psalm 34:20-22, “20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. 22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”

Verse 20 is Messianic; the bones of Jesus were not broken while hanging on the cross. 

The fear of man really doesn’t cause a snare in my life. I place my life in God’s hands, nevertheless, I listen to that small still voice. I have two inexpensive homes in Arizona. I winter in a cozy RV park and summer way off the power grid in the higher elevations of northeastern Arizona. For the last few years I’ve felt a push to live year-round at my summer home and I’ve become a bit of a prepper. It’s not fear so much as an awareness of world events. Our power grid could be taken down by an EMP. As for my solar array, batteries, and electronics hard to say if they would survive. I know that I’ll be where I’m supposed to be all in God’s timing.

disciples and apostles (sent ones) 531-1 - 9 - 2

A disciple is an apprentice and a follower.  When Disciples are sent, they become an “apostle”; a “sent one” with delegated authority.

Jesus sent the disciples out to preach the Gospel, a test of their becoming apostles, sent ones. They went out on what could be called “a wing and a prayer.” Luke 9:3, “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.”

Jesus had given the apostles power and authority. Luke 9:1, “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power (G1411) and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.” 

Power, G1411, From G1410; force; specifically, miraculous power ability, abundance, worker of miracles, power, strength, violence, mighty work. G1410, be able, can do, could, may, might, be possible, be of power.

Authority, G1849, in the sense of ability; privilege, subjectively force, capacity, competency, mastery concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control, delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

“The Lord not only had power and authority to perform miracles, but He conferred this power and authority on others. Power means strength or ability. Authority means the right to use it. The message of the disciples was confirmed by signs and wonders (Hebrews 2:3-4) in the absence of the complete Bible in written form. God can heal miraculously, but whether healing should still accompany the preaching of the gospel is certainly questionable.”

 [Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Hebrews 2:4, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

The gospel was given directly by Jesus to the apostles who shared the Gospel with the early Christians.

The apostles returned with many success stories, nevertheless, at least one failure. Jesus had to heal the boy with an Unclean Spirit. The boy’s father cried out saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son for he is mine only son.” Luke 9:40, “And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.” So the apostles were still a work in progress.

Where do I fit in? I’m a disciple, an apprentice and a follower of Jesus. I’m a work in progress. 

Yes, demons exist, stay prayed up! 531-1 - 8 - 4

Demons “believe and tremble” (James 2:19):

– They recognized—and acknowledged – his deity;

– They believed in a future judgment  (Mt 8:29) and in a place of future torment (v.31) in the abousso;

 – They also believed in prayer: they beg Jesus to not send them into the abousso; but rather into the pigs. (Demons can’t enter animals without permission?)

[CM’s, The Gospel of Luke]

During a Hebrew (before Jesus) exorcism the demon had to identify himself. As a result, exorcism of a deaf person was impossible for all, that is all but Jesus. Exorcising an unnamed demon was evidence of the Messianic authority of Jesus.

During the tribulation, there will demonic locusts with a king whose named Abaddon.

Rev 9:2-3, “2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.” [KJV] 

“Revelation 9:8-10 With hair like women's, they were attractive and seductive. With lion-like teeth, they were ferocious and cruel. With armor-like iron breastplates, they were difficult to attack and destroy. With wings that made a great sound, they were terrifying and demoralizing. Tails like scorpions equipped them to torture both physically and mentally. Their power ... to hurt men five months meant unrelieved suffering.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

I’ve owned acreage in a rather remote area in northeastern Arizona for about 20 years. For the last several years, I spend my summers there. Before that I spend little time there and a good friend often stayed on the property. The few times I stayed there I slept in a trailer and was awaken by a knock on the door. At breakfast, I asked my friend why he was knocking on the trailer door in the middle of the night. Oops, not him. I left a few days later I think for Michigan so my friend moved into the trailer. Later he told me he also heard knocking.

There was not a presence of evil rather something that didn’t belong. My friend has long since moved into an apartment and the trailer stayed empty for years. I now spend six months on my property but in another newer trailer. No knocking, however, if I feel things are not quite right I say something like “I repudiate anything not of God in the name of Jesus, not of myself but through the blood of Jesus.”

Demon are real and can enter a host body. Best defense is to stay prayed up. President Trump was prayed into the office of the POTUS. The extreme reactions of Hillary’s people seem demonically inspired. There are people with wild, distorted faces making nearly inhuman sounds. I, like many other, pray for the protection of President Trump, his family and administration.

1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

In the parable of the sower, four types of soil are mentioned. 531-1 - 8 - 1

The seed is the Word of God.

Luke 8:5, “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.”

The wayside hearers heard the Word but in a shallow and superficial way. Thus, the Word likely will be a surface phenomenon only and not penetrate their heart. This can be head knowledge that cannot withstand the devil and his birds of the air will snatch it away. King Saul is an example of a failure of faith.

A native American that I know goes to church and enjoys the fellowship and potlucks. While a professing Christian her Facebook posts are about Native American spirituality perhaps dangerously close to Romans 1:25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

Luke 8:6, “And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.” Hardness of heart brought ruin to the Pharaoh of Exodus.   

I have a good friend who I have gently witnessed to for three years. She has ears to hear but doesn’t hear or hearing doesn’t believe. She like others “rock-hearers” often remained unrepentant in the belief they have nothing to repent. The rock-hearers provide no encouragement/ moisture to the seed; it just withered and faded away.

Luke 8:7, “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.” The rich ruler of Luke 18:18-30 couldn’t give up his riches to follow Jesus.

The thorny ground hearers are perhaps analogist to fair weather friends. Their faith can be weak and fall prey to the flesh. Their cares, seeking of money, and the pleasures of life overwhelm them and the Word was suffocated.

I tend to be doing it my way and then remember Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Luke 8:8, “And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Paul certainly was good ground and fruitful ground.

The good ground Is who I strive to be, a true and faithful believer. Here faith is a thing of the heart and ready to receive the Word and be conformed to it.

A parable is a simple story used to get across a moral or spiritual lesson. Matthew 13:14, “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:” Isaiah 6:9, “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.”

Genesis 6 and the famous, biblical story about David and Goliath 510-1 - 6 - 1

Goliath descended from the Anakim giants whom Joshua allowed to survive in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. The Anakim giants descended from the fallen angels.

There are several references to the fallen angels mixing with human women resulting in the birth of the Nephilim.

Genesis 6:2, “That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.”

Genesis 6:4, “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” 

Daniel 2:43, “And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed (H2234) of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” 

Seed, H2234, corresponding to H2233; posterity, figuratively fruit, plant, sowing time, posterity: carnally, child, fruitful, sowing-time.

Once more a reference to the sons of God and the daughters of men creating the Nephilim gene.

Jude 1:6, “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation (G3613), he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” 

G3613, oikētērion, a residence either literally or figuratively, habitation, house. Digging deeper, to occupy a house that is, reside (figuratively inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication to cohabit: - dwell.

In addition to creating hybrids I believe that the fallen angles manipulated human DNA as evidence by the strange gods of Egypt, a head of falcon, a head of a cow, a head of a lion and many others. God struck the Egyptians with plagues specific to the various gods.

Goliath would be the super soldier of his day. Now through Transhumanism are super soldiers being created?

"Future war will be like today’s science fiction movies and video games. Technologically enhanced, part-automaton super-soldiers— stronger, smarter, faster, and with a dulled conscience that allows them to viciously kill on command— will fight as individuals and highly coordinated “wired-in” teams. They will fight anywhere, anytime, night or day, employing incredibly advanced, effective stand-off weapons using data transmitted directly to their brains from multiple sources: drones, satellites, and fellow super-soldiers. They will excel in urban fighting, the close-in battle necessary to defeat terrorists and other super-soldier enemies. They will be hailed as the ultimate soldier, the dream of generals and small boys. In the end, they will be nightmares."

[Maginnis, Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Future War: SUPER SOLDIERS, TERMINATORS, CYBERSPACE, AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY FOR 21ST CENTURY COMBAT]

As it was in the days of Noah.

Lessons learned from the confrontation between David and Goliath. 510-1 - 6 - 3

Romans 8:31, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

As a youth, David was devoted to God and had a servant’s attitude as he willingly served as a shepherd boy. David also was brave as he protected his sheep from both a lion and a bear.

While David was still a boy the Philistines gathered together their armies to do battle against King Saul and his army. The giant Goliath taunted the King throwing a one-on-one challenge against him. David had been sent to carry food to his brothers and said this about Goliath’s challenge.

1 Samuel 17:26, “And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:36, “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

David met Goliath devoid of any armor armed only with a sling and five stones. Like Satan, Goliath was armed to the teeth both with weapons and defensive measures. By carrying five stores David was ready not only to take on Goliath but also his four brothers, also giants. David's stone found just the right spot to knock Goliath down and David used Goliath's weapon to cut off his (Goliath's) head.

Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” David had the whole armour of God and was able to overcome what seems to be a superior Goliath and had no fear of Goliath’s four brothers.

Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Goliath and his brothers were descendants of the fallen angels still around after the flood.

As for today, “As it was in the days of Noah.” As BACs, we also have the whole armour of God.

Spiritual discernment is cery, very important! 510-1 - 5 - 5

For me it is Sola Scriptura. Unfortunately, there are many organizations claiming to be Christian while promoting questionable doctrine. Some in the New Apostolic Reformation are claiming to manifest gold teeth, gold dust and gemstones. Nothing new here as this is just recycled Eastern spirituality as practiced by the late Guru Sai Bara for decades.

Spiritual discernment is invaluable in countering the influence of the New Age today. A quarter of a century ago I was part of a charter group of friends and coworkers who met every Friday night to discuss/ learn something in the area of the New Age. For a few years, our classes were led by a published author who has written books both on crystals and dream interpretation. Our group was rather well grounded and belonging to this group gave me greater discernment along with common ground with the New Agers.

2 Timothy 3:5 pretty much sums up the New Age, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Too often new agers think they are a little god in the making. I remember when we would greet each other with “The Christ in me sees the Christ in you,” Better would be the Holy Spirit, however, not pompous enough.

Several years ago, I was attending a “dinner and a movie” get together where we shared a meal and watched a “Christian” DVD, “The Finger of God.” I watched as balls of energy were being thrown and people falling and the claim was made of golden teeth appearing as well as a glowing white angelic being (Lucifer?).

Years earlier I dated a man who was a Sai Baba devotee. My impression of the “Finger of God” was that it was a re-play of the late Sai Baba and his manifestation of gold dust and golden teeth in people’s mouth.

Sai Baba followers have a now archived website with the stated goal, “This site is presented and offered to Lotus Feet of Sri Sai Baba, may it serve its purpose, be informative and helpful to mankind. O Sai Baba, may your blessings be with all of us. O Sai Baba, our Guru, we surrender to you and seek your guidance in all walks of life. O Sai Baba, may you and we be one. Jai Sai Ram.”

[http://archive.li/KjHph]

Ten or so years ago Fresh Fire Founder Todd Bentley’s held a “revival” at Lakewood Florida night after night. I know professing Christians who were mesmerized by his message and feathers floating on stage. Todd Bentley is now Asking followers to 'Bless' his current wife by giving to a PayPal Account on her birthday.

[ http://www.christianpost.com/news/fresh-fire-founder-todd-bentley-asks-followers-to-bless-wife-in-paypal-account-on-her-birthday-182923/]

While I have the discernment to spot New Age enticements even in my church family I need to be more able to ascertain that I am correct in my discernment.

Good advice, 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

The responses of Simon and the woman that brought the ointment were very differient 531-1 - 7 - 4

Washing someone's feet is an act of self-effacement and a sign of respect.

When three supernatural beings called on the Patriarch Abraham he recognized them as such and didn’t hesitate, Genesis 18:4, “Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.” Abraham had a meal prepared for them and stood by respectfully while they ate.

Eons later John records that Jesus, the Word, washed the feet of the disciples. John 13:5, “After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to eat with him. A woman of poor reputation “began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” Simon thought ill of Jesus for allowing Himself to be touched by such a woman. Luke 7:40, “And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.” Thus, the parable of the creditor who had two debtors.

Then Jesus said to Simon Luke 7:45-47, “45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”

Fast forward to last Sunday. Pastor Bruce is taking a well-deserved vacation so Pastor Ken from Campers for Christ is filling in. Pastor Ken started telling a story from a book written by a woman who told of being totally frustrated with her husband.  Her husband was constantly away from home on business. He was a very successful but not the most sympathetic husband. She had a particularly frustrating day in which her children being normal children managed to get themselves very dirty. The woman was giving the children a bath when hubby came home. He immediately demanded, "Where's my dinner?"

Now where did I read that story as it sounded very familiar? Before she responded in kind the woman prayed for guidance. The shocking answer was “Wash his feet.” I then recognized the story. Pastor Ken said her name was Nancy but didn't remember the last name. Our church is informal so I called out Missler.

Pastor Ken went on to talk about Nancy's books and especially her book on Agape love. I completed Nancy's course, The Way of Agape, and remember her many entertaining and insightful stories.

As for me, I suspect I’m more like Simon as I tend to be judgmental, something I’m working on. Being prideful it would likely have taken a command from God to get me to wash my former husband’s feet. Perhaps if I had washed his feet….

The Gentile centurion Jairus had great faith in Jesus 531-1 - 7 - 1

Often faith in Jesus was evidenced by Gentiles while the Israelis’ rejected Him. Jairus, the centurion, is just one example.

Jesus established His headquarters at Capernaum, a city of Galilee. The synagogue in Capernaum was built by the Gentile centurion Jairus who was well thought of by the elders of the synagogue. A servant of Jairus, more like a son, was near death so the elders asked Jesus to heal him.

Luke 7:6-7, “6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.”

The centurion further said Luke 7:8, “For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.”

Jarvis recognize the authority that Jesus had in his very utterance. Jesus was so impressed with Jairus’ faith that he said, “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” The servant was healed, healed at a distance.

I have been so amazed that after Jesus walked among the Israelis’ for 3 1/2 years teaching and performing miracles most did not believe He was the Messiah. The common people were looking for another King David, a conquering Messiah, not a suffering Messiah.

The Temple leaders were concerned that Jesus was too radical and would bring the wrath of Rome down on Israel. John 11:50, “Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”  Also, I suspect they were protecting their turf.

Perhaps the unbelief of the common people could be excused but the Temple scholars? Daniel 9:25, “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.”

To the day from the prophecy of Daniel Jesus told his disciples to “find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.“ Mark 11:4, “And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.” This also was in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

How could those who knew the scriptures not recognize their Messiah? Luke 13:34, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” With that Jesus passed judgment on the people, “Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

As for me, my faith in Jesus as fully man and fully God is unshakable. Fulfillment of prophecies by Jesus provides head knowledge and the deep longing of my soul to be reunited with Jesus fills my heart.

Vows are to be taken very seriously! 510-1 - 5 - 4

Vows/ oaths often are made without thought and can result in tragedy.

Saul's son Jonathan with only his armour barer had a great victory over the Philistines. Saul and his men finally set out to battle. 1 Samuel 14:24, “And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.”

An army marches on its stomach. [Napoleon Bonaparte]

Jonathan was busy with the Philistines and didn’t know about his father’s vow of fasting. Jonathan tasted a drop of honey. Too late he was informed 1 Samuel 14:28, “Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.”

When Saul found out about the honey Jonathan consumed, 1 Samuel 44, “And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.” Saul was willing to have his hero son executed, however, the people convinced his not to.

Saul was not compassionate towards his son Jonathan, jealousy?

Unlike Saul, Jephthah, a Gileadite mourned his tragic vow.

Judge 11:30-31, "30 And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, 31 Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”

Unfortunate, Judge 11:34 "And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter."

Due to his impulsive vow Jephthah would lose his daughter and she would lose her life. Judges 11:36-40. His daughter asked, "let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows." At the end of two months "she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man."

There are warnings in scripture concerning oaths/ vows, James warns us in 5:12, “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” Taking an oath and not honoring it can lead condemnation.

Then there is Peter, Matthew 26:35, “Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples

To his great shame, Peter lied, Matthew 26:72, “And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man” fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy “That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.”

A vow or oath should only be made only if there is total commitment. As a BAC, I feel that I’m doubly bound by my vow of loyalty to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Are personal or corporate prayers for a nation, an obligation of believers today? Absolutely! 510-1 - 4 - 6

The election in 2008 of Barack Obama was astounding. This was an individual little heard of until 2004, a freshman US senator from Illinois elevated to be the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Obama was reelected in 2012 which seemed to me to be a near supernatural occurrence.

Towards the end of Obama’s eight year as POTUS the United States was in free-fall and an example of Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

During Obama's time in office same-sex marriage was declared Constitutional and the exterior of the White House was lit up with the colors of the LGT rainbow, a perversion of God's rainbow. Obama greatly encouraged a confusion of sexual identification. A very outspoken and bullying group of Obama's minions seem to wield tremendous power within the United States.

Abortion even of viable babies was not only promoted as women's rights, baby parts were sold. The individuals who filmed Planned Parenthood employees quoting prices for baby parts are facing possible jail time.

Obama's disdain for Israel increased to the point where his administration further weakened Israel in the United Nations. God has been very good to the United States over the years due in large measure to our support of Israel. As our support of Israel weakened so did God’s hedge of protection from around the United States.

At some point, God loses patience. In the time of Ezekiel God was to that point. Prayers no longer softened God’s heart and He withdrew the Shekinah Glory from the Temple. In reading Ezekiel one can almost feel the divine grief as the cloud wavered and then moved away from the Temple.

“Ezekiel 9:3, The glory cloud (symbol of God's presence) leaves the holy of holies in the temple, grieved away by the idolatry of the people. The glory cloud moves to the threshold of the temple where its brightness fills the court.

Ezekiel 9:8-11 When Ezekiel interceded for the people, the Lord said that He would not spare or have pity. The people were saying that because the LORD God had forsaken them and no longer saw their plight, they owed no loyalty to Him. "The Lord does not see" sounds like a very modern quotation!”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

As soon as Donald Trump declared his intention to run for POTUS there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Many born-again Christians prayed and prayed that Donald Trump would win. An election of Hillary Clinton would continue the moral free-fall of Obama.

Prayer groups formed and all night vigils were held before the election. Donald Trump was prayed in as POTUS! In the 100 days since taking office President Trump has achieved positive changes, chosen a great administration, and nominated a Christian for the US Supreme Court, confirmed. Prayers are continuing for President Trump for his protection and the protection of his family and the administration.

Are personal or corporate prayers for a nation, an obligation of believers today? Absolutely, we may have prevented or at least postponed the further abandonment of the United States by God and His day of wrath.

Building on a firm foundation 531-1 - 6 - 6

"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

“1. My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.”

Homes should be built on a solid foundation, preferably bedrock. There seems to be a rash of sinkholes swallowing up homes and roads in the United States. Our physical home is only temporary but our spiritual home is for eternity. Jesus is the bedrock of my spiritual home, anything else is sinking sand.

Throughout the Bible Jesus is analogous to a rock and/ or the cornerstone of our spiritual life. Moses was to “smite the rock” in Horeb, representative of the first coming of Jesus, the suffering Messiah. Later Moses was to “speak ye unto the rock before their eyes” in Kadesh. Moses, however, Numbers 20:11, “And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.” A rejection of the Messiah to come that cost Moses entry into the promise land.

Later in Deuteronomy 32:3-4, “3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”

Both Luke 6:48 and Matthew 7:24-25 speak to a house built upon a rock, the floods came and the wind blew and beat upon the house but it stood just as our faith does when it is built on Jesus, the precious corner stone, a sure foundation.

Ephesians 2:20-21, “20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord”

1 Peter 2:8, “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” Here Jesus is the stone of stumbling to unbelievers, harkening back to Isaiah 8:14-15.

Could be any clearer? Jesus is our Rock, the cornerstone of our faith. Luke 20:17, "And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?"