In the Heart of Our Heavenly Father is the source for all hope. Symbolically the manna found in the Ark of the Covenant represented among other things, hope. Each day Our Heavenly Father provided manna to the children of Israel in the wilderness. The manna was only good for a day, or two if before a Sabbath. There was no hoarding of the manna. Initially, each person in the wilderness exercised hope and faith that our Heavenly Father would provide the next day. After so many days of success, it became familiar and commonplace for the manna to be on the ground. At that point, Our Heavenly Father became the provider of sustenance for the people which in essence provided them with “life”. Can you imagine a perfect food to keep you healthy? The people had been enslaved for generations by the Egyptians and needed the revelation of hope in their lives to become real to them. What better way than to start with a basic need- food. The next need was water. When the water was low, Our Heavenly Father had Moses strike the rock and water came gushing out for the people to drink. These acts were designed to provide hope for entrance into the Promised Land. However, of that generation who left Egypt, only two men could overcome the ego’s power over them. Joshua and Caleb converted that hope to faith and were able to enter the Promised Land after forty years.

Placing your hope in others can lead to sorrow and disappointment. When your hope is not based or originated in Our Heavenly Father, it is subject to the sin and judgments against the other person. Unfortunately more often than not, you will be disappointed in the result. The complexities of life work against you placing hope in another person. Sometimes there are just circumstances beyond their control to perform and in the end they will typically do what is necessary for them to survive even if it is an illusion in their mind. Fear can have a significant impact on people and that is why we are urged to “fear not” throughout Scripture. When fear has embraced you, others cannot count on you to perform and fulfill the hope placed in you. Misplaced hope can damage the maturing process of faith and cause you to become cynical towards all people. When that happens, judgment and division creep in and further separates you from Our Heavenly Father. We must keep in mind that HE created all mankind and we must find the lesson to be learned when we encounter disappointment in the hope we placed in others.

The first use of hope in Scripture is seen in the Book of Ruth. There was a famine in the land of Israel, so Ruth’s future husband’s family went to the land of Moab. Ruth married into the family. During a ten year period, the three men of the family died and left Ruth, her mother-in-law, and sister-in-law in desperation. They were broke, husbandless, and hungry so things were looking a little bleak. Even though Naomi, her mother-in-law, had urged her to go her separate way, Ruth committed to stay with Naomi are receive GOD as her god. They ended up returning to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest which incidentally refers to the “overcomers” in Scripture. This begins the beautiful love story based on hope and redemption. Ruth goes to a local field being harvested hoping to pick up any grain left by the harvesters. Boaz, the owner the field, sees Ruth and is attracted to her immediately. It turns out that Boaz is able to redeem Ruth and marry her. Ruth conceives a child who turns out to be the grandfather of King David.

This story reflects the bigger picture of Our Heavenly Father’s plan. Little did Ruth know that she would become the wife of Boaz. Back in Moab, her life looked like it was pretty well over. Once Ruth accepted Our Heavenly Father as her God, her hope was activated and the future began to unfold. Ruth was called to be King David’s great grandmother. Little did she know when she was enduring the famine back in Moab that her destiny would be so bright!

Let not the world events cause your hope to depart.  FATHER is still in control:

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

THE PRIVILEGE OF THE HIGH CALLING … THE THIRSTY OVERCOMERS

(Rev. 21:6)  And He said unto me, It is done ( ref.John 19:30). I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev.1:8). I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (7)  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son (singular). Relationship with Father is top of the ‘check list’.

(Matt 20:16)  Many are called but few chosen …  contrast the ‘many’ with the ‘few’! Nothing to do with who and when folks gets saved!

GOD HAS ONLY ONE SON … His only begotten Son  (John 3:16). His son is many-membered. We were all (many) in HIm in the ALPHA revelation SON called by grace. But it is only the overcomers (few — by contrast) who are in Him in the OMEGA revelation SON chosen by overcoming.  “Alpha” (First letter of the Greek alphabet) relates to the beginning of God manifesting Himself in His Son. “Omega” (the last letter of the Greek alphabet) relates to the end or last unveiling of Himself in His Son. You are either an overcomer or you are not! Are you thirsty for the water of Life which flows in the love pipeline?

HOW DO WE OVERCOME? Turn on the tap. By being (Eph. 5:26) cleansed by the washing of the RHEMA-thought-cleansing-word (water to be applied inside and outside of a life). The ‘rhema-word’ will show us how God sees us!!! So dont’ forget your meditative reading of His word.

In Ephesians chapter 6, Paul wrote:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The issues in the physical are only symptoms of the issues in the spiritual realm thus we must go up higher to resolve those issues we are dealing with.  We must access the higher laws in order to resolve them.  The solution to the problem is not found at the same level of the problem.

How do are we able to move to a higher realm in a consistent fashion?  It is by hearing and responding to HIS Word.

Romans 10:17   So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of GOD.

I would also say that in order to fully hear HIS Word, you must comprehend HIS Divine Intent behind HIS Word and I believe that to be the missing ingredient of past failures when attempting to walk by faith.  James wrote in his epistle, chapter 4:

3  You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

When we ask FATHER WHO is LOVE for something that satisfies, promotes, or continues our path in lust and/or error, we will not receive our request.  We are out of synch with HIM.  It is HIS good pleasure to give us gifts to promote life and Love but when we ask amiss we cannot expect our request to be fulfilled.  We are asking on the wrong level and we must ascend to a higher level and approach HIM.  As we take on HIS Character, we ascend to a level where proper requests can be made known.

Does this mean you will not receive anything from FATHER at your current level?  No, HIS grace and mercy will meet us at whatever level we are at.  However as HIS children, HE expects us to mature and reach new heights.  HE expects us to grow out of the immaturity of childhood and become mature men and women in CHRIST.  HE expects us to begin to know HIS Character and thus know what and how to ask in order to meet the needs of the situation at hand.  As we know HIS Character, we will ask appropriately and have full assurance of our request being met by HIS expressed Love.  We align with HIS Divine Intent of Love.

The time is coming where we will all need to put on the full armor of GOD.  For some it is here now.  The issues around the globe originate in the heavenlies, not with a small elite group of men.  Our solution to the problems in this world are only found in the third Heaven and HE sits on HIS Throne there.  All authority is found there and that is where we should place our focus.  As we purpose each day to hear HIS Voice and respond accordingly, we will surely be strong in THE LORD.

The Apostle Paul and I have the same overall purpose as he wrote in the second chapter of Colossians:

2  My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, both of THE FATHER and of Christ.

There are two mysteries contained in this verse: the revelation of Christ and the revelation of OUR FATHER.  All believers have some understanding of Christ and purpose to take on His qualities but I am convinced that less understand FATHER.   For many “seeing is believing” and as people read the Gospels they can picture Jesus doing those wondrous acts and out of Love and dying on the cross for us.  To a much less degree do they understand FATHER’S Divine Intent of Love.

Paul understood this mystery as he wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 4:

14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.

15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

Paul made it his mission to bring many unto maturity in Christ.  As we mature we should be able to minister life to others and be a good example for them to follow.  As we uphold the highest standards according to FATHER’S Divine Intent, others will be encouraged to do so.  If we are constantly seen as compromising our values, then others will be unable to rely on our word.  As we stand on the Truth in Love, we set an example for those who are less mature.  As they see that we base our life on the WORD of GOD, they will be encouraged to do the same for they see the peace prevailing in our life.

Whether we like it or not, we are constantly being judged by others.  Many are waiting for us to stumble and fail just as the Pharisees were constantly challenging Our Lord and Savior as He walked the earth.  These people try to justify their path of death and destruction by others’ failures to be perfect.  My responsibility is to continually point their focus to that of Jesus Christ, our High Priest Who is without spot and without failure.

This is why forgiveness is so critical for those who desire to be knit together in unity.  Love provides the path to unity by first forgiving others.  As Jesus said “Forgive them they know not what they do”.  We all had to be forgiven of our sins and lawlessness before we could come into unity with FATHER.  As a father I have had to forgive my children in their immaturity countless times, knowing that as they gained wisdom they would no longer be lawless and rebellious.

Do we really need 10,000 instructors in Christ?  The Gospel is really simple and thus we need mature examples of how to walk accordingly.  Mature believers are those who have found the simplicity of Christ for all to understand.  They do not try to be condescending and puffed up in knowledge as though they are one of the few elite.  Instead, they see the potential in everyone to rise to their calling in Christ.  They don’t belittle others who think differently and withhold revelation but look for appropriate opportunities to share at the level the other person is at in his or her walk.  Yes, there are times to be silent about the deeper things FATHER has shown you but that should not prevent you from ministering to others at their level of understanding.

Fathers who Love their children always have the unity of the family in mind as they minister maturity to their children.  Some children have to be separated from the others for a season but in the end, the family unity is always in mind.  How much greater is this Truth in the family of GOD!  We are called to be knit together in Love, not necessarily in knowledge or understanding for we are all at different levels of maturity.  Forgive those who don’t see eye to eye.  Let diversity be among the group for it adds some “spice” to life.  Accept others with those diverse opinions, knowing that FATHER will correct their error (or yours) at the proper time.  Be knit together in Love.

The one thing that occurs when you write blogs, you go on record for all the world to know your position… right or wrong.  Our goal is to be completely open and transparent about life as we see it.  I believe the Bible to be infallible and having lived according to the Love and Truth it conveys, I expected positive results to occur in my life.  I have mentioned often that we must inspect the fruit of people who proclaim a doctrine or belief system in order to determine if it is valid and promotes life.  Anything that moves you toward death and destruction is cause for concern.  Jesus Christ Whom I follow made this Truth quite clear in John chapter 10:

9   “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

10   The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

11   I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

Can it be any simpler than that?

When you begin construction on a house, you start with a specific reference point that all measurements and angles are to be taken from.  Throughout history it has been known as the cornerstone.  This is a fundamental Truth of my personal beliefs.  Jesus Christ is my manifested Reference Point by which I measure every aspect of my existence.  His Words present Love and Truth for all to measure themselves against for He is our Chief Cornerstone.  If you attempt to measure anything by me, watch out!  Don’t look to me but Christ in me for He is our High Priest who maketh intercession for us:

Romans 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

In the late 1970’s we attended a “faith” church and the pastor walked, talked, and preached faith.  He was experienced and had a history of success.  He preached The Word and was clearly blessed by FATHER.  However he is a man and subject to error.  Some of what he preached was not quite right but at the time I did not realize it.  I assumed everything he spoke was “spot on” so I accepted it all only to find out later he was in error in some subtle areas.  We have a tendency to exalt men who have been anointed by FATHER rather than keep Jesus Christ as the only one we exalt.  We must be careful to hear that still, small voice even when someone whom we esteem highly speaks (or writes).  Each of us has the responsibility to seek out the Truth and be witnessed in our spirit by the Holy Spirit.  You only have to look at recent history to see the prominent evangelists, pastors, teachers, apostles, and prophets who have fallen due to their exposed sin and lawlessness.  Does that make the Gospel of no effect?  Of course not.

As we dwell and meditate on the Words of Jesus, we begin to know His Character.  As we spend time focusing on what He is saying and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we become His sheep.  We turn from death and destruction, we repent.  In the days, weeks, and months ahead, there will be many voices attempting to throw your off course.  People who are in turmoil will attempt to persuade you to join them to take their path toward death and destruction.  We must be vigilant in our faith in FATHER and HIS ability to deliver us out of every circumstance.  We must expect HIM to empower us with whatever is needful at the time.  Paul understood where the true power and authority is found as he wrote in Ephesians chapter 3:

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—

19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us

Let each of us be filled with the fullness of GOD, let us know the Love of Christ!  Let everything be measured against His Love.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians chapter 4:

4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

4:2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

If there is anything I have realized at this point in my life, I have very few answers to life other than those received from FATHER.  My opinions are being formed from HIS Word and not from some independent thought.  Any revelation I have cannot be claimed as originating with me and I do not care to exalt myself as someone enlightened by any other means but simply communicating FATHER’S Word through me.

The pure Truth is encapsulated in Love and we must look at all proclaimed Truth in that light.  Mankind is swiftly coming to a corporate climax that will separate the sheep from the goats and by HIS great grace and mercy I submit to HIS calling on my life.  I have no interest in trying to be independent in my thinking or direction but simply a vessel utilized for HIS service to mankind.

Each day we should endeavor to be become more Christ-like knowing that our flesh will somehow try to derail our walk toward the light of HIS Way but we must not be discouraged when we “lose our Jesus” as my friend refers to a temporary submission to the flesh.  There are many people out there that would want us to join them in their misery for misery loves company.  We must not align ourselves with them but instead minister the Truth in Love as we get the opportunity.  There will be some who reject the Truth and we will have no fellowship with them for a season.  That’s okay.  Simply pray for them and let the Truth in Love prevail in everyone’s life including your own.

We must not let someone’s basic doctrine prevent us from hearing what FATHER is showing them.  All of us have some error in our doctrine as long we are in this flesh.  Until the flesh is totally nailed to the cross and we have been endued fully with power from ON HIGH, we must assume that we don’t have a full and complete understanding of all Spiritual Truths.  I only have to look back over my lifetime to see how I had to discard what I thought were foundational beliefs to realize the fallacy of believing you have the whole picture on any subject.  FATHER had a corrective interview with Job which could easily occur with you or me.  “Where were you when I”… FATHER might ask that same question to you or me about any topic we could bring up where we claimed some expertise.

Do not be discouraged, but be of good courage.  FATHER knows our weaknesses just as HE knew the frailness of Gideon when FATHER activated his calling to overcome the Midianites.  Let us be of good cheer as we hear of the economic tremors heading our way.  We know that FATHER’S Love is greater than any issue on this small blue planet and HE will be victorious in each and every challenge that is set before us.  If you “lose your Jesus”, find HIM again and repent.  Don’t be discourage by what you see around you but let the Psalms comfort you.  Go into your prayer closet and don’t come out until peace returns.  I assure you It will.