Monday, August 29, 2011

Days of Grace - Part Two

Joseph Herrin (08-29-2011)

Special Note:  I have had a number of people write to me asking for further clarification on the previous post that spoke of the cost of discipleship. The most common question is whether it is necessary for everyone to surrender everything they have to be Christ's disciple. It is evident that more needs to be taught on this subject, and with the Lord's empowerment and guidance I hope to be posting a follow-up in the next few days.

Today, I am going to leave you with the following post as I have a busy day planned. Randy Simmons is having his 45th birthday today, and I am going to Macon to spend some time with him.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days,

Joseph Herrin

























Back of “The Dreamer” with Motorcycle Carrier

In part one I shared how the Father has recently provided a motorcycle for transportation as He sends me out to minister to prisoners and the homeless. Yahweh has been gracious in revealing to me the best way to outfit the bus, and get all things in readiness for coming days of fruitful ministry.

I had for a time thought it would be necessary to carry a scooter or motorcycle on the front of the bus, as I knew I would need to pull my utility trailer behind it. A day or two after Yahweh provided me with a motorcycle, He led me to a motorcycle carrier that would be a far better solution than what I had envisioned. This carrier attaches to the receiver hitch at the rear of the bus, and it in turn has another hitch coming out the back so that a trailer can still be towed.



















Close-Up of Motorcycle Carrier

This is a far better solution for a couple of reasons. I did not wish to put more weight on the front end of the bus, for it already has a disproportionate amount of weight up front due to the location of the motor, the gas tank, and the holding tank for potable water. The rear of the bus is actually quite light, and it would be a far better place to carry additional weight.

Secondly, if I mounted a motorcycle up front, the headlights would be obscured, and I would have to mount auxiliary lights in front of the motorcycle carrier. This is not an issue on the rear of the bus, especially when pulling a trailer, for the trailer already has lights on the rear of it.

This particular motorcycle carrier is rated to hold 1,000 lbs., and the bike I will be carrying weighs less than half of that. I will also be able to carry a few extra things on the cargo area of the carrier, immediately behind the bus.

This same week, the Father revealed to me two other solutions to projects that I had long wondered about the best method of resolving. The first involved hot water in the bus. I had never hooked up a hot water heater, as I did not like the conventional solutions offered. I did not want to install a total electric water heater, for this would be a greater load on the electrical system, and would not function when an outside electric plug-in was unavailable. I also did not like the conventional solution of a gas fired RV water heater. These use a hot water storage tank, and because they must keep the water hot all the time, they are not very efficient and can quickly drain an RV’s propane tank.

Last week I received a magazine in the mail from an RV camping group. In it I noticed an ad for an “on-demand” propane hot water heater. This unit did not use a storage tank. Rather, it senses when water begins to flow, and immediately ignites and within five seconds begins to provide hot water. Because it does not run continuously, it is far more efficient. According to reports, a standard 20 lb. propane tank like one would use with an outdoor grill will provide a five minute hot shower every day for more than six months before it needs to be refilled. That is very efficient.

























Eccotemp L5 Hot Water Heater

Hook up of this unit is very simple. You hook a water supply to one fitting on the bottom, and you hook the supplied propane line to a propane tank to the other connection. It has no pilot light, but instead uses two D batteries for an instant igniter whenever hot water is turned on in the RV. These units are also very inexpensive compared to other hot water solutions. Amazon sells this unit for $115.00.

The hot water heater must be installed outside the bus as the propane gas needs to vent to the exterior, but that should prove to be no problem for me, as I intend to mount it behind the bus, and then route the shower head inside to the shower which is at the very back wall of the bus.

I had also for some time been contemplating what to do with the solar panel I had purchased about two years ago. The answer came to me yesterday. When I was released from jail I found that the cranking battery in the bus was dead. It was not a deep cell battery and had been drained electrically down to nothing, effectively killing it. The battery receives some small draw from it constantly, and the only way to prevent this is to disconnect one of the battery posts. I did not want to have to do this, and a battery left for long periods without use will lose some of its charge even when disconnected.

One solution is to attach a solar battery maintainer to it. These devices use solar power to continuously send a trickle charge to the battery to keep it from being drained. I already have solar panels, so all I really needed to do was mount them on the roof of the bus and then run a line down to the battery through a solar power controller to keep the battery fully charged all the time.

I hope to complete both of these projects in the next week, as I already have the main components needed for both of them. Having understood what needs to be done is usually the biggest part of getting a job done for me.

Another project I was able to complete last week was the proper attachment of the heavy white tarp I had purchased to cover the storage area on the roof of the bus. The grommets along the edges of the tarp did not align properly with the attachment points on the roof, and the bungee cords I was using were not the correct lengths, so I knew I needed to do something different.

This week I got out and marked off the places where grommets needed to be placed, and I installed them. I then made custom length, white bungee cords, to fit properly and match the color of the bus and tarp.



















The tarp is now very well secured, and it is much easier to remove and reattach when needed. I also spent much of a day washing the bus, for it has been sitting underneath trees all summer long, and it was quite dirty. As you can tell, I have been quite busy recently, but God has truly been helping me to get things done quickly. I anticipate that the work He is preparing to open before me is also coming quickly.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com  

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The Invitation

Joseph Herrin (08-28-2011)


























The Father is showing me that a pattern is being played out among the body of Christ. If you were among those who attended any of the meetings the Father sent me out to speak at during the summer of 2010 as I traveled across America, I ask you to pay special attention. If you have listened to any of the audio messages from those meetings, or have been reading what the Father has been inviting His sons and daughters to enter into, then I ask you to please attend to what is declared here.

When I was sent to jail the first time in November of 2009, the Father began to speak to me of those things He would have me to do when I was released. He spoke to me two things in particular. Yahweh shared with me that He wanted me to put together a series of Bible Studies in newsletter format to share with men and women in prison. The second thing He spoke to me was that He was going to send me out across the nation to teach.

Yahweh fulfilled both of these things after my release. After I had spent a couple months working on the newsletters, the Father turned my attention to getting my van ready to take me across the nation. I removed the back seats and built a desk and a cabinet to hold a microwave. I replaced the old carpet, and did some mechanical work on the van to get it ready. I also began preparing computer presentations to use as a basis for teaching when I went across the country. About 5-6 months after I had been released from jail, the Father told me it was time to go.

Randy Simmons and I spent 4 months traveling. I taught at 15 different locations. Most of the meetings ran for three days. The meetings were mostly held in homes, and a message was proclaimed of the afflicted path that leads to life. The invitation was given to the saints to answer Christ’s call to yield their lives entirely to Him. Those in attendance were urged to surrender to go wherever Christ would lead them, and to do whatever He would ask them to do.

In one of the early meetings, the Spirit of Christ directed me to illustrate this invitation with the use of a decorated box that was in the home of our hosts. I took up this box and shared the following:

Yahweh has appointed to every child of His a specific life path that they must walk if they are to attain to the image of Christ, coming to spiritual maturity. If we would be “perfect” as our heavenly Father desires us to be, then we must yield our lives, and the path we would choose for ourselves, and we must accept that invitation He has given to us to follow Christ wherever He would lead.

Matthew 10:38-39
“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.”

As I held the small decorative box before those gathered in this home in Tennessee, I shared that inside the box was the life God had chosen for each individual. I emphasized that none of us were ever told what exactly was in the box, but we were given general guidelines to know what may be inside. Christ told those who would be His disciples to count the cost before committing to follow Him, and He outlined the things required of them.

Luke 14:33
“So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”

Luke 14:26-27
"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

I shared with those before me that in the box was the life God had chosen for them. This life would require the surrender of all things. All material possessions of this world must be surrendered to God, and every earthly relationship as well. I told the people that back in 1999 God had brought me to consider the cost of accepting His invitation to follow Him wherever He would lead. I wrestled with the invitation for weeks, but eventually yielded. The path has indeed been costly, but the grace of God has been abundant.

As I stood in front of each person gathered in that home, I asked them, “Will you accept the life and path God has chosen for you? Will you yield your life to take up your cross and follow Christ WHEREVER He would lead?” The presence of the Spirit was powerful at that moment, and there was weeping, and deep consideration among those gathered. This invitation became a part of the meetings at the subsequent places the Father led me to visit.

Yesterday, as I wrote the blog that was posted, the Spirit began testifying something to me. He directed me to share the following passage of Scripture.

Luke 14:16-23
But He said to him, "A certain man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited,' Come; for everything is ready now.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, 'I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.' And another one said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.' And another one said, 'I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.' And the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, 'Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' And the slave said, 'Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the slave, 'Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Yahweh showed me that the invitation He had me present in those meetings was identical to that which Christ describes above. The church today has been deceived in thinking that the invitation Christ gives is simply to believe certain things about Him. Christ’s invitation is far more costly. Christ’s invitation is to lay aside our earthly lives, those paths we have chosen for ourselves, that we might accept His invitation to come to the great marriage supper of the Lamb. None can enter in, but those who have been prepared. We can only be prepared as we follow the Lamb wherever He would lead us.

Matthew 22:11-14
"But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."

The church today believes that Christ is inviting them to believe and confess certain things about Him. In truth, He is inviting them to something far greater, more demanding, and costly. He would have them come to His great supper, but all who come must first obtain garments worthy of attending. These garments are obtained ONLY as the saints lay down their lives and accept that life God has appointed for them. They must yield to follow wherever He leads, and do whatever He requires of them.

You can well understand now the excuses of those men whom Christ spoke of in this parable. Some men are engaged in business and a pursuit of the things of this world. They say, “I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.” Another states, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.” There are also those who have entered into relationships that hinder them from accepting Christ’s invitation to follow Him. These relationships can be as dear and close as that between a man and his wife. “And another one said, 'I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.'”

In 2010, Yahweh sent me around to visit with many people, and to describe to them the cost of discipleship. The invitation was given to accept Christ’s invitation. Some who heard, balked immediately. The words were barely spoken when the excuses began rolling forth. Others expressed a desire to follow Christ, but some of these have yet to follow-up on their stated intent. Others have halted between two opinions, unwilling to surrender their lives to Christ, yet afraid to refuse His invitation.

The Spirit has been speaking to me since yesterday that the hour is at hand when the invitation must now be given to others. It was expedient to give the invitation first to those who own possessions, who have intact relationships, and who hold some esteem in this world. Yet, when those answering the call of God proved to be too few to fill His banquet room, He has now turned to those whom the world and a worldly church have despised.

Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, 'Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' And the slave said, 'Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the slave, 'Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

I am in correspondence with a number of men and women in this hour who are being brought into circumstances where they are having to choose whether they will yield to follow Christ fully, or to turn back. For all of them, going forward with Christ will prove very costly. Many are at this moment facing the loss of all worldly possessions, and the loss of relationship with those closest and most precious to them. Very few will embrace the cost. All will prove by their decisions whether they love their own lives more than they love Yahweh.

Matthew 16:25-28
"For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds. Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

I have taught previously that the words of Christ in the last sentence above are almost universally misunderstood by the church today. The prevailing teaching is that some of Christ’s disciples would not physically die until they saw Christ in His glory. Some erroneously proclaim that this was fulfilled when Christ appeared with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. Such teaching fails to discern the “death” that Christ said His disciples must “taste.” The true understanding of Christ’s words is found in the context of this passage.

Matthew 16:24-26
Then Yahshua said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.”

This is the death of which Christ speaks. It is the death of a disciple who accepts Christ’s invitation to take up the cross and follow Him. It is far easier to surrender one’s life once as a martyr, than to die daily out of a desire to follow Christ.

It was with sorrow and lamentation that Christ uttered the words, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Some would wait until it was too late. They would seek to save their lives, holding on to possessions and worldly relations, until the opportunity had passed them by to accept the invitation of the King to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Many will be those who show up at the marriage supper saying, “I received an invitation,” but the Master of the house will say, “How did you come in here without a wedding garment? Bind him hand and foot and cast him into outer darkness. There will be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.”

I shared the invitation to surrender one’s life to groups of saints all across the nation last year. Precious few have accepted the call. The invitation was given to those with spiritual eyes to see, and with feet capable of accepting the invitation to follow Christ. Yet most of these would not come. Now, Yahweh is calling the blind and the lame. The invitation was given to men and women with worldly possessions, but their possessions stood in the way of them following Christ. Now He will turn to those who are the poor of the world, the homeless and destitute. He will search the highways and the byways, and He will fill his house.

I urge you, if you have been hearing the voice of the Spirit inviting you, do not hesitate any longer. The door is closing. The anger of the Lord is arising because His servants have gone out with the invitation and it has been spurned. The children of God have placed their earthly lives, possessions, and relationships above a desire to answer His call.

The Spirit would have you to walk in understanding of the hour in which you live. The Son of Man is soon to return. He is coming for a bride that has made herself ready, a bride that has been cleansed. This cleansing comes at a great cost. The white robes of righteousness must be purchased by laying down our lives daily, placing obedience to God over a desire to preserve the life our soul desires.

Revelation 7:13-17
And one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where have they come?" And I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes."

There is a path of tears to be walked, a trail of tribulation, but those who accept it will receive the wedding garments needed to stand in the presence of God. I am sensing the voice of the Spirit declaring to me, to Randy, and others at this hour that it is time to turn aside from those who were first invited, for the invitation has been given, and few received it. Now the blind and the crippled, the homeless and the prisoners, must be invited. Indeed, they must be compelled to come in that Yahweh’s banqueting house might be filled.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herri
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Days of Grace

Joseph Herrin (08-27-2011)





















Psalms 18:30-35
As for God, His way is blameless..., He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but Yahweh? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength, and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great.

These past couple of weeks have been a manifestation of the amazing grace of Yahweh. They have been extremely busy and productive days, and the hand of Yahweh has been very evident. Although those things I would share here are focused upon events in my life, I believe there is encouragement and lessons in this account that will benefit a number of Christ’s sons and daughters.

Let me begin by sharing something regarding the graphic at the top of this post. I believe it was in 2003 that God deposited in my hands the little book titled Hinds’ Feet on High Places. I have shared in other posts how powerfully Yahweh used this book to encourage me in the very difficult path that I was being led to walk. It came to me at the perfect time. It was a timely word, full of grace and truth.

The main character in the book bears the name “Much Afraid.” Much Afraid loves the Shepherd, and serves Him after a manner down in the village of Much Trembling. Much Afraid is hindered from having a truly fruitful ministry by certain defects in her life. She is described as having a twisted mouth and crippled feet that make her walk very clumsy.

At the time God brought this book to me I was suffering from Bell’s Palsy. This condition is caused by temporary damage to the seventh cranial nerve and results in a partial paralysis of the facial muscles. The right side of my face was paralyzed, resulting in a lack of function on the right side of my mouth, and I could not blink my right eye. When I read the description of Much Afraid, I knew that Yahweh was speaking to me. My mouth, like hers, was twisted.

I will not go into much detail regarding the book here, for I have much to share. I will, however, share an important part of the book that the Father is testifying is being fulfilled at this hour in my life. The book focuses on the Shepherd inviting little, trembling Much Afraid to follow Him on a long journey to the High Places in the Kingdom of Love. She is not told what awaits her on the journey, and she is plagued by certain enemies that dog her steps, seeking always to turn her back. Some of these enemies are Craven Fear, Self-Pity and Pride.

Many trials come to Much Afraid on the journey. Many a time when she thinks she is nearly at her destination, the path will take a turn, sometimes seemingly leading quite away from the goal, and she experiences one crisis after another as she must lay her soul on the altar that she might choose to continue to follow where the Shepherd leads. Many of you who read these posts can relate to the many delays, and seeming setbacks, that occur in the lives of those who surrender to go wherever the Spirit of Christ will lead them. God has given His sons and daughters specific promises, relevant to each of them, yet it seems that after many weary months and years of journeying, the end is not yet in sight.

In the Bible we see numerous examples of men and women who experienced similar things as Yahweh sought to prepare them to enter into some call, or promise, He had spoken to them. Joseph was given dreams, but then was sold as a slave into Egypt. Later he was put in prison where he remained for years as the promises of God tarried and the Word of God tried him. David also was given promises as a young man, of ruling God’s people one day, but the path to fulfillment was a long and weary one. At times it appeared that all was lost, and the promises could not possibly be fulfilled, but these men strengthened themselves in the Lord, counting Him faithful who had promised, and they were finally able to enter into the promises of God.

Much Afraid was given the promise that her crippled feet that so hindered her in the work of the Shepherd would be transformed into hinds’ feet, able to overcome mountains of difficulty with ease, once she arrived at the High Places. She was also given other promises. Yet, she had to embrace the journey before her, committing herself to follow the Shepherd, even when her feet were crippled. Stumbling, and enduring injury and pain along the way, made the journey a difficult one, but the Shepherd gave her two companions to assist her along the way. These companions were Sorrow and Suffering. Neither Much Afraid, nor you or I, would choose these companions for a difficult journey, but the wisdom of God knows best.

At the end of the book we find that Much Afraid has made it to her destination. She has attained to the High Places, and there the Shepherd works a miraculous transformation in her life. In truth, the journey which had been so long and difficult had been working this change in her all along. Yet, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon in which it has for a long season been undergoing the miracle of metamorphosis, the time came for the new creation to be revealed. Much Afraid was transformed. Her crippled feet were transformed into hinds’ feet. Those obstacles that had formerly caused her such difficulty, now seemed as nothing. Her entire appearance was transformed, and the flower of divine love was blooming in her heart.

Having attained to the High Places, one might think that Much Afraid would have wanted to remain there forever in the company of the Shepherd. Indeed, she did spend a wonderful season there with the Shepherd. Yet one day the Shepherd found her wistfully looking back down to the valley from which she had come. She confessed to Him that her heart was moved by the plight of those who remained in the valley, ruled by fear, pride, and many other sinful impulses. She yearned to return to them and tell them how they too might journey to the High Places and be transformed.

As I look back over the years past, I see how my heavenly Father has been guiding me through a similar experience. I was invited to follow the Shepherd of my soul on a journey that would lead to promises being fulfilled. The way has been difficult. There have been many fears that had to be confronted. Self-pity and pride often sought to turn me back, yet the thought of turning away from the Shepherd was more terrible than any opposing passion or desire within.

There have been many delays, many turnings of the road that I did not anticipate. There were times when I had to lay even the promises God had given me on the altar (as Abraham did with Isaac), trusting that if the promises died, that Yahweh would yet remain faithful and accomplish the good He had testified for my life.

I have openly shared the struggles and heartaches I have faced with my readers. I have experienced the loss of family members as they have chosen not to journey with me through a difficult course. I have known homelessness, much loneliness, the loss of all material possessions, and have even been jailed twice, being numbered among the transgressors. I have often walked in a halting, stumbling manner, one weary step placed in front of another, but the Shepherd has not let me turn back. Some of you reading these words have known very similar experiences.

Lately, the Father has been testifying to me some marvelous things that I at times find difficult to accept. He is testifying that it is time for promises to be fulfilled. Even as Joseph was released from prison and entered into a season of fruitful ministry, so too is the Father declaring that such a time is at hand in my life. I know He is speaking to others similar things.

During my recent time in jail the Spirit of Christ began speaking to me about ministering in a much greater capacity to men and women in prison. At the same time, He was speaking to Randy Simmons about an expanded ministry to the homeless, to alcoholics and drug addicts such as those he was daily encountering on the streets of Macon, Georgia. Christ has always had a heart for such ones. It is not that Christ does not care for the wise, the wealthy, the noble, the famous and the strong. Rather, He has invited these ones, but they have spurned His invitation. As a result, He has turned to those who lack esteem, and are thought nothing of, for He must fill His house.

Luke 14:16-23
But He said to him, "A certain man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited,' Come; for everything is ready now.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, 'I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.' And another one said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.' And another one said, 'I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.' And the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, 'Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' And the slave said, 'Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the slave, 'Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

In this hour I sense the burden of the Lord to have His house filled. He is commissioning servants to go out to the highways and byways and to bring in the poor, crippled, blind and lame. He is calling the addicts, the alcoholics, the prostitutes, the prisoners, and similar ones. The burden of the Lord is arising in the hearts of His ministers who are attending to His voice.

In this hour, the Father has been speaking to Randy, myself, and others, of a work He will perform in this hour. I am observing Him directing my focus, and bringing many things into readiness in order that I might go forth to accomplish Yahweh’s will and pleasure.

When Joseph was brought out of the prison, one of the first things that occurred was that Pharaoh gave him transportation that he might carry forth his ministry.

Genesis 41:41-43
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck. And he had him ride in his second chariot.

I have often shared that vehicles symbolize ministry. Joseph’s vehicle for ministry was a two-wheeled conveyance. Immediately after I was released from jail I was led to get my bicycle in order. Randy Simmons has also been riding his bike around the streets of Macon for some months now, ministering to men and women there. I know there is something symbolic in this. In an hour when many ministers travel in fancy cars and private jets, God has been preparing certain servants to be content with more humble means of transport.

In a real sense, these humble bicycles represent humble ministries. We have not had grand church buildings to conduct ministry in, or large ministry centers. Our congregants have not been the prosperous and upstanding citizens, but rather those who are little esteemed.

Matthew 9:11-13
And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?"But when He heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, 'I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

I remember years ago when it first entered into my mind that God had a call upon my life to be a minister, the only pattern I had in my mind was that of a pastor of a local church. This is what I envisioned for myself one day. Yet, the years have transformed my understanding of ministry. Years spent living in an inner city rescue mission, and days spent in jail, have disclosed to me that there are others whom Yahweh’s heart desires to reach out to. The harvest is great, and the laborers are few. Who will surrender to go and work in these fields? Does your heart reply, “Here I am Lord. Send me”?

I believe that the Father is preparing numerous sons and daughters for release into this end times work. A great banquet is soon to be given. The tables are being set, yet the guests who were first invited have made excuses. The Master will now send forth servants to bring in all that can be gathered, even the crippled and blind. The highways and byways will be searched that the house might be filled.

To accomplish this work, Yahweh has been preparing sons and daughters who have been following the Shepherd down long, often weary paths. There have been many delays, and at times the promises of God seemed to pass from sight altogether. Yet, at this time, Yahweh is renewing the promises. He is bringing His sons and daughters out of the prison houses, and He is transitioning them, getting all in readiness for this new, abundantly fruitful ministry.

The Father accomplished something remarkable for me in recent days. It is remarkable both for its significance, as well as its providential manifestation. God has given me a motorcycle to use as He sends me forth.



















Joseph’s Chariot (click on picture for larger image)

Note the graphic of the leaping deer on the side panel. Following is a close-up.



















Hinds’ Feet Ministry

Back in April I was led to sell the van that had been my sole transportation for the past six years. Having converted a school bus to a motorhome, I could not take both vehicles to the places Yahweh would send me. The van was too big to tow, and the Father had provided me with a small utility trailer the previous year, so towing a car was not going to be possible.

I have been for some time considering getting a motor scooter to take with me. I have my bicycle for short trips, but I needed something capable of going somewhat further. I considered that I could carry a scooter on the bus with the use of a motorcycle carrier.

When I was about twenty years old I purchased my first motorcycle. The job I had at the time required me to ride motorcycles. I worked at an RV park, and we had to guide the campers back to their sites. We used small dirt bikes to do so. The owners of the RV park also owned the local motorcycle dealership, and after I had worked for them a couple years, I purchased a brand new street bike.

A short time later I lost my job and ended up having to sell the motorcycle. I did not purchase another one until I was about 30 years old, and I only kept it for about 6 months.

My Father around that time expressed to me that he thought motorcycles were unsafe to drive, and I understood that it was not his desire that I own one. The desire to ride a motorcycle remained, but I told Yahweh that if my father did not wish me to have one that in order to honor his wishes, I would not get one.

May 7th of this year marked my 5oth birthday. My father stopped by to see me that day. As we talked, I mentioned to him that I had sold my van and I was using my bicycle to get around town. My father commented, “Why don’t you get yourself a motorcycle?” I was amazed to hear him say this. In hindsight I consider it to be a gift from my heavenly Father on my 50th birthday. Desiring to honor both my earthly and heavenly Father’s more than I desired to possess what my soul desired, I had laid this desire on the altar. Yahweh, in the course of time, gave it back to me.

I want to share with you briefly some of the remarkable testimonies the Father has given to me in this gift. Ever since my release from jail, I have been planning a trip to a certain prison to do some ministry. I discovered that the nearest campground was 16 miles from the prison. This was too far to ride my bicycle, and I could not leave my bus in the prison parking lot, for it needs to stay plugged into electricity. I knew I would need some form of small motorized transport I could carry outside the bus.

I had been looking at scooters, as they are light and could possibly do the job. I had not seriously considered a motorcycle, for I thought price would be an obstacle, and I still had doubts as to whether I should purchase one. Various people close to me began to mention that I might be better off with a motorcycle than a scooter, and I began to consider it.

About two weeks ago, a sister in Christ sent me an e-mail notifying me of a financial gift of $500 she had sent me. (5 is grace) The thought came into my mind at that moment that I should check on Craigslist to see if there were any motorcycles or scooters in a price range I could afford. Just the day before a man in a nearby town had posted a 1985 Honda Magna V30 (500cc) motorcycle. He was asking only $800 for it. This was nearly half the cost of anything comparable that I had been seeing. Most motorcycles in this size range and in good mechanical condition were selling closer to $2500.

I had no way to go check out the motorcycle, but as the owner lived only about 15 miles away I asked if he could drive it down so I could see it. He was quite willing to do so, and within about 90 minutes I was the owner of a motorcycle.

It is not coincidental that the van Yahweh marvelously provided for me six years earlier also cost $800 when I purchased it. Eight is a number signifying new beginnings. The bike appears to be in excellent mechanical shape. I have already driven it nearly 300 miles, and it handles and runs very well.

I told the Father that night that I would need saddlebags on the bike to carry my laptop and teaching material to the prisons. I also mentioned that I would like to have a sissy bar on the back to strap things to, or to support a rider on those rare occasions I might have one. I looked online that night and found that saddlebags and a sissy bar could cost me several hundred dollars.

The very next morning a worker at the campground I am staying at asked me about the motorcycle I had just bought. I told him about it, and mentioned that I needed to get some saddlebags for it. He responded by telling me he had some in a storage building that he intended to take to a flea market to sell. He asked if I wanted to look at them. I responded affirmatively. We went to the shed and he pulled out the saddlebags, and in his other hand he had a sissy bar. I had not even mentioned my desire for a sissy bar to him. He told me he would sell them both to me for $30.



















The saddlebags just needed cleaning. They are leather, and in very solid shape. The sissy bar was made for a Kawasaki and would not match up to the mounts on the Honda, so I took it to the man who welded my trailer hitch to my bus, and he modified it for me. He had to cut off the mounting brackets, and then drill holes through the solid steel frame piece and bolt it to the Honda rear mount.



















I expected him to charge me far more than the $20 he asked for his services, but he said that since I had to wait on him for a couple hours while he tended to other customers, he wanted to give me a discount. Yahweh was only getting started.

The day after I received the saddlebags and sissy bar Joe Boes drove down from Atlanta to visit me. I asked him if he would drive me to a nearby town to purchase a motorcycle helmet. I had hoped to get one for around $50 as a couple had sent me that exact amount the evening prior. Just as I was about to go out the door of my bus with Joe to drive to the motorcycle shop, my daughter Kristin called. She said, “I just wanted to ask you if you saw the ad on Craigslist for a motorcycle helmet?” She said it was listed in the very town I was staying in, and they were only asking $50.

I told Kristin that I didn’t know for sure if it was what I was looking for, as the ad did not state all the details. I told her I wanted a 3/4 helmet with a full face shield and air vents in the top that opened and closed. I told Kristin that my head is also hard to fit, and although the helmet was listed as an XL, sometimes I needed an XXL to fit my large cranium. I considered the timing of Kristin calling me at that very moment, and thought I should certainly call and look into it.

The people affirmed that the helmet met all the criteria I had specified, so Joe drove me to their house. When I tried it on, it fit perfectly.



















Helmet(s) of Salvation, and Belt of Truth

The helmet on the right is for when I ride my bicycle. The belt in the middle is for back support when I am riding the motorcycle. It really helps out a lot.

When Joe Boes arrived, he had another surprise for me. He said he had something he wanted me to try on. A family member had given them a special coat for motorcycle riders. It was an expensive jacket, having body armor built into the arms, elbows, and shoulders. It also had a removable inner liner and vents that opened in front and back to provide air ventilation in warm weather. These jackets easily cost $200 or more.



















The jacket was too small for him, and too large for his wife. They had listed it on Craigslist for $50, but a year later had not received a single call on it. Joe said he told his wife he had a feeling it was going to fit me perfectly. It fits me like a glove, and Joe and his wife gave it to me as a gift.

As I considered all of these details, I had a sense that Yahweh was symbolically outfitting me with the armor of God that I might go forth into this new ministry He has prepared for me.

The next day I planned on driving up to Macon to apply for a tag on the motorcycle. A man at the RV park had asked me if I was going to decorate the bike like I had the motorhome. The side panels which previously had decals on them had been stripped and painted flat black. I knew these panels would be an ideal place to put some type of graphic.

I thought of putting an image of a monarch butterfly on either side, as the colors would be a close match to the Honda flying wing emblem on the tank. I began to search online, but I had a sense that the image of a butterfly was not what God wanted me to place there. I was reminded of the image of a leaping deer from the book Hinds’ Feet on High Places. When I did a search on the Internet, I found an image that strongly reminded me of the cover of this book.

























I was able to purchase the image at a very low cost and then alter the colors to match the Honda emblem on the tank. I carried the image with me when I went to Macon to purchase my tag as I wanted to show it to Randy and his grandfather. After purchasing the tag I stopped by Randy’s grandfather’s house. Randy was not home, and his grandfather, who is 86 years old, was still sleeping. I took the opportunity to walk around the small lake on his property. As I was walking across the dam, I looked off to the left down a wooded slope, and there was a white tail deer no more than 50 feet away. When she saw me she bounded off gracefully. I sensed the Father speaking through this sign, as I have only rarely seen deer on the property.

After visiting with Randy’s grandfather, I returned home, taking a route that I was not certain of, but knowing it headed in the general direction I needed to go. Going down this unfamiliar route I passed three deer crossing signs, and at each one I sensed a witness of the Spirit.













 I stopped by the business of an old friend that I had not seen in nearly 20 years. This man owns a sign shop, and I asked him if he could use the image I had found on the Internet and make some decals for the motorcycle. I also asked if he could take the removable side panels and paint them gloss black. Today, I picked them up, and this brother in Christ refused to charge me for them. He said he wanted to give them to me as a gift.

There has been such grace in Yahweh bringing all of this together. In praying about getting a motorcycle or a scooter I had specifically mentioned that I did not want to carry anything more than about 450 pounds on the bus. I also did not want an engine much larger than 500cc. The motorcycle Yahweh provided weights 440 pounds, and has a 500 cc engine. It also has the Honda V4 engine, which is very highly regarded as a powerful and durable motor.

I found an old ad for the 1985 Honda Magna V30. The copy stated that this was the most powerful mid size cruiser built by any motorcycle manufacturer that year, because it used the V4 motor. It went on to state that hills would present no problem for this bike, as the rider would not even be able to tell he was going up a hill. When I read these words, I was mindful of the symbolism of receiving hinds’ feet. Hinds’ feet symbolize being able to surmount mountains of difficulty as if they were a level plain.

Yahweh does all things well.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Sixth Seal - The Great Earthquake

Joseph Herrin (08-25-2011)

Revelation 6:12
And I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake...


Let me begin this post by stating that I am not suggesting that we are at this hour seeing the fulfillment of the sixth seal described in the above verse from Revelation. However, I would like to look at this sign described by the apostle John while exiled to the Isle of Patmos, as a tool to understand the earthquake that this week shook Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and virtually the entire Eastern Seaboard.

John begins the book of Revelation by declaring that it is a book that reveals (hence the name Revelation) spiritual truth through signs and symbolic language.

Revelation 1:1
The Revelation of Yahshua Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must shortly take place; and He sent and signified it by His angel to His bond-servant John.

The Greek word from which the English “signified” (to show forth through signs) is translated, is “semaino.” John is declaring from the opening words of this book that what is communicated is in the form of symbolic speech and parables. It is not to be understood in a strict literal sense. Thus, when we read about earthquakes in the book of Revelation, we must look for the divine meaning being communicated through the form of parables.

Bible expositors from the very early days of the church understood earthquakes to symbolize political upheaval and great commotions in the earth. Bible commentaries from earlier generations bring this out. Following are three excerpts taken from different commentaries on Revelation 6:12.

There was a great earthquake. This may be taken in a political sense...
(Source: Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible)

An earthquake, if there were no other circumstances limiting and explaining the symbol, would merely denote great agitation and commotion - as if states and empires were tumbling to ruin.
[Source: Barnes Notes on Revelation 6:12]

The sixth sign, a narration, has two parts: the sign and the event. The sign is that the earth, heaven, and the things that are in them, for the horror of the sins of the world after those most heavy warnings from God, and complaints of the saints shall be shaken most severely, trembling in horrible manner, and losing their light, in this verse: things falling from heaven...
(Source: Geneva Notes)

Yahweh continues to speak through parables today. Christ declared that His disciples could know when the end of the age was at hand by observing the signs both in the heavens and on the earth.

Luke 21:25-26
"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars and upon the earth, dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world...”

God has been providing many signs of the hour we are now entering and the things that must come to pass. I have written much in this blog about the recent tremendous earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand. Judgment must begin at the house of God, yet this judgment will not end there. The nations of the earth will be judged. America, as the great power of this present world system, having a greater military presence in the world than the next several largest nations put together, and exerting an inordinate influence over world events, being also the seat of restored Babylon - the United Nations, must experience judgment.

There is a pattern being observed among the world’s major earthquakes at this time. In New Zealand, the immediate results of the great shaking there were observed first in the damage to the city’s great cathedrals. This was particularly true during the first large earthquake that occurred September of last year. Church spires were toppled, leaning, or greatly damaged. The effect was immediately seen, and some of the first reporting on the quake focused on images of the damage to the great cathedrals.

















Christchurch Cathedral after Earthquake

















Christchurch Cathedral after Earthquake

The earliest reporting on damage in this symbolically named city focused predominantly upon damage to the grand church buildings. We see the same pattern fulfilled in the earthquake that shook Washington D.C. this week. The very first reports of damage to appear in the news were regarding the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.. This is the sixth largest cathedral in the world, and the pinnacles atop its central spire are the highest point in the nation’s capitol. Although the Washington Monument is taller from base to top, the National Cathedral sits upon a hill causing its spire to rise above everything else.

Those things that are high and lofty on the earth signify pride throughout the pages of Scripture. Yahweh has testified that He will abase the proud. In the earthquake that occurred Tuesday August 23rd, God has given a testimony of where this abasement will begin. Judgment must begin at the house of God.

I Peter 4:17-19
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

















Washington National Cathedral - Damaged Pinnacles

You can observe in the above photograph that three of the four pinnacles atop the highest point of the National Cathedral were broken by the earthquake. Atop each one sat an image of a cross, and three of the crosses fell to the ground.

The earthquake that shook Washington D.C. had an especial focus upon the cross. Consider the very unusual, and significant details that are brought out in the following news article taken from the American Broadcasting Corporation’s News website.

ABC News
By KEVIN DOLAK and JESSICA HOPPER
Aug. 24, 2011

The strongest earthquake to hit the East Coast of the U.S. in seven decades damaged landmark buildings in the Washington, D.C. area, while rattling the nerves of tens of millions, just three weeks ahead of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks...


The National Park Service discovered cracking in the stones at the top of the Washington Monument, which will be closed indefinitely, according to the Associated Press. While inspecting it via helicopter the NPS noticed a crack in what they refer to as the paramedian – at the very top of the triangle.


At the historic National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. damage has been confirmed to three of four pinnacles atop the tower, while reports indicated cracks appeared in the flying buttresses around the east end of the cathedral.


Experts are working to assess the building damage, both structurally and aesthetically, according to a statement on the monument's official website.


Elsewhere in the capital, the largest metropolitan area close to the quake's epicenter, the Cross family from Michigan was at the top of the Washington Monument when the quake struck. They said that they felt the 555 foot monument sway nearly a foot, and said they felt pieces of the monument falling on them...


One person that did not feel any vibrations at all was President Obama, who is currently vacationing with his family in Martha's Vineyard, Mass. White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest today confirmed that Obama felt nothing as the quake rattled half the country.
[Source: http://abcnews.go.com/US/earthquake-aftermath-national-monuments-damaged/story?id=14368908]

I feel confident in stating that a message Yahweh is bringing forth from this sign on the earth, is that it is time for Christ’s body to cast down the image of the cross that has come to be no more than a decoration, and an embellishment to the church. It is time for all true disciples of Yahshua the Messiah to take up THEIR CROSS and follow Him.










Image Posted Immediately After Quake of Someone Taking Up a Piece of the Cross that Fell From Cathedral

Another salient testimony to come from the details in the article above, is that an hour is at hand when the government of the United States will begin to manifest great antipathy toward true Christians who are bearing their cross as they follow Christ. This is symbolized in parts of the Washington Monument falling upon the Cross family.

When I read the comments about President Obama being unmoved, feeling nothing, during this quake, I knew there was a parable there as well. Randy Simmons and I both reside in Georgia, and we both felt the shaking from this earthquake. In considering Obama’s lack of sensitivity, my immediate thought was of Nero who is said to have played the fiddle while Rome burned. An interesting note is that the original plot of land on which Washington D.C. was built was called “Rome.” I learned this many years ago reading an excerpt from Tupper Saussy’s book Rulers of Evil. In a parallel to Nero, we have Barack Obama playing golf while the nation’s capitol is being shaken, and he feels nothing.

A study of the burning of Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero will lead one to discover that many historians report that Nero ordered the city of Rome to be set on fire as the city was in decay, and he wanted to build a new Rome. Nero blamed the Christians for setting the city on fire, and a great persecution of the disciple’s of Christ ensued.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fire_of_Rome

It is not hard to see parallels to this present day. America is presided over by a President who is set upon a course to deliberately destroy the nation in order that it might be rebuilt according to a new pattern. The President, and those in league with him, are “unmoved,” feeling not a thing, as they observe the destruction of the nation. As the new order arises, Christians will become the target of the government’s wrath, serving as scapegoats to divert attention away from the true culprits. Yet, Yahweh will use all of these things to bring forth a purified people. Christ’s disciples must take up their crosses and follow Him. Christ was crucified at the hands of both the religious and political rulers of the age, and so too will Christians be persecuted by both the Christian Religious System and the government.

I would point out another, apparently related, testimony that occurred the same day. Earlier in the morning in which Washington D.C. was shaken by the earthquake, there was a 5.3 magnitude quake in Colorado. This quake occurred in Las Animas County, the nearest town being Trinidad. These names bear great interest in studying them.

Las Animas County takes its name from the Mexican Spanish name of the Purgatoire River, originally called El Río de las Ánimas Perdidas en Purgatorio, which means "River of the Lost Souls in Purgatory..." The county seat is Trinidad.
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Animas_County]

The word “animas” is Spanish for soul, as Trinidad is translated into English as Trinity. This shaking occurred in a place with a very unusual name derived from the phrase “River of the Lost Souls in Purgatory.” The word “purgatory” is defined as “a condition or place in which the souls of those dying penitent are purified.” Surely, the Father is testifying that a great many Christians in this nation would suffer great loss if they were to perish today. The majority of American believers have not been cleansed from their sins, being involved in the same carnal pursuits as the rest of this very corrupt society.

Yahweh, to prevent a chosen remnant of His people from experiencing great loss in the age to come, must lead them through fiery trials that will serve to purge them from the stains of this world. The result of Yahweh’s people living separated and holy lives has always been that the world system will persecute them. As long as the church walks with the world, there is peace, but let the saints become salt and light, and the darkness will respond with great violence.

Before closing this post, I would share another affirming testimony that occurred the same day as the earthquakes. A very poignant sign was observed in the stock market. It was fitting that this sign appear there, for the love of money is a root of much evil, and the present rulers of this world system are those who hold the most money. The day of the earthquakes, the New York Stock Exchange rose significantly. Note the highlighted details.

updated 8/23/2011 5:23:50 PM ET

NEW YORK — Stocks posted their biggest jump in nearly two weeks on Tuesday. Investors picked up cheaply priced stocks after fears that the U.S. would slip into a recession pounded the market over the last month.


The Dow jumped 322 points, its best day since Aug. 11, when it gained 423. The Dow dipped about 60 points shortly after an earthquake hit the East Coast at 1:51 p.m., but recovered within 20 minutes and soared even higher in the afternoon...
[Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44239287/ns/business/#.TlRXUaj-KSo]

Those who have been readers of this post for some time may recognize the significance of the number 322. It is an occult number related specifically to the rulers of the New World Order. Both Presidents Bush were members of the Skull and Bones club at Yale University. Following is the symbol for Skull and Bones.


















I have shared before that the Georgia Guidestones, and Illuminati manifesto equivalent to their “ten commandments,” was dedicated on March 22nd, which is the date 3-22. See article below:

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/deep-things-of-satan.html

It was more recently observed that the Healthcare Reform Bill that is a deceptive initiative to bring every citizen of the nation under the firm control of the government, was passed on March 22nd, Greenwich Mean Time.

Consider now the parable to be found in the fact that as the church and nation are being shaken, being under the judgment of Yahweh, there is a rise of 322 points in the Stock Market. This signifies the arising of the masters of a new world order even as the old order is being brought down to the ground.

People of God, an hour of great shaking is at hand, at the very door. Already, I am corresponding with a number of saints whose lives are being altered greatly. Many are being led to steps of obedience, or abandonment to Christ, that are leading them into trials, testings, and conflicts. Such things are absolutely necessary, and cannot be avoided. All who would stand with Christ as overcomers on Mount Zion must pass through the fires of affliction.

Consider once more the words of the apostle Peter.

I Peter 4:17-19
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Friday, August 19, 2011

Prison, Praise, and Promotion - Part Five

Joseph Herrin (08-19-2011)

The Trying of Our Faith

James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The faith of the saints is exceptionally precious in the eyes of Yahweh. Faith is a demonstration of a man or woman’s trust and confidence in God. This faith, in order to grow stronger, and become purer, must be subjected to testing. It is in the fire of affliction that our faith in God is not only proven, but it is able to increase.

I Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith , being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Yahshua Christ...

My recent experience of spending 74 days in jail included a number of trials, some of them severe. I understood that these trials were an opportunity for me to show confidence in the goodness of Yahweh. In this is He glorified, when He finds His sons enduring with patience many distresses, their confidence unshaken in the reality that their heavenly Father sees all, and His love does not fail.

On May 24th I was required to appear before the courts of man. My wife, who departed from me seven years ago was seeking payment for an alimony award. The only way I could fulfill this decree was to turn aside from the ministry that Yahweh has instructed me to fulfill, and to seek secular employment. In the three times I have been called to appear before the courts of man, I received instruction from the Spirit of Christ to give no defense, but to follow the pattern of Yahshua as revealed in Scripture.

I Peter 2:19-23
For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously...

We read of Christ when He was brought before the Jewish rulers, and before the Roman rulers Herod and Pilate, that He gave no defense. Although many accusations were made against Him, He acted as a lamb that is silent before its shearers, and which quietly and meekly yields to be led to the slaughter. His response was so contrary to the fallen nature of man that Pilate marveled as he observed it.

Matthew 27:12-14
And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He made no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so that the governor was quite amazed.

It should be noted that Yahweh does not provide any assurances to the saints, if they entrust themselves to the One who judges righteously, that He will defend them and deliver them from suffering. Indeed, the saints are in many places told that they will be bound over to various kinds of suffering as they remain faithful to Yahweh, refusing to violate their conscience before God and man. Christ entrusted Himself to the Father, and He was crucified. Peter declares to the saints that it will find favor with God if they follow in His steps, enduring with patience the things appointed to them.

In this hour it is vitally necessary that the people of God cast off every false doctrine flowing from a perverse prosperity gospel, and gird up their minds to endure patiently all that they will be called to walk through. The doctrines of a sensual church in this hour of apostasy declare that it is not the will of God for His people to suffer. There are legions of ministers, teachers, and prophets who declare that suffering is always to be resisted, sometimes militantly. Many are the Christians in this hour who are stocking up on guns and bullets, not heeding the words of the Spirit as written by the apostle Paul.

II Corinthians 10:3-4
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh...

Yahweh has an entirely different goal in mind than does the natural man. His ways are not man’s ways, neither are His thoughts man’s thoughts. In the kingdom of God, suffering is appointed to every person who would be a disciple of Christ. That the church seldom has conflict with this dark world system reveals the tragic fact that there are at present very few disciples. The church has adopted a mind where they view suffering as an enemy, rather than as part and parcel of the cross which is Yahweh’s chosen instrument to transform fleshly men and women into spiritual creations.

When I was brought into the courts of man I received instruction from the judge to return to secular employment in order to satisfy the request of my wife for alimony. To do this I would have to lay aside the ministry Yahweh has appointed to me. The Father has in many ways affirmed to me that it is His will that I minister full-time, being free to go wherever He sends, and to do whatever He requires. To maintain a good conscience before the One who bought and purchased Me with the blood of His Son, I could not fulfill the instructions of the court.

Because I hired no lawyer for my defense, and presented no arguments, those who were acting with enmity were free to do whatever they desired against me. I did not resist. I yielded freely to be taken to jail. My wife’s lawyer also announced that he was pursuing through the legal system to take possession of my checking account, and PayPal account. The judge heartily endorsed such a course. I spoke not a word as this new threat was spoken, for I had already committed my life, my ministry, my all, to the One who judges righteously. Unto Him I will make my plea, and raise my petition, looking not to the arm of the flesh for succor.

You can imagine how Satan came against me with many threatening thoughts. Yet, it is at such times that we are able to exercise those true weapons that are supplied to the saints. The weapons we have been given are spiritual, and they are powerful to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. When Satan comes with his threats, and whispers many fearful things into our minds, then we are able to counter his attacks with the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

When I was being processed into the jail, the deputy interviewing me was checking off various questions on their standard form. One of the questions was “Are you taking any medication?” I told the deputy that I was taking one aspirin a day as I had experienced a heart attack a few years back. I thought it would be good to continue taking the aspirin while in jail, so I mentioned this to them. I did not realize that this would lead to a further trial.

The next day as I was now situated in the cell which would be my home for the next ten weeks, I was called down front at what is referred to as “med call.” It is amazing how many inmates are on medication. Many of them are taking psychotropic medications to help them deal with anger, depression, etc.. Fully one third of the men in the jail section I was in were taking some form of medication.

When I stood in front of the nurse to receive my aspirin, she inquired about my heart attack, asked how I was feeling now, and said she wanted me to be seen in the infirmary to have my blood pressure checked. This was very unwelcome news for me. Many years earlier, around 1998, the Father told me that He wanted me to look to Him for my health. He led me to cancel my health insurance, to forego medical treatment for various physical problems, and to trust Him. The Father has used the ailments of my body as a scourge in my life to goad me into obedience that I might rule over the flesh.

For much of my life I have been overweight. At the very peak of my fleshly indulgence I weighed nearly 285 lbs. on my 5'-9" frame. I was very obese, and this served as an outward symbol of my spiritual condition. I was not ruling over the flesh, but was indulging it in many areas. Consequently, I was packing a lot of extraneous flesh.

Over the years the Father has chipped away at this flesh. When I was 285 lbs. I began experiencing the symptoms of diabetes. It was at the same time that Yahweh told me to cancel my health insurance. I did so, but my symptoms persisted. My blood sugar was checked one day (I worked in a hospital as a computer manager), and it was 370 when it should be no higher than 120. The ER physician advised me to see a family physician and get on a diabetic regimen, likely to include insulin. Yahweh instructed me otherwise, so I never pursued the matter further among the medical profession.

Yahweh then told me to cut the fats and sugars out of my diet. I obeyed, and within a few short months I had lost 50 pounds and all the symptoms of diabetes went away. Having reached 235 lbs., and feeling much better, I eased up, and simply maintained that weight. Yahweh was patient, and I remained at that weight for the about the next nine years.

Yahweh’s desire, however, was not to deliver me from diabetes, but rather to bring me to the place where I was ruling over every appetite of the flesh. Paul describes this battle in the following words:

Galatians 5:24-25
Now those who belong to Christ Yahshua have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

During these years I had continued to know in my heart that there was an area of my life in which I had not fulfilled Yahweh’s desire for me. I was often convicted that I needed to lose weight, and I understood that 165 lbs. was the goal He had set for me. My desire to gain victory in this area was not greater than my desire to indulge the flesh, so no progress was made. At times, however, I would pray that the Father would help me to become motivated that I might arise in the spirit man and begin to rule over the flesh. I prayed this just before I became diabetic, and the Father answered my prayers. He gave me the motivation I needed. About nine years later He once more assisted me. This time He used a heart attack as the instrument of His chastisement.

After experiencing the heart attack about 4 years ago, I lost another 50 pounds, getting down to 185. This represented a further flesh cutting in my life. For one brief moment, about a year and a half ago, I got down below 165 when I was led to go on a 40 day liquid only fast. But in the ensuing months I put back on 20 pounds. The Father made known to me that certain promises He had given to me in my life were contingent upon my obedience in this area. I needed to get down to 165 lbs., and remain there.

Much anxiety arose in my mind when I thought of having to explain to the Jail nursing staff why I did not want to be put on any medication for high blood pressure, or to receive other heart medications. To me, seeking to persuade those employed in the medical profession that it is not always God’s desire for His people to use their services appeared to be a losing proposition. I began to dread having to go to see the nurse to have my blood pressure checked. I knew it had been elevated before going into the jail, but not severely. The anxiety I began to experience in thinking about seeing the nurse, and facing the pressure to take pharmaceuticals, exacerbated the problem.

The first time I went to see the nurse, my blood pressure was 170/80. This was much higher than normal for me, and I knew that anxiety was a contributor. I thought that would be the end of it, however, until the nurse told me she wanted me to return the next day to have my BP checked again. This led to even more stress. All that evening and next morning, my mind kept brooding upon having to have my blood pressure checked. I knew it was not the Father’s will that I take any of their pharmaceutical offerings, and I felt sure they would spurn my reasons for this decision.

When I appeared the next day, I could tell my blood pressure was much higher than normal. I could feel my pulse beating in my temples. Satan was attacking me with great fervor, trying to find some entry to cast down my faith in God, knowing that once he found a beachhead he would be able to chip away at every other stand of obedience I had taken at the instruction of the Father. The nurse took my BP on May 26 and it was 180/98.

The nurse expressed much concern, and she said that she wanted to prescribe for me some blood pressure medication. A short time later she appeared with some Clonadine. In short form, I explained to her that I did not desire to take the medication, telling her that I believed God was using my health issues as a goad to get me to obey Him by ruling over my appetite for food and losing weight. Remarkably, she was not upset, confessing that she too was a Christian. Nonetheless, she still urged me to take the pill. I declined, and the next day when they called me in again to have my BP checked I asked if I might sign a waiver saying that I refused medical treatment, as having my BP checked daily was causing me stress in an already difficult environment. They permitted me to do so. Immediately I felt better, and could tell that my blood pressure had dropped significantly.

Satan was not through with his attacks, however. A couple of days later I received a letter from a family member who has consistently manifested an adversarial and critical spirit toward the walk Yahweh has set me upon since 1999. This family member wrote under the guise of being concerned for me, but in the short letter urged me to abandon the path of faith and obedience God had set me on. She also wrote that if I did not give into the demands of the court that I could very well have the bus/RV, that I had recently put so much work into, sold on the courthouse steps and the money given to my wife. The person writing me shared that the judge had given the sheriff’s department authority to seek out any assets and sell them to satisfy the alimony award he had granted my wife.

Satan once more sought to urge me to act out of fear, and a desire for self preservation. Satan suggested to my mind that I ought to take the bus and hide it somewhere on a friend’s property, but I knew such a carnal solution was not the Father’s will. I was reminded of the threats that Nehemiah faced as he was tasked by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 6:10-13
And when I entered the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined at home, he said, "Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you, and they are coming to kill you at night." But I said, "Should a man like me flee? And could one such as I go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in." Then I perceived that surely God had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He was hired for this reason, that I might become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order that they could reproach me.

All these attacks occurred during my first week in jail. Rather than be driven by fear, I began confessing to the Father out loud as I prayed in my cell (my cell mate was elsewhere) that God was faithful, and I would trust Him. I confessed that my life was in Yahweh’s hands, and I was looking to Him as my defender, and as a shield about me. I entreated Him to confound every scheme of the enemy, and to rebuke the adversary of my soul who comes only to kill, to steal and destroy. I reminded the Father that I had laid my life in His hands, that I had not turned to man to seek deliverance, nor resorted to fleshly tactics, but that in all things I wanted to honor Him with my faith.

These were very precious times of prayer, and I sensed the presence and pleasure of the Father as I endured patiently so many things in jail. Rather than my faith growing weaker, it increased. Considering my own utter helplessness to deliver myself from my adversaries, I leaned all the more confidently upon my heavenly Father. Yahweh sent me strong comfort, and I was truly encouraged in my spirit. My soul was like a weaned child within me. It had been quieted, and the raging storms silenced. The God of peace was walking upon the waters.

I write these words today sitting in the bus Yahweh gave to me. I still have full access to my checking and PayPal accounts. I cannot tell you why this is so in a physical sense, for I have heard nothing further from my wife, her lawyer, or the legal system. Neither do I boast in these things, for God has not promised that He would deliver us from all such loss. Many have been the saints who have forfeited all worldly possessions in order to remain obedient to Christ.

Hebrews 10:32-34
But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly, by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.

I am persuaded that perfect peace comes from entrusting one’s life wholly into the Father’s hands. When we take up human means to defend ourselves, our soul becomes stirred up. The striving of the human nature to deliver itself from loss or suffering drives out the peace that surpasses all understanding that comes from the presence of the Father. One Scripture I was frequently encouraged by in these past days is the following:

Psalms 118:9
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh than to trust in princes.

I am committed to trusting God who created me, who has purchased me for His pleasure. I have often been tried in the fire, and I remain trusting Him to this day. It is not my strength that has preserved me, for I am a weak man. Yahweh has supported me. He has carried me through the fire and the flood. He will carry many more of His sons and daughters through similar things in the days ahead.

People of God, the Spirit of Christ is testifying that the days we are entering will require patience and longsuffering. It is appointed unto the saints to suffer many things. This suffering is not intended for their destruction, but rather to promote conformity to the image of Christ, and to give them opportunity to glorify the Father by their faith.

Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.

Philippians 1:29
For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake...

The Father becomes exceedingly precious to the saint who suffers for obedience to Christ. At such times we learn how great is His comfort, and His care for us. He gives us songs in the night, and turns our thoughts away from the passing things of this world to seek those things above.

Yahweh desires that your faith should be both abundant and pure. In His love He will guide you through many trials. There is a place of peace to be found in the midst of the storms of life. Yahweh is a refuge. Let all His saints trust in Him.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063