"TERRIBLE TIMES": Apsotasy 4

In considering the meaning of 'apostasy'  another Bible verse that the Holy Spirit brings to mind is:  BUT MARK THIS, THERE WILL BE TERRIBLE TIMES IN THE LAST DAYS. (2 Tim. 3:1 NIV) 

 People will be, HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING ITS POWER. (2 Tim. 3:5a NIV)  What is the power of Christianity?  JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED!   We are told to stay away from these apostates who deny our Lord Jesus.  HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SUCH PEOPLE. (v. 5b)  

It seems that apostasy can involve not only 'falling away' from Jesus, but can involve 'revolting' against God's moral laws too. This will be especially true in these last days we are living in, apostasy will grow even worse as we approach the end of this age.  2 Timothy 3:1-5 reveals this.  The Contemporary English Version puts it this way:  YOU CAN BE CERTAIN THAT IN THE LAST DAYS THERE WILL BE SOME VERY HARD TIMES.  PEOPLE WILL LOVE ONLY THEMSELVES AND MONEY.  THEY WILL BE PROUD, DISOBEDIENT TO THEIR PARENTS.  THEY WILL ALSO BE UNGRATEFUL, GODLESS, HEARTLESS, AND HATEFUL.  THEIR WORDS WILL BE CRUEL, AND THEY WILL HAVE NO SELF-CONTROL OR PITY.  THESE PEOPLE WILL HATE EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD.  THEY WILL BE SNEAKY, RECKLESS AND PUFFED UP WITH PRIDE.  INSTEAD OF LOVING GOD, THEY WILL LOVE PLEASURE.  EVEN THOUGH THEY WILL MAKE A SHOW OF BEING RELIGIOUS, THEIR RELIGION WON'T BE REAL.  DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SUCH PEOPLE.  I have personally met so many men like this.  It grieves my heart.  Sad days we live in, but we have been warned.  

Jesus says:  "BEHOLD, I AM SENDING YOU OUT AS SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES, SO BE WISE AS SERPENTS AND INNOCENT AS DOVES." (Mt. 10:16 ESV)  I am naturally harmless as a dove, yet I have learned to b e wise as a seprent.  Let us all learn that.  Once I saw a snake slither away out of the side of my eye.  So, I thought, "aha, I know where you are."  Yet, when I looked and prodded the place in the leaves where I saw the snake go.  It was gone.  Now, that's as wise as a serpent.  May we all learn to be that wise.

Apostasy 3

Chuck Missler warned me that apostasy is the biggest threat to the Church in America. He says that apostasy is his "biggest worry" right now.

I wanted to understand apostasy better.  Exactly what is apostasy?  Wikipedia's comments: " Apostasy is the formal disaffiliation from or abandonment or renunciation of a religion by a person.  One who commits apostasy, or who apostatises is known as an apostate.  The Christian understanding of apostasy is a willful falling away from, or rebellion against Christian truth.  Apostasy is the rejection of Christ by one who has been a Christian." (Claimed to be a Christian, I add.)  "Rebellion, turning away, (Spiritual) adultery."

 I think the apostasy predicted in the New Testament is a much more insidious, deceiving turning away from loving Jesus. .. THERE WILL BE FALSE TEACHERS AMONG YOU.  THEY WILL SECRETLY INTRODUCE DESTRUCTIVE HERESIES, EVEN DENYING THE SOVEREIGN LORD WHO BOUGHT THEM-- BRINGING SWIFT DESTRUCTION UPON THEMSELVES. (2 Pt. 2:1b NIV)  It's very dangerous.  This apostasy is not announced formally, but creeps in.  FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHOSE CONDEMNATION WAS WRITTEN ABOUT LONG AGO HAVE SECRETLY SLIPPED IN AMONG YOU.  THEY ARE UNGODLY PEOPLE, WHO PERVERT THE GRACE OF OUR GOD INTO A LICENSE FOR IMMORALITY AND DENY JESUS CHRIST OUR ONLY SOVEREIGN AND LORD. (Jude 1:4 NIV)  

We are entering the age of apostasy.  It's happening right now, right here, in our lifetime.  What can you and I do?  LET US HOLD UNSWERVINGLY TO THE HOPE WE PROFESS, FOR HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL. (Heb. 10:23 NIV)  ...WHILE WE WAIT FOR THE BLESSED HOPE-- THE APPEARING OF THE GLORY OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. (Titus 2:13 NIV)

The Falling Away: Apostasy 2

There will come a time close to the end of this age known as "The Great Apostasy."   This will happen right before the time the man of sin- the Anitchrist- is revealed.  (2 Thes. 2:3)  We can see apostasy creeping into the Church today.  Apostasy is Chuck Missler's "biggest worry" for the Church in America specifically.  Apostasy is essentially turning away from Jesus.

To understand this 'falling away', 'the great apostasy' better I looked at the translation of the Greek word 'apostasia'.  It's literal meaning is 'defection-revolt.'  (Strongs)   I think we can its meaning better by looking at several Bible translations.  Apostasia is translated:

 'the rebellion' (NIV, ESV, ISV) 

'a great rebellion against God' (NLT)

'apostasy' (NASB, HCSB)

 'a falling away' (KJV, NKJV)

'a definate rejection of God' (Phillips)

'the Apostasy' (Message)

'people will rebel against God' (CEV)

'the predicted great falling away of those who profess to be Christians' (AMP)

'revolt' (Aramaic Bible, GWT)

Apostasy is defined by the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:  "Apostasia, "a standing away from": I.e. a falling away, a withdrawal, a defection.  In the Greek original, to express abandonment of the faith.  Paul predicted the great apostasy from Christianity, foretold by Jesus (Mt. 24:10-12) which would precede "the day of the Lord" (2 Thes. 2:2).  Foretold, with warnings, as sure to abound in the latter days. (1 Tim. 4:1-3, 2 Thes. 2:3,  2 Pt. 3:17)"

 Apostasy will come to fruition and culminate at the end with the Antichrist, the "lawless one" (2 Thes. 2:8aNIV).   HE WILL  OPPOSE AND WILL EXALT HIMSELF OVER EVERYTHING THAT IS CALLED GOD OR IS WORSHIPED, SO THAT HE SETS HIMSELF UP IN GOD'S TEMPLE, PROCLAIMING HIMSELF TO BE GOD. (2 Thes. 2:4 NIV)  .. WHOM THE LORD JESUS WILL OVERTHROW WITH THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH AND DESTROY BY THE SPLENDOR OF HIS COMING. (2 Thes. 2:8b)  Praise God, Jesus will come again and destroy the Antichrist.  This is called 'Armageddon', that great battle that occurs at Jesus second coming.  Jesus will bring back the Truth of God to the earth.  Jesus is the Truth!  He is God, and every eye shall see Him coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory! (Rev. 1:7, Lk. 21:27)  

What are we to do in the light of this apostasy in our face?  Endure!   Above all, guard our hearts.  Keep our hearts hot for Lord Jesus.  Jesus says: "BUT THE ONE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED. AND THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE KINGDOM WILL BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD, SO THAT ALL NATIONS WILL HEAR IT; AND THEN THE END WILL COME." (Mt. 24:12,13 NLT)  Let's tell the whole world about Jesus.  

What's the bottom line?  "BUT WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO TAKE PLACE, STRAIGHTEN UP AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, BECAUSE YOUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR." says our Redeemer.  (Luke 21:28 NASB)   I like the way J. B. Phillips puts it in his translation:  "BUT, WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO HAPPEN, LOOK UP, HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH, FOR YOU WILL SOON BE FREE."  (Lk. 21:28)

Apostasy In America 1

Chuck Missler said his biggest worry for the Church in America is apostasy.  He sees apostasy in the emerging church and the coming days.

The Bible verse that came to my mind as Chuck was telling me this is:  .. THERE WILL BE FALSE TEACHERS AMONG YOU.  THEY WILL SECRETLY INTRODUCE DESTRUCTIVE HERESIES, EVEN DENYING THE SOVEREIGN LORD WHO BOUGHT THEM-- BRINGING SWIFT DESTRUCTION ON THEMSELVES. (2 Pet. 2:1 NIV)  What is apostasy? I think it's simply turning away from Jesus.  

The other Bible verse that the Holy Spirit brings to mind is:  BUT MARK THIS, THERE WILL BE TERRIBLE TIMES IN THE LAST DAYS. (2 Tim. 3:1 NIV)  People will be, HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING ITS POWER. (2 Tim. 3:5a NIV)  What is the power of Christianity?  JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED!   We are told to stay away from these apostates who deny our Lord Jesus.  HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SUCH PEOPLE. (v. 5b)  

It seems that apostasy involves not only 'falling away' from Jesus, but can involve 'revolting' against God's moral laws too.  2 Timothy 3:1-5 reveals this.  The Contemporary English Version puts it this way:  INSTEAD OF LOVING GOD, THEY WILL LOVE PLEASURE.  EVEN THOUGH THEY WILL MAKE A SHOW OF BEING RELIGIOUS, THEIR RELIGION WON'T BE REAL.  DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SUCH PEOPLE. (2 Tim. 3:4b,5)  I have personally met so many men like this.  It grieves my heart.

The Message of Christ's Bema Seat: Bema Seat 16

Here is the whole message we learn from the bema seat of Christ: 

 AND WHATEVER YOU DO OR SAY, DO IT AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LORD JESUS, GIVING THANKS THROUGH HIM TO GOD THE FATHER.

(Col. 3:17 NLT)  May we be faithful to live our lives as His representatives.

What will  us Christians be judged for when we stand before Jesus at  His bema seat?  How faithful we are in everything the Lord has given us; our jobs, families, ministries, time, money, health, etc. (Mt. 25:10-14)  This is called "accountability."  I've been contemplating our accountability in life  since reading Nancy Missler's book 'The Kingdom, Power, and Glory' about a year ago.  Actually, we can't read Jesus' words in the Gosels without coming face to face with these great issues of how to life life.   

Here are a few things the Word of God reveals we will be judged by:

* The words we say.  Jesus says: "BUT I TELL YOU THAT EVERYONE WILL HAVE TO GIVE ACCOUNT ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT FOR EVERY EMPTY WORD THEY HAVE SPOKEN." (Mt. 12:36 NIV)

* Care for our bodies. (1 Cor. 3:17)

* How we care for our aging parents.  (Mk. 7:10-14)

* How we care for widows  and orphans.  (Ja. 1:27)  PURE AND GENUINE RELIGION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD THE FATHER MEANS CARING FOR ORPHANS AND WIDOWS IN THEIR DISTRESS AND REFUSING TO LET THE WORLD CORRUPT YOU. NLT)

* Our stewardship of the environment (Rev. 11:18)

*  How well we obey and submit to our Pastors (Heb. 13:17)

* Caring for those in need.  (1 John 3:17)

* Workers obeying and working hard for our bosses. (Eph. 6:5-8)  BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE LORD WILL REWARD EACH ONE FOR WHATEVER GOOD THEY DO, WHETHER THEY ARE SLAVE OR FREE. (Eph. 6:8)

* Employers treatment of their employees. (Eph. 6:9)

* How we get money.  * How we use money.  (Lk. 16:10,11)  Ananias and Sapphira found out this one the hard way.  (Acts 5:1-11)  Barnabas used his money wisely to supply the needs and encourage followers of the Way.  (Acts 4:37)

* Our obedience to God.   * Our representing God.  Moses lost his reward of entering the promised land by disobedience and misrepresentation of God when he struck the rock to get water instead of speaking to it to bring forth water as God had commanded at the waters of Meribah. (Num. 20:2-13)

* How we treat animals.  (Prov. 12:10)

* How we treat children. (Mk. 9:42, Lk. 17:2, Mt. 8:6)

* How we treat other followers of Jesus. (Mk.9:41)    "IF ANYONE GIVES YOU EVEN A CUP OF WATER BECAUSE YOU BELONG TO THE MESSIAH, I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, THAT PERSON WILL SURELY BE REWARDED," says the Lord Jesus. (NLT)

* Showing our faith by our works. (James)

This is just a sampling, what I could glean from scripture at this time.  

"HERE IS A SIMPLE, RULE OF THUMB GUIDE FOR BEHAVIOR:  ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO DO FOR YOU, THEN GRAB THE INITIATIVE AND DO IT FOR THEM.  ADD UP GOD'S LAW AND PROPHETS AND THIS IS WHAT YOU GET." (Mt. 7:12 Message)  This is Jesus golden rule.

The message of the bema seat in summary is this:  AND WHATEVER YOU DO, WHETHER BY SPEECH OR ACTION, DO EVERYTHING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM. (Col. 3:17 ISV)

Vision of the Bema Seat: Bema Seat of Christ 15

In vision I sat beside Jesus.

Here is the whole accounting starting at the very beginning.  Jesus had mercy on me 20 years ago.  He divinely healed me of terminal cancer.  I received His salvation and lived 15 years full throttle for Him and through Him.  Those were years of pure gold, shining silver, and precious gems of heaven I built with. 

Then my husband passed away 5 years ago.  I was just trying to survive, a bereaved widow in a cruel world.  For 3 of those years it was like I was lost in this world.  I was living for this world, instead of living for Jesus.  What a horrible way to live.  Yet, His grace was always with me.  He carried me.  He protected me.Three wasted years of building with wood, hay, and stubble.  I thank God those years will be burnt up at Jesus bema seat. 

Jesus has forgiven me.  Of course I've repented and turned back to Him.  "THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN MUCH, LOVE MUCH."   His mercy, grace, and forgiveness are unfathomable; a mighty river of His power flowing over us continually from above.

So, one day at church, during deep worship, I was crying and calling out to Jesus not to take away my reward. I felt so sad for my wasted years.  The next thing I knew I was sitting beside Him in vision.  He was sitting on a low stone bench, I was sitting next to Him. He was dressed humbly, with no crown.  Yet, I knew He was the King and I was His wife.  But that didn't really matter.  The only thing that mattered was how perfect He is.  I was so proud of Him.  I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.  My Beloved is all together beautiful.  Jesus always does right.  He is always perfect.  He is the righteous Judge.  He will always do right too. 

There was a group of people standing out in front of Him.  He was judging them.  Everybody was satisfied. Every judgement was good.  It was evident to all Jesus is always fair, and just, merciful.  His decisions are always right.  We can always trust Him.  I have often wondered if this was a vision of His bema seat.  

... MESSIAH, WHO IS THE MYSTERY OF GOD.  IN HIM ARE STORED ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOMAND KNOWLEDGE. (Col. 2:2c,3 ISV)

The "Bema" Seat of Christ 14

The 'bema' seat of Christ; what a great thing to think about.

  Jesus is the Righteous Judge.  He always does right.  He is all together beautiful. (Song 4:7a)  Christ will judge us believers rightly at His judgement seat.  We will receive rewards from Him.  We will lose rewards too.  He only does what is right.  We can trust Him. 

What of this bema seat?  Scripture reveals: FOR WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, SO THAT EACH OF US MAY RECEIVE WHAT IS DUE US FOR THE THINGS DONE WHILE IN THE BODY, WHETHER GOOD OR BAD. (2 Cor. 5:10 NIV)  I love the way the International  Standard Version explains it:  FOR ALL OF US MUST APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF THE MESSIAH, SO THAT EACH OF US MAY RECEIVE WHAT HE DESERVES FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE IN HIS BODY, WHETHER GOOD OR WORTHLESS.  

Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles, looked forward to that day.  Paul says:  NOW, THERE IS IN STORE FOR ME THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHICH THE LORD, THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, WILL AWARD TO ME ON THAT DAY-- AND NOT ONLY TO ME, BUT ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LONGED FOR HIS APPEARING.(2 Tim. 4:8 NIV)  When will we stand before Jesus at His bema seat?  I happen to think it is the moment we walk into heaven.  However Missler teaches this judgement occurs at the rapture, in heaven.  I like how the Oracles of God, our Bible,  describe it as  "THAT DAY". (2 Tim. 4:8B)  All of our work, our lives, will be shown for what they are at Jesus judgement seat.  THEIR WORK WILL BE SHOWN FOR WHAT IT IS, BECAUSE 'THE DAY' WILL BRING IT TO LIGHT.  IT WILL BE REVEALED WITH FIRE, AND THE FIRE WILL TEST THE QUALITY OF EACH PERSON'S WORK. (1 Cor. 3:13)  

HE WILL ALSO KEEP YOU FIRM TO THE END, SO THAT YOU WILL BE BLAMELESS ON 'THE DAY' OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. (1 Cor. 1:8 NIV)  The bema seat will not be a judgement for our sins.  That was taken care of 2,000 years ago on the cross.  Jesus has freed us from our sins by His own blood, and made us kings and priests unto His God. (Rev. 1)  What Jesus will judge will be our 'works', the fruit of our lives here on earth. 

 Dr. Chuck Missler teaches on Christ's bema seat in his study of 1 Corinthians.  His study notes explain: "Bema is a Greek word meaning "tribunal seat, judicial bench, judgement seat, or throne.  At this judgement, the Bema Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10,1 Cor. 3:11-15) we will receive rewards: crowns, assignments. There will also be loss of rewards, and tears shed for missed opportunities to tell about Jesus.  Permanence:  "Whatever you have done for Christ shall remain.  Everything else shall burn.  Salvation is invariably presented as a free gift.  Rewards are earned by works (fruit bearing)."

Jesus is constantly searching our hearts.  "I AM THE LORD WHO SEARCHES THE HEART, WHO TESTS THE INNER DEPTHS TO GIVE TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO WHAT HE DESERVES, ACCORDING TO THE FRUIT OF HIS DEEDS." Says Jesus in Jeremiah 17:10 ISV.  This will all come to light at His bema seat.  THEN ALL THE CHURCHES WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE ONE WHO SEARCHES MINDS AND HEARTS.  I WILL REWARD EACH OF YOU AS YOUR ACTIONS DESERVE. (Rev 2:23 b ISV)  

Therefore we always make it our goal to please our Lord.  The Apostle Paul commands us: SO WE MAKE IT OUR GOAL TO PLEASE HIM..  FOR WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST. (2 Cor. 5:9a,10a NIV)  Pleasing Jesus is our whole purpose in life. SO THAT YOU MAY LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD AND PLEASE HIM IN EVERY GOOD WAY: BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY GOOD WORK, GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.   Ideally we do this because we love the Lord Jesus.  Plus, we tell others about Him because we have mercy on our fellow man.  We also live with Jesus' bema seat judgement in mind at all times, just as Paul did.  He writes: "I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL TO WIN THE PRIZE FOR WHICH GOD HAS CALLED ME HEAVENWARD IN CHRIST JESUS." (Phil. 4:14 NIV)

This is how the Apostle Paul explains all this in the Sacred Writings:  "NOW IT IS REQUIRED THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN A TRUST MUST PROVE FAITHFUL.  I CARE VERY LITTLE IF I AM JUDGED BY YOU OR BY ANY HUMAN COURT; INDEED I DO NOT EVEN JUDGE MYSELF.  IT IS THE LORD WHO JUDGES ME.  AT THAT TIME EACH WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRAISE FROM GOD." (1 Cor. 4:2,3,4c,5c NIV)

The Second Coming: Bema Seat of Christ 13

There is a crown laid up for us in heaven for those who long for Jesus' appearing.  (2 Tim. 4:8) 

 His appearing is the rapture denotatively, and does include His second coming connotatively. 

 The Lord of Glory will give us this crown at His bema seat.  We will then throw it back to Him on the crystal sea before His throne.  We will sing in love and adoration: "YOU ARE WORTHY, OUR LORD AND GOD, TO RECEIVE GLORY AND HONOR AND POWER, FOR YOU CREATED ALL THINGS, AND BY YOUR WILL THEY WERE CREATED AND HAVE THEIR BEING."  (Rev. 4:10,11 NIV)  Do you know what I think?  I think He will put the crown right back on our heads again!  What a pretty crown it will be, made of the weightless gold of heaven with jewels of glory, emitting light, radiant, dazzling.  Colorless diamonds for the glory of God.  Glorious emeralds radiating green for the renewing Holy Spirit.  Blood red rubies testifying to the cleansing blood of the Lamb by which He purchased us.  Wearing the crowns of heaven will feel so good.  Our white robes of righteousness will be so beautiful, flowing from within. (Rev. 19:8, 3:5)  The robes are the rewards for our righteous deeds.  Such beautiful robes Messiah will give us!  To walk with Him in white forever is my hearts desire.

I love to think of Jesus' second coming.  He will come and make everything right.  I'm sad for this sin sick world under the veil of  death and despair.  Our hope is Messiah. Jesus loves us.  He has good plans for us. We don't need to feel sad when this beautiful world burns.  Jesus will make it better -- Jesus has better for us.

The Judgement Seat of Christ: Bema Seat 12

What will we be judged for at Jesus' bema seat? 

 Everything we do and say.  Scripture says:  FOR WE MUST ALL STAND BEFORE CHRIST TO BE JUDGED.  WE WILL RECEIVE WHATEVER WE DESERVE FOR THE GOOD OR EVIL WE HAVE DONE IN THIS EARTHLY BODY. (2 Cor. 5:10 NLT)  AFTER ALL, CHRIST WILL JUDGE EACH OF US FOR THE GOOD OR THE BAD WE DO WHILE LIVING IN THESE BODIES. (2 Cor. 5:10 CEV)   CHEERFULLY PLEASING GOD IS THE MAIN THING, AND THAT'S WHAT WE AIM TO DO, REGARDLESS OF OUR CONDITIONS.  WE WILL APPEAR BEFORE CHRIST AND TAKE WHAT'S COMING TO US AS A RESULT OF OUR ACTIONS, EITHER GOOD OR BAD. (2 Cor. 5:9-10 Message)

Sin will not be the issue.  We have been forgiven, cleansed and freed from our sins by Jesus blood.  That's a done deal, accomplished at the cross. Our salvation is never to be questioned.  Our faithfulness to our Lord and our faithfulness to everything He has given us will be the issue.  Eternal rewards from Jesus, or lack of rewards for eternity will be the consequences.  If we have been faithful with what He has given us in this world, we will be given much. (Mt. 25:23)   If we have been  unfaithful  in this world He will not entrust us with His true riches. (Lk. 16:11)   It's that simple. 

 Knowing this gives us incentive to "WORK WHILE IT IS DAY" (Gospels) and 'TO BE FAITHFUL' to our Master Jesus. (1 Corinthians, Rev. 2).  What will be our rewards for faithfulness be? "BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE," the Righteous Judge promises us. (Rev. 2:10)  

 Jesus is calling for us to open up to Him and be hot for Him, the days of lukewarm are done. (Rev. 3)   What rewards will our Merciful Judge give us for being hot for Him?  He says: "AND I SHALL GRANT THE OVERCOMER TO SIT WITH ME ON MY THRONE, JUST AS I HAVE OVERCOME AND I SIT WITH MY FATHER ON HIS THRONE." (Rev. 3:21 Aramaic Bible)

Blessed Are The Merciful: Bema Seat of Christ 11

Jesus is the ultimate Man of Mercy. 

 I want the whole world to know Him, and love Him. The Lord had mercy on me 20 years ago when He healed me of terminal cancer. We as human beings have the responsibility under God to love mercy, to be merciful.  "YOU MORTALS, THE LORD HAS TOLD YOU WHAT IS GOOD.  THIS IS WHAT THE LORD REQUIRES FROM YOU: TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO LIVE HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD." (Micah 6:8 GWT) Through the Prophet Micah God is calling all of humanity to mercy.  God calls all of humanity to show mercy to our fellow man. Jesus parable of the good Samaritan  illustrates this.  Jesus tells us all to go and show mercy.  This is the second greatest commandment.  The first is to love God. 

What is mercy?  The Hebrew word for mercy is 'checed' (kheh'-sed). (Micah 6:8)  'Chesed' means kindness, beauty. (KJV Lexicon)  Isn't it something that God considers mercy beautiful?  Some Bible translations render 'checed' as 'kindness' (ESV, NASB); 'faithfulness' (HCSB); 'gracious love' (ISV); 'to be faithful' (NET); 'goodness' (Darby), 'be compassionate and loyal' (Message).  

Mercy is an attribute of God.  Mankind is made in the image of God.  Natural human affection shows mercy to others and to ourselves.  Some of us are born more merciful than others.  It is something we all need inside of us to even greater degrees.  I ask Jesus often to make me more merciful. When I was a caregiver for senior ladies I operated under a supernatural empowerment of mercy   Experiencing and showing God's mercy to my ladies came easy most of the time through the power of the Holy Spirit.

How much more shall we, the Body of Christ, be merciful?  I believe one of the major criteria of judgement at the bema seat of Christ will be mercy; specifically the mercy we have shown to others. Jesus says, "BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY."  (Mt. 5:7)  Our Lord commands us to be merciful.  "BE MERCIFUL, JUST AS YOUR FATHER IS MERCIFUL. (Luke 6:36. (NIV)  "YOU MUST BE COMPASSIONATE, JUST AS YOUR FATHER IS COMPASSIONATE." (NLT Lk. 6:36)  

Three times in the Gospel of Matthew the Messiah tells the religious crowd to learn mercy. They didn't listen to Him. Jesus is the God of all mercy.  He said, ".. NOW GO AND LEARN THE MEANING OF THIS SCRIPTURE: I WANT YOU TO SHOW MERCY, NOT OFFER SACRIFICES." (Mt. 9:13b NLT)  "I DESIRE MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE." (Mt. 12:7b)  We see the supreme importance the God of the Bible places on mercy. "TO LOVE HIM (GOD) WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND ALL YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND TO LOVE ONE'S NEIGHBOR AS  YOURSELF" (Mk. 12:33 ISV) is the ultimate!

Our Savior got very angry at the religious leaders for their callous disregard for the well being of others.   Their lack of mercy displeased God.  Their hardness of heart saddened and grieved Jesus greatly. (Mark 3:5, Luke 13:15, Luke 6:11).  The very ones YHVH had called to care for His people didn't.  I get angry when I see lack of mercy and injustice.  Forgiveness is the clarion call of Gospels.  We must forgive others, there is no other option. Our Father in heaven has forgiven us through the Lamb of God; Jesus blood shed on the cross for you and I.  Since we have received such great mercy and forgiveness, we can show others mercy and forgiveness.

Do we want to please our Lord Jesus?  Do we want our Master to be proud of us at His bema seat?  Let us learn to be even more merciful.  The rewards will be beyond human imagination.  Dear Father, make us even more merciful. In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.  

"ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE GUARD YOUR HEART, BECAUSE FROM IT FLOW THE SPRINGS OF LIFE." (Prov. 4:23 ISV)

My Mom: Bema Seat of Christ 10

My Mom is an example of a simple, humble woman who Jesus rewarded greatly when she went to heaven. 

 She had more than her share of troubles in her life.  Yet, she was faithful to bring all of her children and grandchildren to saving faith in Jesus; through the power of the Holy Spirit.  It was a miracle really.

This is what happened:  One day when Mom was in her early 60's she turned yellow.  She went to the emergency room.  The doctors could not diagnose the problem.  They wanted her to stay all night.  But she didn't.  Instead we went to church to hear Chuck Smith teach on Ruth at Calvary Spokane.  During deep worship  it was as if I saw her run into heaven.  There she was, running as fast as she could go into heaven.  Heaven was bright, emanating light.  I tried to look in because I knew it was glorious, but the light was too bright, I couldn't see in. Jesus stood there at a low, white gate, swung wide open.  My mom ran fast right past Him.  I was shocked, she didn't even stop to say hi.  Jesus didn't mind, He was just happy to have her there.  He said to her, "Enter into your .."  I thought He was going to say 'peace'.  But, to my surprise, Jesus  said, "joy".  A few days after that Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was in glory a few weeks later. The miracle of it all was she experienced no pain.  The Holy Spirit gave my sister-in-law a work of knowledge.  She told me Mom was so happy. 

I kept thinking about Mom entering into her 'joy'.  Later I remembered  Jesus had told 2 of His servants that in a parable.  I looked it up.  this is what Jesus said:   'HIS LORD SAID UNTO HIM', "WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT; THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS.  I WILL MAKE THEE A RULER OVER MANY THINGS; ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF  THY LORD." (Mt. 25:23 KJV)  And I knew He would say the same thing to Mom when she stands before His bema seat.  Great is her reward.  Just think, my Mom will be a big shot in the kingdom of heaven!  I happen to think the bema seat judgement will happen at the moment each of us is ushered into heaven.  However, Missler teaches it occurs at the rapture. 

When Mom was called into heaven I was so happy for her.  My heart could just hear the Savior saying to her soul, "Come away, come away, come away with me my love.  For, lo, this winter is past and the spring time has come."  Just think,the winter of this world is over and the eternal springtime of heaven has arrived for my Momma.  She's walking in paradise with Jesus.  Makes me love Jesus even more.  He says in Song of Songs: MY BELOVED SPEAKS AND SAYS TO ME: "ARISE, MY LOVE, MY BEAUTIFUL ONE, AND COME AWAY, FOR BEHOLD, THE WINTER IS PAST; THE RAIN IS OVER AD GONE.  THE  FLOWERS ARE SPRINGING UP, THE SEASON OF SINGING BIRDS HAS COME, AD THE COOING OF TURTLE DOVES FILLS THE AIR.  THE FIG TREE RIPENS ITS FIGS, AND THE VINES IN BLOSSOM HAVE GIVE FORTH THEIR FRAGRANCE.  ARISE, MY LOVE, MY BEAUTIFUL ONE, AND COME AWAY!" (Song 2;10-13 ESV,NLT, NASB)

When Mom and I would go for walks in the neighborhood Mom would stoop down and pick up any trash that may be lying beside the road.  At the time I told her not to bother, but she did anyway.  After Mom went to heaven I cried thinking what a humble servant my Mom had been.  She had been faithful in her own way, to pick up a piece of trash, to make this world a more beautiful place.  It reminds me of our Lord's words: "WHOEVER IS FAITHFUL WITH VERY LITTLE IS ALSO FAITHFUL WITH A LOT."(Lk. 16:10 a ISV)

I remember another time we were at a convenience store in our neighborhood.  There was a man in line who everyone stayed far away from.  He looked dangerous. No one would even get near him.  What did my Mom do?  She walked right up to him, face to face. I thought, 'What is she doing?'  She told him, "Jesus loves you."  To my surprise he accepted her, a humble grandma, into his space bubble.  She gave him the love of Christ.  He smiled at her, deeply moved, and replied, "Thank-you."  I was shocked.  In retrospect I realized  my Mom was being a faithful messenger of Jesus' love.  Just think, Jesus sent that man the only person in the world who he could accept, my Momma; to let him know Jesus loves him.  Brings tears to my eyes.  How proud I am of her for being obedient to what Jesus told her to do that day. She did that many other times too.  She gave the love of Christ to those who others shun.  May we all be faithful to testify of Jesus. AND THEY (THE SAINTS) OVERCAME HIM (SATAN) BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY, AND THEY DID NOT LOVE THEIR LIVES TO THE DEATH. (Rev. 12:11 NKJV)

Solomon: Bema Seat of Christ 8

Solomon,  is the ultimate example of a beautiful young man who built his youth with gold, silver and precious stones. And, in his senior years Solomon became the epitome of a man destroying many lives with his wood, hay, and straw. 

 In his youth SOLOMON LOVED THE LORD, AND LIVED ACCORDING TO THE STATUTES THAT HIS FATHER DAVID OBEYED.. (1 Kings 3:3a)  He desired God's wisdom above all to rule a great people. And God gave it to him, and made him the wisest, richest, and greatest king that ever existed.  Here is how it happened:  THE LORD APPEARED TO SOLOMON ONE NIGHT IN A DREAM AND TOLD HIM, "ASK ME FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT AND I'LL GIVE IT TO YOU."  SO SOLOMON SAID:  "YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED ABUNDANT GRACIOUS LOVE TO YOUR SERVANT DAVID, MY FATHER, AS HE LIVED IN YOUR PRESENCE TRUTHFULLY, AND UPRIGHTLY IN HIS HEART.  IN ADDITION, YOU HAVE KEPT ON SHOWING THIS ABUNDANT GRACIOUS LOVE  BY GIVING HIM A SON TO SIT ON HIS THRONE TODAY.  NOW, LORD MY GOD, YOU HAVE SET ME AS KING TO REPLACE MY FATHER DAVID, BUT I'M STILL YOUNG.  I DON'T HAVE ANY LEADERSHIP SKILLS.  YOUR SERVANT LIVES IN THE MIDST OF YOUR PEOPLE THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN, A GREAT PEOPLE THAT IS TOO NUMEROUS TO BE COUNTED.  SO GIVE YOUR SERVANT AN UNDERSTANDING MIND TO GOVERN YOUR PEOPLE, SO I CAN DISCERN BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL.  OTHERWISE, HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO GOVERN THIS GREAT PEOPLE OF YOURS?" 

 THE LORD WAS PLEASED THAT SOLOMON HAD ASKED FOR THIS, SO GOD TOLD HIM:  "BECAUSE YOU ASKED FOR THIS... YOU'VE ASKED FOR DISCERNMENT SO YOU CAN UNDERSTAND HOW TO GOVERN, LOOK HOW I'M GOING TO DO PRECISELY WHAT YOU ASKED.  I'M GIVING YOU A WISE AND DISCERNING MIND, SO THAT THERE WILL HAVE BEEN NO ONE LIKE YOU BEFORE YOU AND NO ONE WILL ARISE AFTER YOU LIKE YOU.  I'M ALSO GIVING YOU WHAT YOU HAVEN'T REQUESTED: BOTH RICHES AND HONOR, SO THAT NO OTHER KING WILL BE COMPARABLE TO YOU DURING YOUR LIFETIME." (1 Kings 3:5-14  ISV

Tragically,  in his later years of mad folly  Solomon destroyed his life and his nation.  Why? For sexual sin and false gods in his senior years.  Tragic years of wood, hay, and stubble - torched in the fire. How many men are doing the same thing with porn today? This is how Solomon did that:  BUT KING SOLOMON MARRIED MANY FOREIGN WOMEN BESIDES THE DAUGHTER OF PHARAOH: WOMEN FROM MOAB, AMMON, EDOM, AND SIDONIA, ALONG WITH HITTITE WOMEN, TOO, ALL OF THEM FROM NATIONS THAT THE LORD HAD ORDERED THE ISRAELIS, "YOU ARE NOT TO ASSOCIATE WITH THEM AND THEY ARE NOT TO ASSOCIATE WITH YOU, BECAUSE THEY WILL MOST CERTAINLY TURN YOUR AFFECTIONS AWAY TO FOLLOW THEIR GOD'S."  SOLOMON BECAME DEEPLY ATTACHED TO THEM BY FALLING IN LOVE.  HE HAD 700 PRINCESS WIVES AND 300 MISTRESSES WHO TURNED HIS HEART AWAY FROM THE LORD, BECAUSE AS SOLOMON GREW OLDER, HIS WIVES TURNED HIS AFFECTIONS AWAY AFTER OTHER GODS, AND HIS HEART WAS NOTFULLY AS DEVOTED TO THE LORD HIS GOD AS HIS FATHER DAVID'S HEART HAD BEEN.  SOLOMON PURSUED ASTARTE, THE SIDONIAN GODDESS, AND MILCOM, THAT DETESTABLE AMMONITE IDOL.  SOLOMON PRACTICED WHAT THE LORD CONSIDERED TO BE EVIL BY NOT FULLY FOLLOWING THE LORD AS HIS FATHER DAVID.  LATER, SOLOMON EVEN CONSTRUCTED A HIGH PLACE ON THE MOUNTAIN EAST OFJERUSALEM THAT WAS DEDICATED TO CHEMOSH, THAT DETESTABLE MOABITE IDOL, AND TO MOLECH, THE DETESTABLE AMMONITE IDOL.  SOLOMON DID ALL THIS FOR ALL OF HIS FOREIGN WIVES, WHO BURNED INCENSE AND SACRIFICED TOTHEIR GODS.   THE LORD BECAME ANGRY AT SOLOMON BECAUSE HIS HEART WANDERED AWAY FROM THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, WHO HAD APPEARED TO HIM TWICE AND WARNED HIM ABOUT THIS SO HE WOULD NOT PURSUE OTHER GODS. ( 1 Kings 11:1-10a ISV)

Yet, in Solomon's epiphany he came back to the fear of God before he died.  Solomon understood God's Righteous Judgement.   Solomon's last writings state: "NOW, ALL HAS BEEN HEARD; HERE IS THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER: FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, FOR THIS IS THE DUTY OF ALL MANKIND.  FOR GOD WILL BRING EVERY DEED INTO JUDGEMENT, INCLUDING EVERY HIDDEN THING, WHETHER IT IS GOOD OR EVIL."  (Ecclesiastes 12:13,4 NIV)

THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE DAY WHEN GOD JUDGES PEOPLE'S SECRETS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, AS MY GOSPEL DECLARES. States Paul. (Rom. 2:16)   With this in mind, here is Paul's prayer for us believers: .. THAT YOU MAY LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD, AND PLEASE HIM IN EVERY WAY: BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY GOOD WORK, GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. (Col. 1:10 NIV)  May we be ready, in that great day, to stand before Him.  Our Merciful Master, will be sitting on His bema seat. SO.. OUR GOAL IS TO BE PLEASING TO HIM.  FOR ALL OF US MUST APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF THE MESSIAH, SO THAT EACH OF US MAY RECEIVE WHAT HE DESERVES FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE IN THE BODY, WHETHER GOOD OR WORTHLESS. (2 Cor. 5:9c,10 ISV)

Moses: Bema Seat of Christ 7

Moses spent the first 40 years of life being raised to be Pharaoh of Egypt.  

He gladly left all that wood, hay, and stubble  behind.  YHWH freed His people through Moses. Moses always looked ahead to his reward at Messiah's bema seat.  Scripture tells us:  BY FAITH MOSES, WHEN HE HAD GROWN UP, REFUSED TO BE CALLED A SON OF PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER, BECAUSE HE PREFERRED BEING MISTREATED WITH GOD'S PEOPLE TO ENJOYING THE PLEASURES OF SIN FOR A SHORT TIME.  HE THOUGHT THAT BEING INSULTED FOR THE SAKE OF THE MESSIAH WAS OF GREATER VALUE THAN THE TREASURES OF EGYPT, BECAUSE HE WAS LOOKING AHEAD TO HIS REWARD.  BY FAITH HE LEFT EGYPT, WITHOUT BEING AFRAID OF THE KING'S ANGER AND HE PERSEVERED BECAUSE HE SAW THE ONE WHO IS INVISIBLE.  BY FAITH HE ESTABLISHED THE PASSOVER AND THE SPRINKLING OF BLOOD TO KEEP THE DESTROYER OF THE FIRSTBORN FROM TOUCHING THE PEOPLE. (Heb. 11;24-28 ISV) 

The Sacred Writings reveal to us that faith is pure gold that pleases God.  NOW WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, FOR WHOEVER COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS AND THAT HE REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM. (He. 11:6 ISV)  We can bank faith in heaven.  FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE ENDURE FOREVER... (Epistles)

The Great Apostle Paul: Bema Seat of Christ 6

What do Paul, Moses, and Solomon have in common?

 They are all great men of God who built with incorruptible gold, silver and precious gems. And, they all spent years of their lives building with wood, hay, and stubble too.  Years just burnt  up at Jesus Bema seat. 

The great Apostle Paul had been a pharisee of pharisees who built his whole life of trying to serve God through religious rituals. He said his whole life before knowing Christ was just rubbish, dung.. wood, hay, and stubble.  He writes, 'I count it all but dung compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Him.'  YES, EVERYTHING ELSE IS WORTHLESS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE INFINITE VALUE OF KNOWING CHRIST JESUS MY LORD, FOR WHOSE SAKE I HAVE LOST ALL THINGS.  I CONSIDER THEM GARBAGE, THAT I MAY GAIN CHRIST. (Phil. 3:8 NLT)  Gaining Christ, knowing Him is gold, silver and precious stones of eternal value.  

 Religious externalism had become the bane of Saul's existence until He came to know Lord Jesus personally on the road to Damascus. He lived a life passionately devoted to the Lord from the first moment he met him.  From that moment on Paul's whole driving force in life became knowing Jesus.  I WANT TO KNOW HIM AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION.. he says.  Paul's heart cries out:  "I WANT TO KNOW THE MESSIAH- WHAT HIS RESURRECTION POWER IS LIKE, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO SHARE IN HIS SUFFERINGS BY BECOMING LIKE HIM IN DEATH. (Phil. 3:10 IV) And Paul did too.  He knew what awaited him at the bema seat. NOW THERE IS IN STORE FOR ME THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHICH THE LORD, THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, WILL AWARD TO ME ON THAT DAY- AND NOT ONLY TO ME, BUT ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LONGED FOR HIS APPEARING. (2. Tim. 4:8 NIV)  Paul's entire life became dedicated to pleasing Jesus, the Righteous Judge and faithfully finishing the work Jesus gave him to do.  Paul states:  "HOWEVER, I CONSIDER MY LIFE WORTH NOTHING TO ME; MY ONLY AIM IS TO FINISH THE RACE AND COMPLETE THE TASK THE LORD JESUS HAS GIVEN ME-- THE TASK OF TESTIFYING TO THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD'S GRACE." (Acts 20:24 NIV)   What greater gold, silver, and precious stones could there be than to finish the race course? 

 Jesus commissioned Saul when He came to him in glory.  Paul records his encounter with the Lord of Glory this way:  " ON THE ROAD (to Damascus) AT NOON,.. I SAW A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN THAT WAS BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN.  IT FLASHED AROUND ME AND THOSE WHO WERE TRAVELING WITH ME.  ALL OF US FELL TO THE GROUND, AND I HEARD A VOICE.. IN THE HEBREW LANGUAGE... 'I'M JESUS WHOM YOU ARE PERSECUTING.  BUT GET UP AND STAND ON YOUR FEET, BECAUSE I'VE APPEARED TO YOU FOR THE VERY PURPOSE OF APPOINTING YOU TO BE MY SERVANT AND WITNESS OF WHAT YOU'VE SEEN AND OF WHAT I WILL SHOW YOU.  I'LL CONTINUE TO RESCUE YOU FROM YOUR PEOPLE AND FROM THE GENTILES TO WHOM I'M SENDING YOU.  YOU WILL HELP THEM UNDERSTAND AND TURN THEM FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT AND FROM SATAN'S CONTROL TO GOD, SO THAT THEIR SINS WILL BE FORGIVEN AND THEY WILL RECEIVE A SHARE AMONG THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH IN ME.'  AND SO... I WAS NOT DISOBEDIENT TO THE HEAVENLY VISION. (Acts 26:12-19 ISV)  FOR THIS IS WHAT THELORD HAS COMMANDED US: "I HAVE MADE YOU A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." (Acts 13:47)

 Paul lived the rest of his life with this one goal in mind, to testify of our glorious Lord's gospel. He knew all about Christs' bema seat.  He made that day his life's ambition.  He says:  "BROTHERS AND SISTERS, I DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF YET TO HAVE TAKEN HOLD F IT.  BUT ONE THING I DO: FORGETTING WHAT IS BEHIND AND STRAINING TOWARD WHAT IS AHEAD, I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL TO WIN THE PRIZE FOR WHICH GOD HAS CALLED ME HEAVENWARD IN CHRIST JESUS." (Phil. 3:13,14 NIV)

 May I live a life passionately devoted to Jesus like Paul did.  May I live only to tell of Jesus mercy, grace and forgiveness; His unfathomable river of love that He has had upon my life. May He find my works complete before His God. Amen. 

Anna the Prophetess : Bema Seat of Christ 5

Anna the Prophetess is a woman who built her life with the most precious of building materials.

 Her specific building material was a life devoted to YHWH, including:

 1) Being in God's Presence in the Temple continually.

2) Worshiping day and night. 

3) Times of fasting.

4) Prayer.

5) Being a witness for Jesus, her greatest work.

 God gave her, a humble widow, the greatest honor of being the first messenger of the incarnate Messiah, the baby Jesus.

 I'd like to be more like Anna.

 Luke tells us:  NOW ANNA, A PROPHETESS, WAS ALSO THERE (in the temple).  SHE WAS A DESCENDANT OF PHANUEL FROM THE TRIBE OF ASHER.  SHE WAS VERY OLD, HAVING LIVED WITH HER HUSBAND FOR SEVEN YEARS AFTER HER MARRIAGE, AND THEN AS A WIDOW FOR 84 YEARS.  SHE NEVER LEFT THE TEMPLE, BUT CONTINUED TO WORSHIP THERE NIGHT AND DAY WITH TIMES OF FASTING AND PRAYER.  JUST THEN SHE CAME FORWARD AND BEGAN TO THANK GOD AND TO SPEAK ABOUT JESUS TO EVERYONE WHO WAS WAITING FOR THE  REDEMPTION OF JERUSALEM. (Lk. 2:36-38 ISV)

Dorcas, know as Tabitha was another widow who built a wonderful ministry.  She made beautiful clothes for the other widows.  She did a great Christian service, clothing the poor.  Jesus even raised her from the dead through Peter.  (Acts 9:36-42) It's rewarding buying nice clothes for people who can't afford to.  Jesus rewards us in heaven also.  

Nancy Missler: Bema Seat of Christ 4

Nancy Missler: Messenger of Love  

(Image: kingdompowerandglory.org
Nan and Chuck Missler

To me "Way of Agape" is the greatest message of love for the body of Christ today.  Nancy Missler, author, is calling us back to love our husbands. 

 Her new work, "The Kingdom, Power and Glory,"  is the greatest message of love for the church today.  Nan calls us back to love our Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus.  And in loving Him we serve Him, obey Him, remain faithful to Him, and receive great rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven from Him.  

Nancy Missler's work, "Faith in the Night Seasons" is another message of God's great love to us.  Jesus brought her  book to me during my 'dark night of the soul,' when my Momma passed away.   A dark night that lasted 40 days and 40 nights.  Through this book Nan reminded me that Jesus still loved me and God was with me no matter what.   Whether I could sense His Presence or not God still loves us.

I'm looking forward to her newest book on hope.  We all need more hope.  LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS. (1 Cor. 13:7a,c)  THREE THINGS WILL LAST FOREVER-- FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE-- AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. (1 Cor. 13:13 NLT)

 Nan example of a woman of God building with gold, silver, and precious stones today.  Eternal building materials glimmering with hope, faith, and love.  Nancy will get incredible rewards in heaven some great day.  She is a great messenger of love.  Many will come and acknowledge Jesus has loved her. (Rev. 3:9)   She will rule and reign with Messiah.  How happy Nan will be sitting next to Jesus on His throne.  (Rev. 3:21)  

Mary of Bethany: Bema Seat of Christ 3

Mary of Bethany is another woman who built her life at the feet of Jesus. 

 She used heavens gold, silver,and precious gems of the most vibrant colors!   She had .. ALL THE RICHES THAT COME FROM A COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING  OF THE FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE MESSIAH, WHO IS THE MYSTERY OF GOD.  IN HIM ARE STORED ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. (Col. 2:2b,3 ISV)

Every time we see Mary in Scripture she is at the feet of our Lord Jesus.  Jesus says that being at His feet is something that will never be taken away from a person, and is the most important thing in life.  Let's inventory her specific building materials:
1) Mary spent time personally with Jesus.  We can do the same thing in prayer, worship, Bible reading.
2) She listened to His teachings.
Luke reveals: ..MARY, WHO SAT BEFORE THE MASTER, HANGING ON EVERY WORD HE SAID.  (Lk. 10:39b Message) Jesus commends her:  "ONLY ONE THING IS ESSENTIAL, AND MARY HAS CHOSEN IT- IT'S THE MAIN COURSE, AND WON'T BE TAKEN FROM HER." (V. 42)

Mary, the sister of Lazareth, did the greatest work for Jesus in preparing His body for burial.  AVAILING HERSELF OF THE OPPORTUNITY, MARY TOOK A POUND WEIGHT OF PURE SPIKENARD, VERY COSTLY, AND POURED IT OVER HIS FEET, AND WIPED HIS FEET WITH HER HAIR, SO THAT THE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH THE FRAGRANCE OF THE PERFUME. (Jn. 12:3 Weymouth NT)  She was the only one who actually understood Jesus was on His way to the cross.  The precious oil of spikenard was worth an entire years income.  Mary was glad to minister to the Lord this way.  He had just raised her brother, Lazarus, from the dead!  (John 12:1-8)

Martha, Mary's sister did good works for Jesus too.  She prepared banquets for Him. (Jn. 12:2, Lk. 10:40)  She will have great reward in heaven.

Lydia is another woman who opened her house to the gospel through the Apostle Paul.  She was the first convert in the western world.  She hosted a church in her house.(Acts 13:14,15)  You and I can do the same.

Mary Magdalene: Bema Seat of Christ 2

Mary Magdalene was a faithful follower of Jesus. 

(Image: postabortionwalk.blogspot.com)

 He had mercy on her when He delivered her of 6 horrible demons.  She never left His side after that.  She was an amazing woman who gave Jesus her whole life. She supported Him and His ministry with her money.  Even in His death she could not bear to be separated from Him.  Jesus rewarded her.  He came to her first when He resurrected from the dead.  She was the very first messenger Jesus commissioned to tell He had risen.  Mary Magdalene honored Jesus with precious building materials of her time, her money, her love, her devotion, her words, her obedience.  

She was faithful, the Apostle to the Apostles. 

Mary Magdalene was a woman who lived her life passionately devoted to her Healer, Jesus.  (Gospels)  She never left Jesus' side.  Even in his death on the cross she could not bear to be away from Him.  She was there at His burial.  When Messiah arose from the dead, He came to her first of all.  She had been crying at the garden tomb, looking for Him.  Jesus assigned her the work of being His first messenger of the resurrected Messiah.  What a great honor.  Great will be her reward at the Bema Seat of Christ. 

The Bema Seat of Christ 1

Our greatest understanding of the Bema seat of Christ comes from 1 Corinthians 3. 

  So I want to look at verses 10-15 more carefully with you. 

Paul writes:  AS AN EXPERT BUILDER USING THE GRACE THAT GOD GAVE ME, I LAID THE FOUNDATION, AND SOMEONE ELSE IS BUILDING ON IT.  BUT EACH PERSON MUST BE CAREFUL HOW HE BUILDS ON IT.  AFTER ALL, NO ONE CAN LAY ANY OTHER FOUNDATION THAN THE ONE THAT IS ALREADY LAID, AND THAT IS JESUS THE MESSIAH.  WHETHER A PERSON BUILDS ON THIS FOUNDATION WITH GOLD, SILVER, EXPENSIVE STONES, WOOD, HAY, OR STRAW, THE WORKMANSHIP OF EACH PERSON WILL BECOME EVIDENT, FOR THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT WILL SHOW WHAT IT IS, BECAUSE IT WILL BE REVEALED WITH FIRE, AND THE FIRE WILL TEST THE QUALITY OF EACH PERSON'S ACTION.  IF WHAT A PERSON HAS BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION SURVIVES, HE WILL RECEIVE A REWARD.  IF HIS WORK IS BURNED UP, HE WILL SUFFER LOSS.  HOWEVER HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, BUT IT WILL BE LIKE GOING THROUGH FIRE. (ISV )

 I had read this for years and pondered what this could possibly mean.  Then, one day, I made an exciting discovery. I understood exactly the difference between wood, hay and straw, things of this world.  Verses gold, silver, and expensive stones.. materials for the world to come.  This is what happened:  I drove over to Post Falls to interview Nancy Missler on her work "Way of Agape". 

So there I was in Chuck's office getting the lighting and camera set up.  I looked up and saw displayed all around the walls awards for Chuck.  Commendations for service, awards from companies,  certificates of great achievements and success, degrees, etc.  I was impressed at such credentials.  Then I read what Chuck had written underneath them:  "Wood, hay, and stubble."  It was at that moment I understood what wood, hay and stubble are; works of this world.

First Corinthians Chapter 1

First Corinthians is a beautiful book that shows us great mysteries of God.

  Paul starts right out in the first chapter telling us all about our great God, the Lord Jesus and how wonderful He is.  We are also assured that our Lord makes us rich in knowledge. Also, Paul makes it perfectly clear that God has chosen us regular people, not just super elite people. (1 Cor. 1:26)  That makes me happy.  

Paul is happy because of Gods' great grace He has given us in Christ Jesus. (v. 4) Grace is Gods unmerited favor.  I like the way Missler puts it: "Grace is getting what we don't deserve.  Mercy is not getting what we deserve."  We are saved by Gods grace (Ephesians 2:8)  God has carried me on eagles wings of grace for 20 years since His grace saved me.  His Son's great mercy healed me of terminal cancer 20 years ago.  Jesus forgiveness has always flowed to me.  Jesus blood has freed me from my sins. (Rev. 1)  Jesus gives us His mercy, grace, and forgiveness with unfathomable power always flowing to us like a mighty river of Gods love that we are constantly immersed in.

  

These are personally my favorite verses, truths and reassurances from the first chapter of 1 Corinthians from the Contemporary English Version:

 Paul states:  I NEVER STOP THANKING MY GOD FOR BEING KIND ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU CHRIST JESUS WHO HELPS YOU SPEAK AND UNDERSTAND SO WELL.  (1 Cor. 1:4,5 CEV)  That's sure what I want, to speak and understand the things of God.  Praise God  our Lord Jesus helps us through His Spirit. 

Key Lesson of First Corinthians

The key lesson for me personally in First Corinthians is  faithfulness to our Lord Jesus. 

 NOW IT IS REQUIRED THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN A TRUST MUST PROVE FAITHFUL. (1 Cor. 4:2)  This is not an option, it is a requirement.  

Our lives don't belong to ourselves anymore.  They belong to the Lord Jesus to use as He wills, for His glory.  We are obligated, and joyfully live for Him as He requires.  We are also obligated to die for Him if He requires it of us. Be prepared.  You and I are of infinite worth to God.  We were chosen by God before the foundation of the world.  Lord Jesus bought us on the cross 2,000 years ago. We were bought with the very life blood of God Himself. We have been preordained to works.  Let us wake up and walk in them.  Lord Jesus instructs us; "AS LONG AS IT IS DAY, WE MUST DO THE WORKS OF HIM WHO SENT ME..."  (Jn. 9:4a NIV)

These verses from First Corinthians and elsewhere explain these great truths:

     DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT YOUR BODIES ARE TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO IS IN YOU, WHOM YOU HAVE RECEIVED FROM GOD? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN; YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE.  THEREFORE HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODIES. (1 Cor. 6:19,20 NIV)

     YOU (LORD JESUS) ARE WORTHY.... BECAUSE YOU WERE SLAIN, AND WITH YOUR BLOOD YOU PURCHASED FOR GOD PERSONS FROM EVERY TRIBE AND LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE AND NATION. (Rev. 6:9a,c NIV) 

     FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND SO THAT WE WOULD WALK IN THEM. (Eph. 2:10 NASB)

    I like the way the ISV explains works as good actions as our way of life. That's the way it really is.  FOR WE ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE, CREATED IN THE MESSIAH JESUS TO PERFORM GOOD ACTIONS THAT GOD PREPARED LONG AGO TO BE OUR WAY OF LIFE. (Eph 2:10)  Isn't that wonderful?  Just think.. God Himself made us to perform good actions in our lives.... for Messiah Jesus.  Oh, the unfathomable riches of God.  That He let us know this.   

Last year during deep worship at church I heard The Spirit say to me: " I HAVE NOT FOUND YOUR WORKS COMPLETE BEFORE MY GOD."   I immediately recognized those words from Jesus to the church in Sardius. (Rev. 3:2c)  I thank God Jesus woke me up.  Let all of us awake even more!   Jesus will give us the most amazing lives we can imagine to live for Him.  We honor Lord Jesus by living our lives to the full...  for Him, through Him, and in Him

 My prayer is that the Lord Jesus gives me the strength and the length of life to complete my works before His God.  That would make me so happy.  SO WHETHER WE ARE HERE IN THIS BODY OR AWAY FROM THIS BODY, OUR GOAL IS TO PLEASE HIM. (2 Cor. 5:9)  

God Is Always Speaking To Humanity

God is always speaking to humanity.  Do you hear His majestic voice in the thunder? Do you see His strength in the storm?  Do you feel His Spirit moving in the wind? Do you experience His refreshment in the rain? Do you feel His love in the morning sunshine?  THE STEADFAST LOVE OF THE LORD NEVER CEASES; HIS MERCIES NEVER COME TO AN END; THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING; GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS.  (Lam. 3:22-23 CEV)

God speaks to us personally too.  Contemplating His Creation is one way we can understand Him. God is infinitely greater than the universe.  I can appreciate the smallness of man and the grandeur of God.  The mountain ranges shows His wildness, the mountain peaks His power and Sovereignty, the wind His wisdom, the lightening His brightness.  When Jesus comes again His coming will be brighter than lightening.  Jesus comes on the  shining clouds of heaven, the Shekinah Glory of God.   

Jesus always loved to walk on the seashore and climb the mountains.  (Gospels)  Why?  To behold His Father's beauty.  To speak to His God and our God.   To partake in prayer, intimacy, solitude with the Father.  To meditate, think on the great things of God.   I've asked God to let me see and understand Him in new ways through His creation  before I leave this world.   From the mountaintops to the seashores.  From the Aurora Borealis to the sparkling beaches and crystal clear seas.   To commune with God in creation, to contemplate Him, and understand the fleeting lifespan of man was my request.  The Lord is giving me the desires of my heart.  He answers prayer in magnificent ways.  Jesus has made me a young at heart world adventurer. I never could have dreamed of such a thing.  I've toured the Australian continent with my daughter.  Jesus gives the best birthday presents.  For my 60th birthday I'm wintering in New Zealand with Chuck Missler ministry and many bible people.  I appreciate this  gift.  What can I say? I have a heart full of gratitude to God above.

  The prophet Isaiah cried out (Is. 40:6)  ALL HUMAN LIFE IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE A FLOWER IN THE GRASS.  THE GRASS DRIES UP AND THE FLOWER DROPS OFF, BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD LASTS FOREVER.  (1 Pet. 1:24,25 ISV)

The Seven Spirits Before God's Throne

 The Holy Spirit is God, in union with the Father and His Son; His Spirit of the triune Godhead, the trinity. 

 The Holy Spirit is the wind, the very breath of Almighty God.  Ruach Elohim in Hebrew, pneuma in Greek. God's Spirit was active at creation, at the resurrection, in the universe today, etc.    God's very power and life emanates from God's throne into the entire cosmos. We see this most clearly in Revelation 4.  We experience the center of the universe through John's vision. We stand before God, the power generator of the universes, the beginning and the end.   Jesus called His Apostle John up there to Him.  John was taken through the door opened in heaven.   He was in the Spirit.  He recorded it for us.  This is my ultimate experience in the Word of God; standing  immersed in the sea of God's 7 Spirits flowing from His throne, giving life, existence to the entire cosmos.  I've stood at God's throne in vision immersed in the flowing sea  of the sevenfold Holy Spirit.  Awe struck in the living waves of Gods Spirit, pulses like crystals of God giving life, waves of His power.  God's Spirit flows into the entire universe, animating this cosmos. That's the 'crystal sea we read about. (Rev. 4, Rev. 15:2)  Daniel saw this great 'river' of Gods Spirit flowing from God's throne too in a night vision.  The only word he could describe God's powerful Spirit is:   A FIERY STREAM ISSUED AND CAME FORTH FROM BEFORE HIM.. (Dan 7:10 KJB2000)   I'm convinced the 7 Spirits flaming, emanating, flowing forth from the throne, flowing with the vibrant, emanating power of God travel in waves and pulses, like light travels. 

The Lords 'Prescense'

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit was referred to at times as God's 'Presence.'  The Lord's powerful  Presence was manifest in the Shekinah Glory in the exodus. THE LORD REPLIED, "MY PRESENCE WILL GO WITH YOU, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST."  (Ex. 33:14)  Moses had the most incredible relationship with God.  I pray we all could have a relationship like that.  God's Presence would come down to Moses at the tent of meeting in the wilderness. AS MOSES WENT INTO THE TENT, THE PILLAR OF CLOUD WOULD COME DOWN AND STAY AT THE ENTRANCE, WHILE THE LORD SPOKE TO MOSES.  THE LORD WOULD SPEAK TO MOSES FACE TO FACE, AS ONE SPEAKS TO A FRIEND. (Ex. 33:9,11a NIV)  The Lord God told Moses of His great mercy. "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I WILL HAVE MERCY,  I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I WILL HAVE COMPASSION." (v. 19:c)   In a spiritual sense we can talk to God face to face too through Jesus.  His followers did in the Bible. Prayer is it!  Just talk to Him. Worship intensifies this intimacy. 

 Isn't it interesting that Jesus calls us His friends? I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS, FOR ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE HEARD FROM MY FATHER I HAVE MADE KNOWN TO YOU.  YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHAT I COMMAND YOU.  (Jn. 15:15b, 14)  Isn't it interesting that we who follow Jesus are friends with God, the Son?  When we read the Gospels He talks to us literally.  The Holy Spirit's job is to tell us what Jesus is saying on an intimate level too.  I find this profound, and beautiful.  To talk with God.  Our privilede in Christ.

 We are protected, hidden, and sheltered in our Lord's "Presence".  IN THE SHELTER OF YOUR PRESENCE YOU HIDE THEM.. (Psalm 31:20a)   King David desired to have the Lord's presence and His Holy Spirit with him always.  Gods presence was of the highest value to the great King David.  (Psalm 51:11)   "YOU WILL MAKE KNOW TO ME THE PATH OF LIFE; IN YOUR PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY; IN YOUR RIGHT HAND THERE ARE PLEASURES FOREVER," Proclaims King David.  (Psalm 16:11 NASB)  He ought to know.  He is a man after God's own heart. 

 Isn't it interesting that the King loved to dance before the Lord? (2 Sam. 6:14)  Miriam, the prophetess, Moses sister, danced before the Lord with the women of Israel after the Red Sea crossing.  (Ex. 15:20)   I've found that we can have a direct, experiential relationship with the Presence of the Holy Spirit. We can love God's Spirit too.  I most often am immersed in His Presence when I dance before the Lord in private worship. During worship I'm singing and praying to Him too.  Jesus likes it.  It makes Him happy when we worship Him. LET THEM PRAISE HIS NAME WITH DANCING.. (Psalm 149:3a )

Tongues

The great Apostle Paul says:  "I THANK GOD THAT I SPEAK IN TONGUES MORE THAN ALL OF YOU. (1 Cor. 14:18)  FOR, IF I PRAY IN A TONGUE, MY SPIRIT PRAYS..I WILL PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT, I WILL SING WITH THE SPIRIT.." (1 Cor. 14:14a,15b NIV)  FOR ANYONE WHO SPEAKS IN A TONGUE DOES NOT SPEAK TO PEOPLE BUT TO GOD.  INDEED, NO ONE UNDERSTANDS THEM; THEY UTTER MYSTERIES BY THE SPIRIT. (1 Cr. 14:2 NIV)

 Praying in tongues in private devotion is another entrance into the Holy Spirits presence and empowerment.  A PERSON WHO SPEAKS IN TONGUES IS STRENGTHENED PERSONALLY.. (1 Cor. 14:4a NLT) There is a place for public expression in tongues with interpretations.  The Holy Spirit  speaks  in this way also. I've been to a few meetings where tongues, interpretation and prophecy brought great glory to the Son of David.  The Holy Spirit brought God's insights to the body, just as instructed in 1 Corinthians 14:26-33.   

God's Spirit Speaks and Gives Visions

God's Spirit  give dreams, vision and prophecy at times  too. (Joel 2:28, Acts 2)  Visions are through the Holy Spirit.  I love being with Jesus in vision.  It's with my eyes closed, when I'm in the Spirit that He has appeared to me.  It's  during prayer , and or worship when He has come to me.  Once in a dream, a vision of the night.  I love Jesus, I love being with Him. I fell in love with Him 20 years ago when He healed me of terminal breast cancer. Nothing I have ever done or ever could do deserved His miracle.  It's only His mercy.  Jesus has called to me in vision to sit with Him, and I did.  He has called me to Him to 'talk'  face to face.  Not with words, Spirit to spirit.  These occasions are too rare. I appreciate Him.  I thank Him.  I need Jesus more, with every passing day.  I long to be in our Lords Presence.  I desire to be with Jesus in vision even more.  TAKE DELIGHT IN THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. (Psalm 37:4 NIV)  And He does.

 Jesus came to Paul in a vision during prayer:  "WHEN I RETURNED TO JERUSALEM AND WAS PRAYING AT THE TEMPLE, I FELL INTO A TRANCE AND SAW THE LORD SPEAKING TO ME", records Paul. (Acts 22:17,18a)  Jesus came to Ananias in vision too. (Acts 9:15)  Peter fell into a trance, a visionary state.  He saw a vision while he was in prayer. (Acts 10:10)  From this vision Jesus sent him to the gentiles.  Jesus came to Paul in a dream, a vision of the night.  ONE NIGHT THE LORD SPOKE TO PAUL IN A VISION: "DO NOT BE AFRAID; KEEP ON SPEAKING, DO NOT BE SILENT."  (Acts 18:9)  In each case Jesus talked to them.    Are we surprised when Jesus comes and talks to us too?  Would we expect anything less with God?  I have lived the Bible, the book of Acts from the moment of my salvation.  Jesus saved my soul when I was laying on my bed dying of cancer.  Jesus' mercy subsequently healed me. His grace and forgiveness have been with me ever since.

Daniel is a man famous for his 'visions of the night'.  God called Paul to preach the gospel to Macedonia (Greece) through a vision in the night.(Acts 16:9,19)   The most renown vision in the world is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.  John saw this vision when he was in the Spirit.  The Lord Jesus came to him  in His glorified body shining brighter than the sun.  (That's how Jesus first came to Saul of Tarsus.)  John was on the island of Patmos to  receive this vision, the Apocalypse. He recorded all that he saw and heard  for us. (Revelation 1)  John writes:  AFTER THIS I LOOKED AND BEFORE ME WAS A DOOR STANDING OPEN IN HEAVEN. AND THE VOICE (of Jesus) I HAD FIRST HEARD SPEAKING TO ME LIKE A TRUMPET SAID, "COME UP HERE, AND I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT MUST TAKE PLACE AFTER THIS." AT ONCE I WAS IN THE SPIRIT, AND BEHOLD, A THRONE STOOD IN HEAVEN, WITH ONE SEATED ON THE THRONE.  (Rev. 4:1,2)  I was taken to that throne once in vision too.  Beholding the Glory of God was the highlight of my life.

 The first record of God coming to man in vision is with Abraham. AFTER THESE THINGS THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO ABRAM IN A VISION, SAYING, "FEAR NOT, ABRAM: I AM THY SHIELD, AND THY EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD." (Gen. 15:1 KJV)   The earliest vision seen in the Bible is the second coming of the Messiah: ENOCH, THE SEVENTH FROM ADAM, PROPHESIED..: "SEE, THE LORD IS COMING WITH THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF HIS HOLY ONES." (Jude 14a,c)

 God says;  CALL UPON ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS YOU KNOW NOT. (Jeremiah 3)  And I do call to Him, and He does show me wonderful things. I thank Him.  And, of course, reading the Oracles of God, our bibles provide an entrance into God's Spirit. Sometimes, during bible reading it is just like being there with Jesus, God talking to me personally. He will talk to you personally too.  His Spirit knows how to reach our inner depths.  He enables us to understand the Word of God.  Bible reading isn't just intellectual.   Scripture only comes alive and speaks to us through God's Spirit. ALL SCRIPTURE IS BREATHED OUT BY GOD.. (2 Tim. 3:16a ESV)   FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE.. IT PENETRATES EVEN TO DIVIDING SOUL AND SPIRIT.. (Heb. 4:a,c NIV)

    .. NO ONE CAN KNOW THE THOUGHTS OF GOD EXCEPT GOD'S SPIRIT. (1Cor. 2:11c ISV)   In a sense we depend on the Holy Spirit of God to enlighten us.   BUT GOD HAS REVEALED THOSE THINGS TO US BY HIS SPIRIT.  FOR THE SPIRIT SEARCHES EVERYTHING, EVEN THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD. (1 Cor. 2:10 ISV)  O HOW DEEP ARE GOD'S RICHES, AND WISDOM, AND KNOWLEDGE!  HOW UNFATHOMABLE ARE HIS DECISIONS AND UNEXPLAINABLE HIS WAYS! (Rom. 11:33 ISV)

The Comforter

(Image: tapestryproductions.com)

Jesus told us that when the The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth comes He reminds us of all the things Jesus says to us supernaturally. 

 He also shows us things to come. (John) The Holy Spirit loves us.  He is God.  We are not to make Him sad by grieving Him.(Epistles)  He speaks to us in His own way.  Through Him we can understand God's truths in the Sacred Writings of Scripture.  Here is the greatest mystery about Jesus' Holy Spirit:  AND THE MYSTERY IS THAT CHRIST LIVES IN YOU.  AND HE IS YOUR HOPE OF SHARING IN GOD'S GLORY. (Col.1:27 CEV) This is what we call the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus instructs us in Revelation:.. "LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES."  

God is always speaking to humanity.  Jesus is always calling the human heart to Him and the Holy Spirit is always talking to you and I.  Let's pray: Jesus, Father give us  open ears always to hear what the Spirit says to the churches, clothe us with even greater power from on high, immerse us even more in You.  Father, thank-you for sending us Your Spirit.  May we operate through the power of God's Spirit to greater degrees than we ever imagined.  Pour out Your Spirit from on high even upon us even more.  Let us hear when you talk. We love You Jesus.  Amen. 

     THEN IT WILL COME ABOUT AT A LATER TIME THAT I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON EVERY PERSON.  YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY.  YOUR ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL DREAM DREAMS, AND YOUR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL SEE VISIONS. (Joel 2:28 ISV)

.....BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD. THEN WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED. (Acts 2:20c,21  ISV)   COME LORD JESUS.

Be Filled With The Spirit

(Image: jameswilkins.org)

Do you want to know a secret?  How do we get power?  How do we achieve intimacy with Jesus' Spirit?  Worship Jesus.   That is  one of my secrets  to remain in profound union with Christ.   His Spirit then can move through me even more powerfully.   Worship.  The Holy Spirit is a person of the Godhead.  We can love Him too.  He speaks to us also.  One evening when I was very ill Jesus told me,  "Worship Me- that's where the power is."   I heard what the Spirit was saying to me.  
                         
 Do you want to move in power?  Worship Jesus.  I love to sing and dance, worshiping Jesus. In private.   We can enter a state of worship simply sitting and praying, etc.   The Lord has given me a garment of praise (Isaiah)  I especially treasure worshiping our Lord in the congregation of the saints.  You will find power from heaven when you worship.  Being 'in the Spirit' in this manner feels so good.  I experience God's Spirit moving.  I love Him.  During this deep, intimate worship it is as if Jesus is feeding me with His hidden manna (Revelation), as if He is breathing His life giving Spirit into me.  He is quenching my thirst with  His living waters.  I do know the gift God has for me, and I do ask Jesus to give me living water.(John 4)  He gave it to me at the moment of salvation.  He refreshes  me during worship. .. WE WERE ALL GIVEN ONE SPIRIT TO DRINK. (1 Cor. 12:13b, NIV)  This is direct, personal love, union with God in worship; Savior to soul, Creator to creature, Maker to the man or  woman He made,  Lover to His beloved, Husband to His bride.  I call this Song of Songs worship, experiencing our union  with God's Spirit.

  In worshiping Jesus I become  aware of Gods profound love.   During worship the experience, interchange  between my  Savior and  soul is, in a sense, love.  I love Him.  TO LIVE IS CHRIST. (Epistles)   God's Spirit makes deep love to our human spirit during worship.  What is worship?  Loving Him with our whole being.   You will be amazed how Jesus Holy Spirit pours His love into you in intimate worship.  I always am.  Elohim broods over us and fill us in worship.  Our  whole human being, physically, emotionally, mentally, every nanoparticle of our being, He fills and permeates.  I need Him always.   MY YEARNING DESIRE IS TO BE SET FREE AND BE WITH CHRIST, WHICH IS FAR, FAR BETTER. (Epistles)   This desire is fulfilled to a degree in this world during worship.  IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. (Acts).
.. BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT... SING AND MAKE MUSIC FROM YOUR HEART TO THE LORD. (Eph 5:19)

The Spirit of Truth

 Jesus said,  "YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE."

(John 8:32)  God's words are truth. (John 17:17b)   Jesus Messiah, is the ultimate Word of God.  All things were made through Him (John 1).  The entire fabric of the universe is upheld by the power of His word.  (Colossians)  Jesus is ultimate truth.  I AM THE TRUTH... Jesus tells us in Gospel of John.        Scriptures says that Jesus is our teacher sent from God. (Gospels)   In Him all of God's wisdom, truth and reality is revealed to mankind. (Epistles)  Jesus told us that He would send His Spirit of Truth to us, the Holy Spirit, and He would guide us into all truth. (John)  Jesus' Spirit, the Holy Spirit lives in us, and is with us when we become believers.  That is how we are born again.  We were dead, our spirits, then Jesus made us alive in Him when His Spirit enters and indwells us.

 I have experienced this in a profound way when Jesus blew cancer out of my near dead body, and filled me with His Living Hope.  

Power From On HIgh

After Jesus resurrected from the dead He came to His Apostles.  THEN HE OPENED THEIR MINDS SO THEY COULD UNDERSTAND THE SCRIPTURES. (Lk. 24:45)  May He do that in even greater degree for us too. He will. I trust Him. When we delight in the Lord He gives us the desires of our hearts.  Right before ascending to heaven Jesus  tells His followers:  I AM GOING TO SEND YOU WHAT MY FATHER HAS PROMISED, BUT STAY IN THE CITY UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN CLOTHED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH. (Lk. 24:49)  YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT  COMES ON YOU; AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES... (Acts 1:8aNIV)

 And that's exactly what happened 49 days after Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead.  God's wind, the Living Holy Spirit from God came down with a hurricane gale onto Jesus followers.  The Apostles, Jesus mom, and all the believers in the upper room in Jerusalem.  There were 120 gathered together waiting for the Holy Spirit to come on the Feast of Pentecost. .  SUDDENLY, A SOUND LIKE A ROAR OF A MIGHTY WINDSTORM CAME FROM HEAVEN AND FILLED THE WHOLE HOUSE WHERE THEY WERE SITTING.  THEY SAW TONGUES, LIKE FLAMES OF FIRE THAT SEPARATED, AND ONE RESTED ON EACH OF THEM.  ALL OF THEM WERE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.. (Acts 2:2-4a ISV)  What were these tongues of flaming fire?  God Himself, His Spirit emanating His divine power to Jesus' followers.  God's Spirit is a Person,  flowing like a flaming bright river of God's supernatural life giving power.  His Spirit indwells us always, and comes upon us also. We are clothed with His power to witness. This garment is light, bright, given to us from heaven.  It's a garment of Spirit. Operating in the Holy Spirit feels so good.  Being under the unction of the Holy Spirit makes everything flow so easily. That's how we witness, telling about Jesus with our words and our lives, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Calls Me The Second Time

Jesus Second Call  

 But God had further plans for me in this life.   He is full of surprises!    

Sidney Hemmingmoore.

 Just like the Word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time (Jonah 3:1); Jesus called me the second time too.   This is what  happened when Jesus recommissioned me about a year ago:   We were deep in worship Sunday morning at church, Calvary Spokane.  We were singing a song about being on our knees before Jesus in worship.  All of a sudden I was in vision, in the Spirit.  Jesus came to me.  My eyes were closed.  I saw myself on my knees, before Jesus (in His mortal/ resurrected body).  My eyes were about knee level.  He then 'said' to me, not with words, Spirit to spirit.  "Come up here."  

Immediately I was standing before Him face to face. 

(vinemag.com)

 Jesus said to me, not with words, Spirit to spirit.  "I still have more for you to do."  (I knew immediately I was not dying, and Jesus would give me more years of life here.) Jesus said, "Tell of My mercy."  (I knew immediately He was specifically talking of 20 years ago when His mercy  healed me of terminal cancer.)  Then, Jesus said to me, "Tell of my grace."  ( I knew immediately that these past 20 years I have lived and had any success in life only by His grace.  God has carried me on eagles wings of grace.) ..... Then Jesus said, "Tell of My forgiveness."  Immediately I knew the specific sins, so grievous to me, were as if they never happened.  HE HAS FREED US BY HIS BLOOD FROM OUR SINS..... I'm so grateful.

(fzwp.com)

      This mercy, grace, forgiveness... the Love of God which is Christ Jesus our Lord was revealed to me as unfathomably powerful always flowing to us, like a mighty river, an ocean which we are receiving continually.  (IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. Acts)   Then, I came out of the vision and was aware of standing in church again, singing to Jesus.

       We read of His power, we live it, we experience it.  This love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord  is even more profoundly powerful than we can fathom; infinite power.  GOD IS LOVE.  IT IS FINISHED,   Gods mercy, grace, forgiveness was blown into the universe 2,000 years ago from Jesus on the cross... forever, and ever....

(parkviewunitedstratford.ca)

     ... GOD, WHO IS RICH IN MERCY, BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US EVEN WHEN WE WERE DEAD BECAUSE OF OUR OFFENSES MADE US ALIVE TOGETHER WITH THE MESSIAH (BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED) RAISED US UP WITH HIM, AND SEATED US IN THE HEAVENLY REALM IN MESSIAH JESUS,  SO THAT IN THE COMING AGES HE MIGHT DISPLAY THE LIMITLESS RICHES OF HIS GRACE THAT COMES TO US IN THE MESSIAH JESUS.  FOR BY SUCH GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH.  THIS DOES NOT COME FROM YOU, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD... (Eph. 2:4-8 ISV)