Thursday, May 30, 2013

Expatriates - Part Five: An Attitude of Gratitude

Joseph Herrin (05-30-2013)

We learn the reason that Yahweh was not pleased with them. These people who adopted the expatriate lifestyle were continuously focused upon what it had cost them to follow God. They lamented the things left behind in Egypt, that fertile and prosperous land of slavery.

The inheritance Yahweh was leading them towards was far better. There they would live as a free people. They would inherit a land flowing with milk and honey. Yahweh was going to given them houses they had not built, vineyards and orchards they had not planted, cities they did not construct. Yet to arrive at their inheritance, the people of God had to first give up the life they had known and embark on a journey through the wilderness which Yahweh would use to test their hearts (attitudes).

Deuteronomy 8:2
And you shall remember all the way which Yahweh your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart...

Only in the hearts of a very small remnant was there found faith, gratitude, and an eagerness to follow Yahweh. Men like Moses, Joshua, and Caleb were the exception. The vast majority of men and women complained bitterly. Daily they murmured about the hardships and trials they faced. When Yahweh miraculously provided bread from heaven day after day, they complained that it was not as good as the quail, fish, leeks, onions, garlic, and melons of Egypt.

I Corinthians 10:6-12
Now these things happened as examples for us, that we should not crave evil things, as they also craved... Do not grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

During my years of public ministry I have had interaction with a large number of God’s people. I have corresponded with thousands through e-mail, and many in person. I have encountered many who manifest the same grumbling spirit of complaint that was observed among the people of Israel. Some find fault with every provision of Yahweh. They complain that the journey is too long, too difficult, that there are too many trials. Such ones seem to carry dark clouds around with them on sunny days. They speak at times of desiring to return to the life they once had. Their focus is backwards. Like Lot’s wife, they look back to that which they are leaving behind, rather than looking forward to the divine inheritance that lies ahead.

Luke 9:62
But Yahshua said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Like the person in the cartoon above, many believers fall short of an attitude of gratitude. Instead they manifest a “sentiment of resentment.” Their way becomes exceedingly difficult. They trudge on wearily, every step a herculean effort, for in their hearts they want to go backwards. They lack an eagerness to follow Yahweh to the new land of promise to which He would guide them.

There is a statement made in Moses’ account of the people’s wilderness wanderings that reveals that their main problem was not their experiences, but their attitude toward those experiences.

Numbers 11:1-6
Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of Yahweh; and when Yahweh heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of Yahweh burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp... And the rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, "Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna."

These words, divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveal a profound truth. Men and women can make their journey with Yahweh exceedingly more difficult than it actually is by manifesting a spirit of complaint. The statement “Now the people became like those who complain of adversity” is pregnant with meaning. There was no actual adversity. Look at what they were complaining about. They grew tired of eating manna every day. Manna was pleasant. It had the flavor of wafers with honey. It had everything necessary to promote health and sustain those who ate it. It was provided in a miraculous manner, daily demonstrating Yahweh’s faithful care of His people. Yet, the people came to despise that which Yahweh had given to them.

Have you ever done the same? Have you come to despise something, or someone, that Yahweh placed in your life to provide something you needed? Have you ever murmured against Yahweh’s provision, speaking as if it was some great adversity? The apostle Paul tells us that the experiences of the Israelites were given to us as examples lest we fall in the same way.

Every Christian is called to follow the Spirit of Christ as the Israelites followed the pillar of fire and the cloud. Christ has promised to provide and care for His people along the way.

Matthew 6:31-33
"Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”

The church has been corrupted in this hour. Ministers regularly make false declarations to the people of God. They declare that Yahweh has promised His people the banquets and feasts of Egypt while they follow the Spirit through the wilderness. The prosperity gospel that is so wildly popular today, leads the people of God to believe that they can take Egypt with them as they walk with Christ. This is gross deception. Those who imbibe the poisonous waters of the prosperity message become unwilling to lay aside the things of the world. They are unwilling to make sacrifices now to attain a far better inheritance later.

Christ has promised to meet every need of those who follow Him, but He has not promised that He will sate their soul’s desires, nor give them that which is pleasing to the flesh. At times He chooses to feed His people with “the bread of privation, and the waters of affliction” (Isaiah 30:20). Surely bread of privation is better than no bread at all. It is the will of Yahweh that His people give thanks in ALL THINGS.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Yahshua.

I find myself daily giving thanks to God for His myriad of blessings. Some people have written to me and said they would not like to live in a converted school bus as I do. I remember one man’s peckish comment as he compared my experience to that of the hippies of the 1960s. He asked me when I was going to hang beads up in the bus. Another dismissed such a life by suggesting that it would be nigh impossible to find a wife who would join a man in such an experience.

Despite the murmuring of others, I find myself frequently bursting forth in spontaneous praise and words of thanksgiving to my Father for the wonderful home He has provided for me. I am truly, sincerely, and ecstatically grateful for the bus He has provided for me. It has everything I need. It is dry. It keeps the bugs out and is climate controlled inside. Since I was able to install an instant-on hot water heater about a year ago I have rejoiced every time I am able to take a shower in my converted motorhome. I am truly blessed and I sense the Father’s approval and pleasure when I give utterance to the thoughts of thanksgiving that arise in my soul.

I have known times when the only roof over my head was a tent in the woods. I was extremely grateful for the tent Yahweh provided. When it rained it kept me dry. When the woods were full of gnats and mosquitoes, it kept them outside so that I could sleep peacefully at night.

For an entire summer my home was the camper van Yahweh provided for me, parked on the property of a rescue mission in downtown Macon, Georgia. Across the street was the county jail. Behind me were rows of crack houses. I had no electricity, sewer, or water connections at the location. Yet I remember telling the Father on many occasions that summer that I had never been happier. Yahweh opened the door for me to get a membership at a gym downtown. For $32 a month I could visit every day, as long as I wanted. I could shower there. There was also a swimming pool, and all types of exercise equipment. There was a library nearby, and coffee houses that I could ride my bicycle to. I was able to spend my days writing, and return to my van at night to sleep.

There were some nights that the van stayed hot until after midnight. I lay on a towel so I would not soak my sheets with sweat. Yet, I was glad that I had a place of my own to lie down, for there were many homeless men and women in the town who had no such place. I also could look forward to a shower, and refreshment each day at the gym.

Even when I was twice cast in jail, once for 60 days, and another time for 74 days, I found that I had many things for which to be thankful. These experiences did not seem like unbearable hardships to me. Sure, there were elements that were hard to bear. I found the constant thunder of voices uttering profanity and obscenities to be difficult to bear. I longed at times for the peace of the countryside, and to experience the solitude that comes from being away from sinful humanity for a time. Yet, I appreciated the experiences for what they taught me. I was better able to understand the patience of Yahweh as He observes and hears all things every day. That He has not once more wiped the earth clean as He did in the days of Noah, is a testimony to His patience and longsuffering.

Through my experiences in jail, I learned a deep appreciation for things I had formerly taken for granted. I had previously thought little of the opportunities I had to pray out loud to God in my daily life. Yet, sharing a prison dorm with 80 other men, and always having another man in my small cell, made me relish the rare moments of privacy that I experienced in jail. I remember that one occasion my cell mate had to go to court. I had an hour or two alone in the cell by myself. It became a time of intense prayer as I paced from one end of the cell to the other, praying out loud, pouring forth my words of praise, hope, anticipation, and petition to my heavenly Father. That cell became to me a castle. It was my meeting room with the King of kings. His presence filled every corner. I relished the experience all the more because it was not readily available to me in that place.

I have frequently found that I have learned to appreciate something far more deeply by experiencing times when I had to do without. When the Father led me to experience two forty day periods of time camping in the woods, separated by a two day break, I came to appreciate a simple meal of bread and beans, or a bowl of soup. I learned this deep appreciation by having nothing to eat during much of this time, and little to eat the rest of the time. For the last seven days of my first forty day period of camping, I had no food. During the second forty day period, I ran out of food and had nothing other than water for my last seventeen days there.

Yahweh has taught me to look for the silver lining behind every cloud. He has taught me to praise Him in every experience. I remember during those seasons of fasting being grateful that I was out in a remote location. I was not tormented by watching others eat, or smelling food constantly, while I was doing without. I also experienced very little hunger, and knew this to be the grace of Yahweh. I thanked Him for these things. I found myself many times a day speaking out loud to the Father, confessing to Him my gratitude for the things I counted as blessings. I thanked Him for the former years of abundance that in my time of lack I was better able to appreciate.

Yesterday I found myself once more expressing to the Father my deep gratitude for the provision He sends my way each day. My spirit feels lightened when I begin expressing thanksgiving to my Father. Clouds give way to sunshine, and despair flees as hope emerges. There is something inherently empowering in the simple act of thanking Yahweh for the blessings He provides. Thanksgiving has become a way of life for me.

I don’t own a car. I ride my bike whenever I need to go to the store or post office. Some would find this to be a source of complaint, but I have found it to be cause for thanksgiving. I am afforded exercise that my body needs by riding a bicycle. I also see and smell many wonderful things along my bike rides.

To exit the property I am parked on, I travel down a dirt lane. It is shaded and for the past month it has smelled wonderfully of honeysuckle. It is like taking a cool drink on a hot day to encounter the aroma of the honeysuckle. Every time I ride down the lane I remark to the Father about how wonderful it smells. Just think, Yahweh designed certain plants to exude aromas that cause pleasure when inhaled by mankind. What a loving and thoughtful thing to do!

Along my bike ride I have found wild blackberries growing. At times I will stop and pick a few handfuls and eat them. I love the taste of blackberries, a fact which the Father surely knows for I tell Him so every time I put them in my mouth. If I were driving a car, I would miss these experiences. We have a choice to either find cause for thanksgiving, or cause for complaint, in all of our experiences. Thanksgiving seems far more befitting a son of God, and it brings with it many rewards.

If you are finding your way to be difficult; if your experiences seem excessively bitter; they can be made easier and sweeter by the exercise of an attitude of gratitude. It is not possible to walk victoriously as an alien and stranger in this world, following in the footsteps of Christ, apart from embracing a heart of thanksgiving.

Gratitude Rocks!

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

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com

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

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Expatriates - Part Four: You Can’t Take it with You!

Joseph Herrin (05-25-2013)

Expatriate:
•    to banish (a person) from his or her native country.
•    to withdraw (oneself) from residence in one's native country.
•    to withdraw (oneself) from allegiance to one's country.
[Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/expatriate]

The tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma on May 20th provides an opportunity to reflect upon the transitive nature of people’s homes and possessions. A recent report stated that as many as 13,000 homes were either damaged or completely destroyed by the tornado. Images of these homes have shown how quickly a lifetime of accumulated possessions can be lost.

Homes and Possessions Lost

Man Standing in the Rubble of His Home

Entire Neighborhoods Destroyed

Shattered Homes

A common sight observed in the aftermath of some of the most destructive tornadoes in recent times is the erection of an American flag over the site of destruction. Such iconic images were seen in Joplin, Missouri, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This week’s tornado in Moore, Oklahoma gave rise to similar images, such as the one below.

Those who erect flags in the aftermath of destruction often do so as a symbol of hope, or even defiance. It is as if they are saying, “We will rebuild. We will come back stronger. We will not be daunted by the calamities of life.”

What is often not considered, even by Christians impacted by such losses, is whether it is the Father’s will that they seek to return to the life they formerly knew, a life where home and material possessions is a major focus of their thoughts, time, money, and energy. When I see images such as the one above where a soiled and tattered flag is strung up in the midst of a scene of complete devastation, I perceive a parable of America’s future. As I have shared in previous writings, RUIN is coming to America.

The images above were taken from Barack Obama’s campaign website. In texting shorthand, which is so common among users of cell phones and Twitter, the phrase “Are You In?” would be abbreviated as “R U IN?” Obama’s first campaign focused on the word “Change.” The change that is coming to America is not what people have been led to anticipate. America is being brought to ruin.

The tornado in Moore, Oklahoma damaged a local movie theater. News sites have shown images of the theater marquee after the storm. The words on the marquee serve as a signpost for what is coming to the nation.

Reading from lower left to upper right the three movies listed are “Pain and Gain,” “Into Darkness,” and “Oblivion.” The latter two movies focus upon destruction coming to the earth.

Into Darkness

Oblivion

Knowing that the U.S. government is preparing for societal ruin by purchasing billions of bullets and thousands of armored vehicles to be used on the streets of America, by pushing strongly to ban assault rifles and approving the use of drones for surveillance and the murder of U.S. citizens, by conducting a test run as they implemented martial law in Boston, etc., it is highly inadvisable that any person should continue on with a business as usual attitude. The following words of the apostle Paul seem particularly fitting for this present hour.

I Corinthians 7:29-31
But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away.

In a time of distress, those who will be the least impacted by economic and civil chaos are those who are the least entangled with this present world system. In an hour when global bankers are orchestrating the coming economic meltdown, leading to the overthrow of governments, rioting, and the implementation of martial law, it would be well to have as little involvement with the banks as possible. The recent theft of billions of dollars of deposits in Cypriot banks by international bankers, and the monetary controls implemented which are tantamount to a dictatorial rule over the lives of the citizens of Cyprus, is a sign of things to come. Christians who have a mortgage on their home, credit card debt, student loans, or other forms of financial obligations to the banks, will find that the Scripture is true that states, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender's slave” (Proverbs 22:7).

The vast majority of Christians are entangled with this fallen world system in ways that are contrary to the will of the Father and the testimony of Christ and His apostles.

II Timothy 2:4, 7
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier... Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

If Christians will embrace the mind and attitude of those who are aliens and strangers in this world, they would find themselves lessening their bondage to, and dependence upon, this Satanic world system. As a result, their exposure to the upheavals that are coming would be greater diminished. Yet many, indeed, the majority, are like those citizens of Moore, Oklahoma whose homes were destroyed, and the accumulated possessions of a lifetime scattered to the four winds. They are heedlessly pursuing a material life, conformed to a fallen world system that Yahweh is soon to judge.

A profound lesson can be observed as one looks at the example of the early church that arose in Jerusalem following Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the 120 gathered in an upper room. Three thousand souls were added to the church on that day, and many more were to follow. Among the early church of Jerusalem a radical change was observed. Men and women who had formerly lived material lives, focused on accumulating houses and land, and the goods of this world, found their hearts changed. Those who were formerly focused upon consumption began considering the needs of others more highly than their own needs.

Acts 4:32-35
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them... For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles' feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.

I have never heard a sermon that mentioned how this radical transformation of attitude and action served to deliver the saints in Christ from ruinous loss when some years later, in A.D. 70, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army. Those who had homes and land in and around the city, and who were possessors of much material goods, suffered a loss as total and devastating as the citizens of Moore, Oklahoma. Yet, those believers who had sold their houses and lands, who had laid the money at the apostles’ feet, were not only spared from great material loss, but they were guaranteed treasure in heaven.

Yahweh further protected His people from the depredations of Rome, as a persecution by the Jewish rulers occurred after the stoning of Stephen. This resulted in large numbers of Christians fleeing Jerusalem, relocating throughout Judea, Samaria, and the Roman Empire. When the Roman Army under the leadership of Titus, sacked Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Jews were slaughtered, many of them crucified. Those Christians who had embraced the expatriate lifestyle were saved.

Consider how these refugees from Jerusalem fit the description of the spiritual expatriate that we have been exploring in this series. These ones likely had lived in and around Jerusalem for generations. They had to leave their homes, and their father’s household, just like Abraham did 2,000 years earlier. Many of them had already sold houses and lands as was testified in Acts chapter 4. This freed them to relocate quickly when persecution arose. Because they were traveling, they had to lighten their load of material goods. Many possessions had to be sold, or given away. Their lives stood out in stark contrast to that existence they knew prior to being born again of the Spirit and becoming disciples of Christ.

There are few Christians today who are following this same pattern of disentanglement from the world. For this reason, many will suffer great loss when calamity strikes, as it did in Jerusalem in A.D. 70, or in Moore, Oklahoma this past week. Ruin is coming. I share these things to encourage the people of God to seek Yahweh now while there is still opportunity to make significant changes to your life.

In 1999 the Father challenged me to yield the full direction of my life to His Spirit. When I surrendered my will to Him, handing over the reins of my life, He quickly accomplished a radical transformation of our family’s experience. We were led to surrender our home, our custom van, the majority of our furnishings and possessions, as we went from a 2,000 square foot home to a 28 foot long motorhome.

Let me be clear, for I am often met with arguments and accusations when I share these things, that I am not suggesting that Yahweh will lead every son or daughter to live in a motorhome. What I am seeking to convey, is that those who walk as disciples of Christ, having His mind and exhibiting His attitude toward material possessions, will find themselves thinking and acting in ways that are strange and alien to this world system. They will manifest contentment rather than covetousness. They will be focused far more on giving to the needs of others than to accumulating things for self.

I Timothy 6:7-8
For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.”

Tragically, the majority of Christians in this late hour are manifesting that attitude that the apostle Paul wrote about in his epistle to the saints in Philippi.

Philippians 3:18-19
For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

Christ came to transform men’s lives. If we do not see a transformation in our attitude and actions regarding earthly possessions, then we should question whether we are truly living lives directed by the Holy Spirit. Christ said that those who would be His disciples must yield all they possess to Him.

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

It is quite evident from the four gospels, that Yahshua’s focus was upon giving, not receiving. He emptied Himself when He left heaven and came to earth. While here He accumulated no earthly goods. He did not own a home. He did not seek possessions. He died owning only the clothes on His back, and even these He freely surrendered to the Roman soldiers who cast lots for His cloak.

Whether you own a home, live in a motorhome, stay in rented quarters, or sleep out under the stars, the important matter is how you arrived at such an experience. Did you choose your manner of living in your own soul, or did the Spirit of Christ direct you? Do your possessions reveal an attitude of contentment? Are your home and furnishings modest, or extravagant? Do you live simply, and frugally that you might have as much money as possible to share with others in need? Is your life an example of one that is poured out for others, or is self-focus evident?

Acts 20:35
Remember the words of the Lord Yahshua, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This should be the attitude of Christians even in a time of peace. How much more so, in an hour when troublous days are seen drawing nearer? Those who make giving a focus are given many precious promises that they will be able to stand upon in the coming perilous days. Yahweh has promised to take care of the needs of those who have given themselves freely and generously to the care of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

Isaiah 58:6-9
Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; The glory of Yahweh will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and Yahweh will answer; You will cry, and He will say, “Here I am.”

Proverbs 19:17
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to Yahweh, and He will repay him for his good deed.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

James 2:15-17
If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

I John 3:17-18
But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Matthew 19:21
Yahshua said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Will the manner in which you have handled the financial and material resources of this world give you confidence in coming days that Yahweh will care for you? Can you draw on the bank of heaven, because you have lent to the Lord by giving generously to the needs of the poor? Will you have assurance that Yahweh will hear your prayers, because your ears were attentive to the cry of those in need?

Whether you have been called to a mobile lifestyle, or have a home and land, it is the will of the Father that you be a giver, rather than a collector. There is a popular saying that relates to mankind’s accumulation of this world’s goods. The saying states, “You can’t take it with you.”

Why wait until you die to give away what you have? The saints in Jerusalem did not. Christ admonished the young ruler with many possessions to sell all, give to the poor, and come follow Him. He promised that in return this man would have treasure in heaven. Are you earthly rich and heavenly poor? Or are you earthly poor and heavenly rich?

It is truly a strange and alien attitude, a sign of an expatriate from this world who has become a citizen of heaven, to travel light through this world. Why not see how much you can give away? You will never be able to out-give God. And when the storms of life descend, as they surely will, you will find that you have far less to lose than others.

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

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com

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

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Expatriates - Part Three: Where You Lead, I Will Follow

Joseph Herrin (05-21-2013)

Expatriate:
•    to banish (a person) from his or her native country.
•    to withdraw (oneself) from residence in one's native country.
•    to withdraw (oneself) from allegiance to one's country.
[Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/expatriate]

Genesis 37:13
And Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them." And he said to him, "I will go."

The life of the spiritual expatriate always begins with an invitation, or a commandment. Though this may appear obvious to some, it is an aspect of life in Yahweh’s kingdom that demands emphasis.

Yahweh never intends a person’s journey through life to be determined by their own initiative and will.

Do not rush over this statement. Have you considered the manner by which you arrived at the various decisions that have shaped the course of your life? As a child and youth, our lives are largely shaped by the decisions of parents, or other guardians. A transition occurs as a child finishes High School. They have by this time typically reached the age of 18. In America the age of 18 (or 21) is considered the time of transition into one’s majority. At this age the person is no longer considered a minor. They are responsible for their choices, being legally emancipated. (I do not imply that this pattern is in harmony with Yahweh’s kingdom, merely that it is the societal norm.)

It is the rare individual who at this age yields the rule of their life to God. Most youth, even from Christian families, transition from the rule of their parents to self-rule. They begin to make choices and base life decisions upon their soul’s desires and ambitions. After High School, the individual may decide to go to college, or to a technical training school, to receive the skills and education needed to obtain the job they desire. Their employment goals may be based either upon personal interest in a specific field, or upon the benefits that a job offers. The chief consideration for many is how much money they can potentially earn in a particular career, though some are motivated by other aspects of a career, such as family tradition, travel opportunities, or generous vacation time.

All such considerations are soulish. They are not what Yahweh desires His sons and daughters to use as the basis for decision making. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cases, Christians are led by their soul’s desires, rather than by the Spirit of Christ.

Yahshua is given as the pattern for all who would be found pleasing to the Father. He demonstrated by His words and actions that every decision of His life was surrendered to His Father in heaven. Yahshua NEVER did anything of His own initiative. He ALWAYS did the will of His Father.

John 5:30
"I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

John 8:28
Yahshua therefore said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father instructed Me.”

John 8:42
Yahshua said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.”

John 12:49
"For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak.”

John 14:10
"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.”

Christian parents should be promoting a life lived according to the mind of Christ to their children long before they reach the age of emancipation. This requires that parents not only instruct their sons and daughters to yield their will and desires to the rule of God, but that the parents model this behavior. Abraham provides an excellent example of a parental role model.

Throughout his young life, Isaac surely had instilled in him the concept of living a surrendered life to Yahweh. I am sure Abraham and Sarah spoke to Isaac about their departure from the land of their forebears. Isaac understood that his father was living a nomadic life in Canaan because Yahweh had called him to leave his father’s household and travel to a distant land. Furthermore, Isaac observed his father’s commitment to do whatever Yahweh required of him. This firsthand knowledge included Isaac’s experience as a youth when his father took him to the mountain of God to be offered as a sacrifice.

I cannot imagine a more impactful lesson. Isaac must certainly have been profoundly affected by his father’s actions in this matter. The understanding that one must yield EVERYTHING to Yahweh would have been indelibly impressed upon his mind as he observed his father’s obedience and surrender to this terrible experience of self-sacrifice and suffering. Isaac understood by his father’s example that the man who walks in the fear of Yahweh must yield every dream, desire, and passion of his soul to God. Where Yahweh says go, the godly man must go. What Yahweh says do, the friend of God must do.

Abraham’s life reveals an aspect of this pilgrim existence that I have often spoken of in my teachings. Abraham did not leave his father’s household of his own initiative. He did not wake up one day and say, “I am sure tired of this neighborhood. I think I will leave my father’s household and travel, trusting Yahweh to take care of me and my household.”

If this had been the manner by which Abraham arrived at his decisions, he would have had no foundation of faith upon which to stand when he encountered trials of various types. The confidence of the saints comes from the certain knowledge that Yahweh is ordering their steps. In my experiences I have frequently been brought to some trial, some extremity in my circumstances, where calamity loomed and I desperately needed Yahweh to deliver me.

Had I left my employment as a computer professional in 1999 of my own initiative, I would have lacked any confidence that Yahweh would hear my cry in a time of need. On many occasions as I was facing some threat I would seek a place apart with Yahweh and implore Him to intervene. I would remind my heavenly Father that I was brought to this place of danger, lack, or vulnerability, by yielding my will to His. It was by following the path He appointed to me that I was placed in harm’s way.

I did not speak these words as accusation, but rather to establish the ground of faith upon which I was standing. I could entreat Yahweh to deliver my family because our lives were placed into His care at His commandment. I would often rehearse before Yahweh the various ways that He had affirmed His will to me, and how I had followed to the best of my understanding. I would stand upon the fact that He is faithful, and He had given me promises of provision and help when I called unto Him. Those who choose their own course in the world do not share the same assurance.

Abraham is called the father of faith. His life reveals various aspects of the life of faith. Observe in the following Scriptures how Yahweh initiated the acts of Abraham’s life.

Genesis 12:1, 4
Now Yahweh said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you...” So Abram went forth as Yahweh had spoken to him.

Genesis 22:1-3
Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son...

The apostle Paul reveals this pattern of faith and obedience in the following words:

Romans 10:17
So faith is from (ek) hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

The Greek word translated into English as “from” is “ek.” This Greek word means “out.” It is the prefix for the word “eklessia” which means “called out ones,” being the most common Greek word for “church” in the New Testament. Paul is saying that faith has to come out of something. Faith is not that which the name it and claim it crowd declares it to be. Faith does not originate in the soul of man, in his vain imagination, or his carnal desires. Faith is ALWAYS precipitated by a word from God.

When God speaks, when He makes His will known, then a man has something solid out of which faith might arise. Yahweh has spoken. Surely He will bring it to pass. Yahweh has commanded. Surely He will support those who obey. In the writing Understanding Faith and Healing, I shared the following:

If a man, woman, or child has not heard anything from God, faith is not present, and belief is not possible. What many are calling faith and belief is merely positive thinking, or misplaced confidence based upon a wrong understanding of God’s word.

Hearing from God is a necessary part of a life of faith. Without hearing there can be no true faith. Many are teaching a type of faith today that lacks this vital necessity of hearing God give us direction. Many are teaching a false faith that originates in man’s own mind and imagination. They encourage the saints to envision the things they want and then stand in confidence, claiming that they have these things. Elwin Roach wrote regarding this false faith:

Some have called this type of faith the “Prosperity Message,” although in less favorable circles it has been called “Name it and Claim it,” “Bless it and Confess it,” “Blab it and Grab it,” or “What the Heck, Write the Check...”

It is one thing to have the Faith of God as a result of an impregnation of His anointed word which will move mountains, but it is entirely another matter when a man carves an image in his positive-thinking mind and calls it faith, and then holds God ransom with the written word which his carnal mind has little or no understanding of. This, dear reader, is not faith, not even in the farthest stretch of the imagination. It is presumption, and God is not obligated to pay up!

Many of the saints today have built upon the shifting sands of a false faith doctrine. Its teachings rest upon a belief in a principle of faith. It is taught that if one can work up enough confidence to believe something when they ask for it in prayer, then they will be assured of having their request. The key to this type of faith is the ability of man to believe something. The saints are told that if they can conceive something, and believe in its fulfillment, then they can have it. This is not the type of faith that Abraham demonstrated.
[End Excerpt]

We see the Biblical pattern of God initiating acts of faith and obedience of His people throughout the Scriptures. Yahweh is ALWAYS the initiator of the Christian life of discipleship.

John 6:44
“No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him...”

The Father draws, and Yahshua beckons.

Matthew 4:18-19
And walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Matthew 19:21
Yahshua said to him, "If you wish to be [Greek "teleios": complete, perfect, lacking in nothing], go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

The life of a disciple of Christ is of necessity a Spirit directed life. Yahweh never instructs a man to conceive some plan in his soul and then ask Him to bless and prosper it. Yahweh must be the initiator of all that is done in His kingdom. Observe the pattern by which the great missionary and apostolic calling of Paul was begun.

Acts 13:2-4
And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went...

What a critical point this is! Paul and Barnabas did not initiate their ministry. They went forth at the command of the Holy Spirit. This is to be the pattern of all Christian’s lives. May it be the testimony of all of our lives that we are where we are today by the direction of the Spirit. May we all affirm as did the Son of God, “I did not even come of My own initiative, but He sent Me.”

It gives me tremendous peace and confidence to KNOW that I am where Yahweh has called me to be, and I am fulfilling that ministry He has directed me to fulfill. I can testify of the manner by which the Holy Spirit made known His call on my life as surely as Paul and Barnabas. This knowledge has been a steadying anchor when storms have assailed my life. I have held firmly to the knowledge that my ship has been steered by the only Captain qualified to direct the lives of men.

I would have broken under the strain and pressures of life long ago had it not been for the fact that I have handed the reins over to Yahshua. It is too great of a burden to take unto oneself the responsibility to decide what to do when storms and trials come. The crushing weight of decision would have overwhelmed me had I attempted to bear it.

Yahweh has led me through plenty of trials. There have been storms in abundance. I have often been in need, facing some threat, and did not know what to do. Yet, I always knew to Whom I could turn.

One of the most common prayers of my life has been “Father, my eyes are on You! I am looking to You to guide! I am looking to You to deliver!” Observers of my life, most of whom were critics offering reproach and condemnation, were quick to declare that it was my decisions that led to some trial, so they reasoned it was my responsibility to find a solution. Had their words been true, had I actually chosen the path that placed my family into peril, then I would have felt the crushing weight of responsibility. Yet, I knew my accuser’s words to be false. It was Yahweh who had directed my path. Therefore it was HIS responsibility to care for us, and to deliver us.

I have seen men broken as they sought to handle things in their own strength. Having failed to surrender the direction of their life to Christ, they never learned what freedom is found in a simple life of faith. They have acted as if it is their duty to come up with some scheme to provide, protect, and prosper their family. I have been amazed at times at the carnal scheming and unrighteous actions that some men embrace as they know no other counsel than their own, and no other strength than that which man can supply.

I know my inadequacy. The course of life is fraught with too many trials, calamities, and unforeseeable experiences. There are too many variables, too many details outside of my control. My own wisdom, strength, and ability is insignificant in comparison to Yahweh’s. It is far better to let God guide, and to leave the responsibility for one’s welfare in His hands. The days ahead are certain to be tumultuous. The nations will be shaken. The financial system of this world is tottering and will soon collapse. Who is adequate for such things?

I am not advocating laziness, or a careless attitude. A man should be very much concerned for the welfare of his family. Concern, however, does not mean “worry.” Worry is a form of fear. Worry displaces faith. The only sure way to combat worry is to be released from the belief that YOU are responsible to figure all things out and to make things happen. NO! This is Yahweh’s role. When we usurp the role of Yahweh we find that the weight of it is crushing. It will lead a man to despair.

Yahshua said, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” I have heard many interpret these words through the symbolism of two animals, such as oxen, being yoked together to plow a field. Although some good lessons can be drawn from such a comparison, I do not believe this was the symbolism Yahshua intended. The yoke referred to is the yoke of a slave. We are called to be “bondservants” of Christ. The yoke He was referring to is the yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 6:6
As slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart...

Consider how fitting this analogy is. A slave does not have authority to do as he pleases. He lives for the will and pleasure of another. A slave does not direct his own way. His master tells him where to go and what to do. With human masters there is fear, for men are inherently selfish. The Adamic race is not inclined to seek the welfare of another if it impinges upon their own comfort or security. Yahshua, however, is unlike men. He laid down His life for others. He ever seeks the welfare of His servants.

As a bond-slave of Christ I need not worry about whether I will have a place to lie down at night, or food to eat. If I do His will, He has promised to care for me.

Matthew 6:31-33
“Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”

There is rest and peace to be experienced by those who yield their lives to the direction of the Spirit of Christ, a rest and peace that those who direct their own way can never know. When Christ says, “Come, follow Me,” and we yield our will and desires to obey, He becomes the surety and guarantor of our lives. As Paul declared:

II Timothy 1:12
For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.

Whether you remain in the country of your forebears, or travel to a foreign location; whether you hold down a 9 to 5 job, or are led to circumstances and experiences where Yahweh has become your primary source for all things; the critical factor is that God be the initiator of the life you are living. If you will relinquish the rule of your life to Yahshua, you will find that in addition to being a guiding Shepherd, He becomes the protector and provider for your life.

I challenge you to test whether the life you are living is the life you have chosen for yourself, or the one Yahweh has chosen for you. There is great grace presented to those who yield their lives voluntarily to the rule of Christ. Do not wait for the life you are living to be violently wrested from your hands as the earth goes through its birth pangs. You can have treasure in heaven if you relinquish your life and possessions freely to Christ. There is only loss if God must take these things from you by force.

If you learn today to walk in faith, obeying and trusting Yahweh, you will be prepared to stand in days of tribulation. If you delay, you may find that your faith is inadequate for the demands of the days ahead.

For further reading on the subject of living a Spirit led life of surrender to God, the book Sabbath is recommended.

http://www.heart4god.ws/H4G%20Website_htm_files/SABBATH.pdf

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

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com

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

Friday, May 17, 2013

Parables in the News

Joseph Herrin (05-17-2013)

Although I have not concluded the current series on Expatriates, I am taking time out to catch up on some of the items in the news. Numerous readers have contacted me to make sure I have not missed various events. I appreciate the efforts of those who desire to keep me informed as I am often made aware of noteworthy issues through the communications I receive from my brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Eagle Has (Crash) Landed

GrindTV reported that two bald eagles were observed to have engaged in an aerial battle over Duluth International Airport in Minnesota. The two bald eagles, symbols of the American nation, locked talons and plummeted to the ground. Both survived, however their talons remained locked together. It was reported that the birds had such a grasp on one another that neither one was able to let go. Even after they fell to the earth their talons remained intertwined, preventing either bird from rising into the air again. A man was able to come along, lift up both birds and place them in the back of his pick-up truck to take them to a veterinary for treatment.

Interlocked Talons

[Source: http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/two-bald-eagles-in-air-battle-crash-land-at-airport/]

Numerous readers of this blog recognized that a parable of America was contained in this event as about 7 or 8 individuals sent me the link to this story. The parable is evident. America is dividing into factions. On the one side are the New World Order forces in control of the nation’s government. They are seeking to remove all Constitutional protections and freedoms from the people. On the other side are the patriots of the nation who are becoming increasingly alarmed as they see a government/corporate oligarchy wresting control of all facets of American life.

The image of two eagles engaged in an aerial battle, both plunging to the ground, is an apt symbol of what is happening, and will occur, in the nation. American society is heading toward a time of civil war. The coming clash will result in the fall of both sides. America as a Constitutional Republic will come to an end and the patriots of the nation will lose their freedoms.

There have been a number of other attesting signs that reveal where America is as a nation, and what is soon to come. Recently I reported on the symbolism of the bombings in Boston. I noted that when a person searches Google Earth for the address 666 Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts, they are shown the location of the Finish Line for the Boston Marathon.

666 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

The American Revolution began in Boston. Symbolically, America has run a long race that began in this city. America has the oldest continuous democratic government of any nation on the earth. Yet, even as the marker for this address is only inches from the Finish Line, so too is America near the end of her long run with her present form of government. We saw recently that soon after the runners had begun crossing the finish line, and while many more were still pushing on toward the goal, explosions rang out and brought the race to a sudden and calamitous end.

In the immediate aftermath we saw martial law implemented in this historic American metropolis. People were forbidden to travel. All forms of transportation in the city were shut down. Thousands of heavily militarized police forces were brought in, and the citizens of this once free city were subjected to warrantless searches of their homes. They were ordered about as enemies of the state.

Paradoxically, one of the original complaints of America’s founding fathers was that the King of England was oppressing the American colonists by indiscriminately, and without warrant, searching their homes and seizing their property. The founding fathers included in the Bill of Rights language that guaranteed the sanctity of a man’s home and property. It placed limits upon the government’s authority to intrude. The Fourth Amendment states:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Nevertheless, without any judicial warrant, with no probable cause, citizens of the once free nation of America were subjected to martial law. They were ordered out of their homes at gunpoint with hands raised above their heads. They were herded like cattle down the streets as armed police forces invaded their homes.

Streets of Boston

Boston Martial Law

Boston Martial Law 2

The events in Boston are a prophetic foreshadowing of that experience soon to come to America as a nation. America’s marathon, her long run of freedom, is nearly over. A nation that has used its liberty to slaughter tens of millions of its children, to promote a homosexual lifestyle, to fill her towns and cities with violence, sexual deviance, and every form of wickedness, must reap the consequences of her actions. Yahweh has given the nation over into the hands of evil men skilled in destruction. With violence the nation will be overthrown. A bloody civil war will mark the end.

The future of America was similarly given prophetic utterance in the recent Super Bowl match-up between two brothers who were head coaches of their opposing teams. See the following articles for more information.

http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/brother-against-brother.html
http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/heavenly-harbinger.html
http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/super-bowl-xlvii-dark-night-of-fire.html

America’s Government Under Siege

This leads me to the second item I would report on. I had noticed some weeks ago that a movie titled Olympus Has Fallen was released on March 22nd. The date itself was significant, as 3-22 is a number of importance to the Illuminati and groups associated with it. The secret society known as Skull and Bones that meets on the campus of Yale University, of which both Presidents Bush and present Secretary of State John Kerry are members, employs the number 322 in its logo.

The Georgia Guidestones include a marker that notes that they were dedicated on March 22nd. Obamacare was approved by vote of Congress on March 22nd (Greenwich Mean Time, London being the center of the Illuminati’s world influence). The disciples of Lucifer often use this number and date to mark some dark work. It is therefore significant that the movie Olympus Has Fallen opened on March 22nd and its central theme is an attack on the White House and the President.

Olympus Has Fallen Movie Trailer
http://youtu.be/vwx1f0kyNwI

Still Shot From Movie Trailer - Simulated Newscast

It is enlightening to scrutinize the subtle double meanings found in the advertisements of the Illuminati controlled media. I reported a few months back on the double entendre contained in the Mercedes Benz Super Bowl advertisement that appeared in ESPN Magazine.

http://www.parablesblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/fourth-quarter-2013.html

There is the same type of subtlety to be found in the official poster for this movie.

Like the two eagles mentioned previously, we observe the flag, another symbol of America, falling to the ground. The words at the top of the poster read :

WHEN OUR FLAG FALLS
OUR NATION WILL RISE

It is critical to understand the identity of those referred to by the word “OUR.” The non-initiates who are unaware of the deceit of Satan will naturally assume that the word “OUR” is a reference to the citizens of America. In fact, it is a reference to the proponents of the New World Order. They are declaring that when America falls as a nation, THEIR government will rise. That the movie was released on March 22nd adds credence to the claim that this is an Illuminati message as surely as the Georgia Guidestones are the same.

(If you are unfamiliar with the Georgia Guidestones, see the following post:
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/deep-things-of-satan.html)

Just a day or two ago, I was alerted to a second witness to this message. Scheduled for release on June 28th is a movie that has a very similar theme to that of Olympus Has Fallen. It is titled White House Down.

White House Down Movie Trailer
http://youtu.be/4AXbiCdmXgw

Within a span of a few months, we have two movies whose themes revolve around an attack on the White House. Both movies depict the White House suffering destruction. Below is the official movie poster.

Those who are regular readers of this blog will perhaps be reminded of the writing titled Thirteen that I posted in November of 2012. That blog post made mention of the Biblical significance of the number thirteen, and noted what occurred in America during the tenure of the 13th Congress. Following is an excerpt.
---
Looking back over the course of U.S. history I found a foreboding sign of that which is to come. In March of the year 1813 the 13th Congress was seated and continued until March 1815. This is the only other time that America has had a Congress marked by the number 13. That it coincided with a year that ends in the number 13 is equally significant.

What occurred in Washington, D.C. during the time of the 13th Congress foreshadows that which will occur under the rule of the 113th Congress. It was during the 13th Congress, in August 1814, that Washington, D.C. was razed by the British. Both the White House and the Capitol Building were set aflame in an act of wanton destruction.

White House After it was Burned

U.S. Capitol Building After it was Burned
(Click on any image to view larger)
...
People of God, I do not know precisely what the upcoming days will bring. I am not prophesying that Washington, D.C. will be burned with literal fire. It is possible that she will, but it is also possible that the destruction of the White House and Capitol during the 13th Congress foreshadows the destruction of the institutions that meet in those buildings. The American system of Republican democracy is ending. The separation of powers instilled in the Constitution by America’s founders have been breached. The walls have come down. The government has run amok. America’s government has fallen into the control of foreigners who seek their own welfare and care not for the citizens of the nation. The people of America have brought this judgment upon themselves. America’s fall and ruin is certain.
[End Excerpt]

If you are not aware, the present Congress is the 113th. Its term began on January 3rd of 2013 and runs for two years. Will we see a repeat of the destruction of America’s capital city on the bicentennial of the British burning this same city? Considering that the One World Trade Center building is a symbol of Satan’s One World Government, and it is slated to be completed and opened for occupancy in 2014, the 200th anniversary of the burning of Washington, D.C., it seems plausible that we will see America’s present form of government suffer destruction that the New World Order might rise out of the ashes of destruction like the proverbial phoenix.

We won’t have to wait long to find out. Whenever calamity strikes, it will likely come as suddenly and unexpectedly as the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on 9-11-2001. September 11th was a pleasant, sunny day. People were outside, strolling around, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city when calamity struck.

The powers that be have chosen a marketing campaign for the movie White House Down that emphasizes the unexpectedness of that which will occur. They have been releasing a set of teaser images in the run-up to the movie’s release.

It will start like any other day...

It will start like any other day...

I had hoped to touch on some additional news stories in this post. However, with all the images, it is getting rather large. Those who receive the blog by e-mail may find that it takes too long to load if I put much more, so I will address other news items in a later blog post.

We live in an hour when we need to be alert and sober. Dark days are near at hand. There is one last movie poster, this one with today’s date on it, that I will share to close this post. The movie’s title declares where the world is heading.

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

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com

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