Dog Lessons

Joseph Herrin (01-16-2013)

Champ

If you are new to this blog, you can find a post on the remarkable way in which Yahweh provided a dog for me in the post at the following link:

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/rescue-perishing.html

The photo above was taken today. Champ is growing up. He is a strong, healthy dog. He is a real musher. When I attach him to the dog jogger on my bicycle, he is so eager to go that for about the first quarter mile I don’t have to peddle at all. I have one of those digital monitors on my bike that tells you speed, distance, and time. From a dead stop, Champ will have me cruising along at about 16 MPH as he eagerly runs down the dirt lanes out here in the country.

Dog Jogger

The image above shows the type of Dog Jogger that I use (It is not me or Champ in the photo). Champ and I regularly make a 5 mile circuit down the country roads near where I am parked. All the roads are dirt, and we rarely pass a vehicle.

When I traveled to Mississippi recently for my father’s funeral, Randy Simmons drove down from Macon to check on Champ. Randy only came one day, but that was enough for him to teach Champ the commands to “sit” and “stay.” I was quite impressed when I got back. The photo at the top of the page shows Champ right after I told him to sit.

Champ on Runner

Champ is an outdoor dog. He doesn’t do well inside the bus. He has far too much energy and curiosity, not to mention that he smells like...well, like a dog. He loves it out of doors, and he has had a number of “buddies” drop by to see him since we have been at our present location. You cannot see any of the neighbors’ houses from our location, but there are a few other people scattered around. One young man lives about a quarter mile away and has a purebred Border Collie.

Border Collies are very intelligent animals, and extremely high energy. This particular Bordie Collie was solid black, and female. Champ liked to have her come around. They would play with one another. The Border Collie was a few years older than Champ, and she helped “learn him some manners,” as the saying goes here in the South. She would come and go. Her owner never kept her locked up, or on a leash. Most of the people around here let their dogs roam free.

A few weeks ago two Pit Bull puppies showed up. They were extremely friendly, and appeared well fed. They were making the rounds between various neighbors’ houses as somebody evidently dumped them out beside the road to get rid of them. They were beautiful dogs and they too began hanging out with Champ.

One of the dogs was male, and the other female. Sometimes they would stay for days. I ended up feeding them, and a few nights when it was cold I let them sleep in the kennel with Champ. They all climbed into Champ’s crate together and helped keep each other warm. They too would come and go. About a week ago they stopped coming around, and I thought perhaps they had taken up with one of the neighbors. Three days ago the Bordie Collie also stopped coming around. This was unusual, for although she came and went, she spent a significant part of every day with Champ.

The young man who owns the Border Collie has family nearby. His little sister is around 12 years old (I am guessing). She also has a couple dogs. Randy and Veronica came for a visit last week-end, and we went on a walk, taking Champ with us on the leash. The young girl’s dogs came out to greet and meet Champ, and walked a ways with us before I shooed them back home.

I saw the young girl ride her bike over here yesterday morning. She didn’t see me, but she went over to where Champ was, looked around, and rode back off. This morning her older brother who owns the Border Collie drove over here as well. He looked around and drove off. I realized that he was probably looking for his dog, as he knew she liked to hang out with Champ.

I relayed a message to him to let him know I had not seen his dog in several days, and that I had not seen the Pit Bull puppies in over a week. He said his sister’s two dogs were also missing. He stated one of the neighbors nearby told him some time back that if the dogs ever came on his property he would shoot them. I have heard a lot of shooting recently, so I have little doubt about what happened. Many folks out in the country don’t think twice about shooting a dog. It is a tragic fact, but a fact nonetheless.

I went out to pet Champ and speak to him when I heard this news. A godly man will have compassion on animals. In a previous blog I shared the following Scripture.

Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal...

It filled me with sadness to think of these beautiful animals being so carelessly slaughtered. They were so full of life and curiosity. None of them were vicious. They were all eager to run up to people, an innocence which likely contributed to their being shot.

I have been thinking about this today. Life is full of lessons, some happy, and some tragic. Randy Simmons and I often talk about Bill Britton’s excellent writing titled The Harness of the Lord. In this writing Bill relates a vision of two horses. Both are running free until they are caught and brought into captivity. One of the young colts rebels against the confinement and breaks free, while the other submits meekly to the training of the master.

As the training progresses, the colt in confinement finds his freedom restricted more and more. First he is left to run about the corral. Then a halter is placed over his head and he has to learn to be led about on a lead. He is brought into the master’s barn, and he learns the discipline of being harnessed and not moving until the master gives a command to move.

The colt that is free cannot understand why his brother does not break free of his confinement. He says it is much better to be free to roam wherever he desires. Yet, his brother remains under the training of the master.

One day a famine strikes the land. The grass withers and the pools of water dry up. The colt that is free is famished, while his brother remains well fed in the care of the master. Then is seen the wisdom of surrendering one’s freedom to the master’s will.

The Harness of the Lord is an excellent writing, filled with insight. It came to mind today as I thought of Champ day after day being restricted in his movements. I have a 100 foot runner that his leash is attached to by a pulley. He can move about a good bit, but he cannot leave the vicinity of the bus where I am parked. I can always look outside and see where he is, being assured that he is close by. Champ would often whine when the other dogs would come around. They had the run of the whole yard, and he often wanted to go play with them. He would especially whine when they would leave. He would see them walking off down the lane and chafe at his confinement. Yet now they have perished and he is alive.

Our Father has been bringing a remnant of His sons and daughters into confinement in recent years. Like Joseph in Egypt, their liberty is taken away while their brothers and sisters live freely, following their own course in this world. Yahweh has directed a remnant to come under harness. He is keeping them on a short leash. Others may go where they want, and live as they please, but they cannot. Yahweh gives them explicit instructions about what they may, and may not, do.

At times this remnant chafes at the restrictions God has placed upon them. They wonder why they cannot share the same liberty and freedoms as their brothers and sisters. I have watched some experience great impatience and agitation as Yahweh continually restricts their way more and more. What they once could do, then can do no longer.

One brother recently spoke of God directing him to give up coffee. He used to start every day by turning on the coffee pot. He would drink coffee throughout the day. He has complained when he sees other Christians drinking coffee, seemingly without any condemnation or conviction in the matter, yet Yahweh will not permit him to do so.

There are a myriad of such examples I could give, for our Father is dealing with each son and daughter similarly, yet with differences. One person can no longer spend money on anything without knowing that it is something God has ordained. Another may have been led to give up television, movies, secular music, or tobacco products. Some are being led to give up all of the above, and more. Yahweh is asking them to surrender their will to His.

Champ may not have understood why he is has been on the leash while his buddies were all running free, but it is because I care deeply for him. He is MY dog. God gave him to me. Even so, God has given you to Christ. He cares for you. He does not want to lose you.

John 6:39
And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

We have an adversary in this world. The predations of Satan are increasing. He comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I can say with confidence that those who refuse to yield their freedoms to Christ and fail to come under subjection to the Spirit will find themselves exposed to attacks of the enemy that they could have been spared. Even as Champ is kept safe by abiding close to me, there is safety to be found in abiding close to the Father.

   

Champ and Me

Champ has grown so that I cannot hold him in one hand anymore, but I will always hold him close to my heart.

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

Waco, Texas and The Weapons of Our Warfare

Joseph Herrin (01-11-2013)

It is ever my desire to be led of the Spirit of Christ as I fulfill the ministry that has been entrusted to me. In the last two posts I have addressed the issue of gun ownership by Christians. I believe it has been the Spirit of Yahshua that has directed me to write on this subject at this time. Yahshua would spare those who have eyes to see and ears to hear from the tragedy that will befall those Christians who resort to carnal means to respond to what will shortly occur in America and the nations.
           
I pray frequently for the Father to guide me, to order my steps, and to lead me to those issues that He wants me to address with His people. I have often asked Him of late to give me understanding of the days approaching that I might offer godly counsel to His sons and daughters.

Two days ago upon awakening I spent time in prayer. My specific petition was that Yahweh might order my steps that day, and lead me by His Spirit, giving me an anointing to fulfill the ministry of writing of which I am a steward. When I checked my e-mail a sister in Christ who is in her eighties had sent me several links to videos on the slaughter of the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas that occurred back in 1993. I had never looked into this event in any depth as my writing ministry did not begin until 1999.

When I saw these e-mails, my initial reaction was to disregard them, for I am continually receiving multitudes of e-mails and links from readers, and I don’t have time to pursue them all. When I noted that the first video was nearly two hours in length, my thought was that I desired to begin a writing on another topic that day and attending to these videos would be a distraction from my goal. After a moment of consideration I decided to open the video and see what its main message was, intending to spend no more than a couple minutes watching it. Several hours later I was still watching videos of this event in Waco.

What changed my mind was a realization that this story aligned perfectly with what the Spirit had been leading me to share with the saints regarding the issue of Christians relying upon guns and bullets to protect them. Yahweh was answering my prayer that had been uttered just moments before by guiding me to a subject He wanted me to consider. In it is a message for His people.

Who Were David Koresh and the Branch Davidians?

The Branch Davidians were an offshoot of the Seventh Day Adventist Church known as Davidian Seventh Day Adventists. The name was NOT a reference to David Koresh, who was the spiritual leader of the congregation in Waco, Texas. David Koresh, however, may have chosen his name because of his affiliation with this religious group. He was born Vernon Wayne Howell. In 1990 he changed his name after being a member of the Branch Davidians since 1983.

The name Koresh is a transliteration of the Persian name Cyrus. David Koresh also named his son Cyrus, after the Persian King Cyrus who was much revered by this group. Cyrus is spoken of in the Scriptures. Yahweh called King Cyrus “My servant.” Yahweh entrusted to this Gentile king the task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.

II Chronicles 36:22-23
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia - in order to fulfill the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah - Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'Yahweh, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may Yahweh his God be with him, and let him go up!'"

David Koresh believed he had a parallel calling to that of King Cyrus. He believed he had also been chosen to perform a great work by God.

The word “Branch” in their name was a reference to Christ, as can be observed in the sign above. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah all refer to Yahshua as “the Branch.” You can see the Scripture references in small print at the bottom of the sign.

This group began in 1935 when Victor Houteff, an outcast from the Seventh Day Adventist church, established a base near Waco. In 1929 Houteff had printed a document titled The Shepherd’s Rod: The 144,000 - A Call for Reformation. He presented this document to the leadership of the SDA church where it was apparently given little consideration. It was quite a lengthy writing, and it is reported that most of the church leadership never took the time to read it.

One SDA leader who did read it rejected it while admitting he had only skimmed parts of the writing. His points of disagreement did not relate to the main message of the writing, which was the identity of the 144,000. This teaching became a foundational text for this splinter group of the SDA church. At the height of Houteff’s popularity, more than 900 people joined his churches. After Houteff’s death others took over leadership and the group experienced a sharp decline. By the time of the Waco massacre there were a little more than 100 people in the fellowship.

Before David Koresh joined the Branch Davidians, the group had moved to a new location near Waco where they adopted a communal living style. Many of the members had regular jobs in the community of Waco, while living at the compound. These men and women were deeply devoted to their faith in Christ. The study of the Scriptures was a major focus of their lives. It was their practice to conduct Bible studies twice a day. Despite the media characterization of these people as brainwashed disciples of David Koresh, many of them pre-dated Koresh in their affiliation with the Mount Carmel Center (the name of their compound), and they embraced their beliefs willingly, having found them to be persuasive and compelling.

According to numerous reports, the men, women and children had a reputation of being good people, were well liked by those who knew them in the Waco community, and lived moral lives. There are videos available on the Internet showing the members of this group involved in church services, and the appearance bears great similarity to church meetings one would find throughout America. There are some differences, however, in their practices and beliefs as most Christians have not adopted a communal living arrangement, and some of the doctrines of this SDA splinter group are not common among other denominations and churches.

You have perhaps seen billboards along the interstates equating Sunday worship with the mark of the beast spoken of in Revelation. This is a teaching of the SDA church. Seventh Day Adventists, as their name implies, hold to a seventh day Sabbath (Saturday). They also advocate adherence to various parts of the Mosaic Law, such as the dietary laws, while also going beyond the Law in suggesting that vegetarianism is the optimal diet for mankind to eat. They condemn the consumption of all forms of alcohol, caffeine, etc., and they observe the Hebrew feast days set forth in the Old Testament.

Despite the generally good reputation of the group in Waco, there was significant infighting as factions arose in the group. One faction was led by George Roden who was presumed to be the de facto leader of the Mount Carmel community, and the other group was led by David Koresh. Roden forcibly expelled Koresh from the property in 1985, resulting in Koresh and about 25 church members relocating temporarily to Palestine, Texas where they lived in tents for almost two years.

Roden’s support began to wane, and Koresh’s acceptance by the majority of the church members was solid despite his exile. Roden, realizing that his support was fleeing, challenged Koresh to a contest to see who could raise the dead. Roden exhumed a corpse for the purpose, and Koresh reported this to the local authorities. The authorities informed Koresh that he would have to supply proof, such as photographic evidence, that Roden had exhumed a corpse, so he returned with seven armed men to gather the evidence when a gun fight broke out. Roden received a slight wound, and was pinned down behind a tree when the local Sheriff arrived and brought an end to the confrontation. At trial Koresh explained that they had gone to uncover evidence of a crime against a corpse. His followers were all acquitted and his own charges ended in a mistrial.

Not long afterwards, George Roden murdered a member of the church with an axe and was imprisoned. He owed a large sum of money on the property, which Koresh and his followers were able to raise to acquire the property for their own use.

Attitude Toward Gun Ownership

Other than this single event where David Koresh and some followers took guns with them to obtain evidence of a crime being committed on the Mount Carmel property, I know of no other time when violence was employed by the group. Nevertheless, this event reveals a reliance upon carnal weapons and actions to accomplish personal goals. What was done by these men was not performed at the leading of the Holy Spirit.

David Koresh, as the pastor of this group, began placing an emphasis upon apocalyptic teachings. He was focusing much on the seven seals of Revelation. He believed that he would ultimately be martyred, and that his martyrdom would serve as a catalyzing force to overthrow the evil government of this world and usher in the Davidic kingdom in Jerusalem. Koresh was an advocate of armed resistance, and he frequently criticized the American government, and particularly the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

It was widely reported in the news media that Koresh was stockpiling weapons, but in actuality Koresh had a gun business that he used to generate funds. Hundreds of guns were purchased to be taken to gun shows to be sold. At the time of the raid on the compound, one of the church members who oversaw this activity had taken the majority of the guns owned by the Branch Davidians to a gun show, a fact which the government was surely aware of since they had the compound under surveillance for some weeks prior to their assault on the property. This business of being a gun reseller was legally licensed, though this in no respect implies that it found approval in the eyes of God.

Motive for Government Assault

If you have received your information on the Waco massacre from the government and mainstream media sources, you undoubtedly have encountered many false views of what occurred. Two days before the assault on the compound, the local newspaper in Waco began running a series of highly inflammatory articles against David Koresh and the Branch Davidians. Koresh was accused of having multiple wives, committing child abuse, and brainwashing the members of the church. None of these charges have ever been substantiated. The timing of this media attack points to collusion by those in power to present an image of the ensuing conflict that would provide justification for the government’s actions.

It was the BATF that led the assault on the compound, yet the BATF has no authority to investigate or prosecute people for the crimes which the newspaper was accusing Koresh. The true motive for the assault was never disclosed by the media. What is evident is that the BATF wanted David Koresh and the adult members of the Davidian group silenced, and dead men tell no tales. Much evidence has come out in ensuing years that reveals that the FBI who took over the jurisdiction of this matter from the BATF, gave instructions to the church members inside the compound that no one was to exit the building or they would be shot. On the day of the final assault, the government destroyed all exits to the building except one. They set fire to the compound and had snipers positioned at the one remaining exit. As members sought to flee the flames they were gunned down. More than twenty of the 79 members who perished had gun shot wounds and all were found in the vicinity of the exit to the burning building.

The media, however, reported that Koresh had murdered his own people, or that they chose to commit group suicide. I recommend the following videos for those who want to discover the truth.

https://youtu.be/UGT1F0jYhFw



http://youtu.be/_iCfvhl9NXw



http://youtu.be/8xRaJ5QA1kk



http://youtu.be/2N5Dm0LmhMg



https://youtu.be/s3CGyH5ftdE
In this latter video, it is disclosed that there were two members of David Koresh’s group who were compiling information on the activities of the BATF just prior to the raid. One of the members was a computer professional, and it is suggested that he may have breached the BATF computer systems and acquired information on secret plans to disarm the American populace. It is suggested in the video that this is a possible motive for the BATF raid on the compound.

Although one can only speculate whether this was indeed the true reason, what I am convinced of is that the BATF did not launch this assault because David Koresh was suspected to be a polygamist or a child abuser. Such things are outside of the scope of the BATF. I also sincerely doubt this all-out raid where the BATF went in with men on the ground and men in helicopters firing bullets into the compound before there was ever a knock on the door was precipitated by a concern that the group might have illegal weapons. It is not illegal to own weapons, not even large numbers of them, and as mentioned, most of the group’s guns were off-site at a gun show at the time of the assault.

There was some darker motive for which the BATF launched this attack. The most probable motive I have heard expressed is that the Davidian members had uncovered plans by the government to illegally foment civil unrest, mass gun casualties, etc., to provide an excuse for the BATF to begin confiscating American’s guns. You can go directly to this part of the video by watching the following segment.

http://youtu.be/bUxGQKg8yGY



In light of the recent disclosure of the Obama administration, and Attorney General Holder paving the way for thousands of American guns to be funneled to the hands of violent Mexican drug gangs in an operation that has become known as Operation Fast and Furious, it is apparent that American authorities have been involved in clandestine acts to promote violence and murder for the sole purpose of providing justification to overturn the Second Amendment and take guns out of the hands of the citizenry. That David Koresh, a vocal critic of the BATF, may have obtained sensitive information and suffered this assault as a result seems quite credible.

http://youtu.be/IC2C2lIwNSA



One of the videos above reveals that after the slaughter of the men women and children at the Waco compound, the BATF raised their flag on the property.

This insensitive act provides further support to the belief that the BATF waged a personal war of annihilation against a group they saw as a threat to their organization and aims. The dark powers that control the BATF are revealed in the seal for this organization.

Right in the center of this seal is the Masonic architect’s square, and on the square are 13 stars.

Lessons From Waco

Brothers and sisters, if you have read the previous two posts, you will recognize that I am not sharing this information because I am a Second Amendment advocate. If there are Americans that are not Christians who are upset about the present government eroding their right to keep and bear arms, I am not here to criticize them. What have we to do with judging those outside the church? Paul told Timothy not to entangle himself with the affairs of this world (II Timothy 2:4). The citizens of this world will do as they choose. The disciples of Christ belong to another kingdom.

I share these things to declare to those who are disciples of Christ that if you take up carnal weapons to combat the evil in this world, you will be committing yourself to carnal conflict. It will surely come. Christ stated:

Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.”

The apostle Paul declared:

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...

Our warfare is NOT against the governments and people of this world. As Christians we are not called to defend the constitution of the nation in which we dwell. Nor are we called to take up arms to protect property, or even life. Our weapons are spiritual. The prayers of the saints avail much.

I would far rather entrust my life, and that of my loved ones, to the hands of an all-powerful and all-wise God, than to trust in my own fleshly ability to protect these same ones. By setting my focus upon spiritual realms, and looking to Yahweh for security, defense, leadership, and every necessary thing, I am able to walk in the Spirit. My experience has not been reduced to one of fleshly conflict. My focus is spiritual, and my weapons and resources are spiritual.

If you arm yourself for conflict with the government, then a conflict of arms you will get. Look at what occurred in Waco with this church group that did this very thing. Did they prevail? Did the government’s evil actions end up being exposed and condemned? Was justice served? Did light triumph over darkness? Will you fare any better if you fight fire with fire? Will your guns deliver you from a government that has ordered billions of rounds of ammunition in the past couple years, who has millions of fully automatic assault rifles, tanks, grenades, and Predator drones that can fire missiles with pinpoint accuracy at homes, automobiles, or men on the ground?

I entreat you to NOT set your focus to engage in conflict on this level. You will not win. These are not the weapons of our warfare. You have been given the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the girdle of truth, the gospel of peace, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Let God fight for you. When He says flee, then flee. When He says hide yourself away as Elijah did at the Brook Cherith, then do so. And when He says it is time to suffer that He might be glorified through your faith and patience, then yield yourself freely to the cross.

The Luciferian governments of this world have no compunction regarding the torment and murder of men, women and children. If you enter into a carnal conflict with them, you will not win. They will out-carnal you. They can be more fleshly than you. They will be more vicious, more ruthless, and they have greater weapons at their disposal.

This is not the case, however, if you walk according to the Spirit. The little finger of Yahweh is greater than all the armies of mankind.

There is a rallying cry in Texas that says, “Remember the Alamo!” The Spirit would say to His people, “Remember Waco!” Don’t travel down that same road. Don’t look to carnal weapons to deliver you in a day of distress. Don’t lower yourself to the level of conflict that this world would choose. Rise above it. Put your faith, your trust, your defense, in the heavens.

Psalms 3 (A Psalm of David)
O Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah. But You, O Yahweh, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to Yahweh with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for Yahweh sustains me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.  Arise, O Yahweh; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to Yahweh; Your blessing be upon Your people!


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

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

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

Gun Ownership and the Mind of Christ

Joseph Herrin (01-07-2013)

Christian Martyrs in the Roman Colosseum

Romans 8:36
"For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

I anticipated that yesterday’s post on gun ownership among Christians would elicit some emotional response and opposition. A few who are in favor of gun ownership wrote to share their disapproval of what was posted. It is not my intent to revile any person. I believe that those who wrote to me were sincere. It is possible, however, to be completely sincere while failing to arrive at the mind of Christ. The apostle Paul spoke of this phenomenon among his people, the Jews.

Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.

My desire as a minister called of God to teach the truths of the Kingdom is to lead others to truth. I do not seek to offend unnecessarily, for offense hinders people from patiently considering what is being presented. You will not find me name calling, or reviling those who have adopted other views. At the same time, I must press forward to speak that which I am persuaded to be the counsel of Yahweh.

As in all my writings, I encourage the saints to test all things. Open your Bible and examine carefully the Scriptures in their proper context. Invite the Spirit of Christ to lead you to truth, and to reveal any error that you might have embraced. I believe that those who love truth will be given truth.

One of the greatest obstacles standing in the way of the saints entrusting the Father with the protection of their lives, property, and loved ones, is a rejection of the message of Christian suffering. The natural man is quite naturally opposed to suffering. Christ revealed the great struggle between the human soul and the Spirit when He wrestled with the will of the Father while in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. Christ sweat drops of blood as His soul was crushed in order that the spirit within might prevail.

Matthew 26:37-39
He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
[New Living Translation]

What was the cause of Christ’s struggle? He saw the suffering before Him, and His soul did not want to embrace it. His plea to the Father was, “If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.” What Christ experienced is common to all those who would follow in His steps. The apostle Peter declares:

I Peter 2:21-23
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...

How did Christ meet the suffering appointed to Him? He entrusted His life to the Father. I have written on this subject numerous times, for this is a foundational matter for all who would walk as overcoming sons of God. It is appointed to the disciples of Christ to suffer many things. We cannot be driven by fear, carnal desires, or a motive of self-preservation. These are all passions and desires that reside in the flesh and soul of man, and they stand in opposition to the will of the Father.

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.

When the natural man is threatened it wants to fight back. It seeks to defend itself. If a man comes up and slaps you on the face, and insults you, the natural response is to strike back both with word and physical force. This natural response extends to coming under threat of violence by sword or gun. The natural man would fight fire with fire, yet the way of Christ is to meet evil with good, and hatred with love.

Matthew 5:38-45
“You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also... You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”

The Father told me years ago that I was called as a forerunner, to act as a pioneer and explorer for the saints of my generation. Even as Joseph went down to Egypt to suffer many years before his brothers, Yahweh called me to surrender my life and to embrace suffering. He has revealed that many others will be called to follow this same path, and endure many similar experiences. He has given me the charge of serving as a guide, to show His sons and daughters the way.

Back in 2004 my wife found the way of the cross to be very bitter. She became unwilling to drink from the same cup of suffering from which I was called to drink. She departed from me, divorcing me a year later. I remember well the day when a deputy arrived at the Macon Rescue Mission to serve me with an order to appear in court for divorce proceedings. It was Good Friday in the year 2005.

It was a bitter day for me. I went into the chapel at the Mission and wept. My wife and I had been married for 17 years. We had two living children together, and one who had died at birth. We had walked together through joyful times and sad, through times of blessing and times of trial.

The Spirit spoke to me that day and showed me the significance of my receiving this court order on Good Friday. This was the same date that the church commemorates Christ being brought before the Jewish and Roman courts. He was accused, sentenced, and delivered over to scourging and crucifixion. The Holy Spirit spoke clearly to me that day, enjoining me to adopt the attitude of Christ. I anticipated that my wife would hire a lawyer, and make various charges against me in order to arrive at a good financial settlement. The Spirit charged me to not do the same. It was the Father’s will that I make no defense, hire no lawyer, and make no countercharges against my wife.

We read of Christ that when He stood before the Roman governor Pilate, that many charges were made against Him. Pilate understood that they were false charges, for the Jewish leaders were envious of Yahshua. Christ did not open His mouth to offer any defense so that Pilate marveled.

I understood the Father to be directing me to follow the same course. It was a path of vulnerability. I knew it was also a path of suffering, for Christ’s lack of defense did not end in a favorable judgment. He was condemned, and handed over to punishment. I sensed in my Spirit that the only path of peace before me, the only way that would result in my conscience being clean before Yahweh, was to entrust my life fully to His care in the same way that His Son had done.

When the court date arrived my wife had a lawyer beside her, and she brought an old friend that she knew from the time before we were married to make accusations against me. This other woman did not know me. We had not had any fellowship with this family, nor did we spend time together in any other association. This woman spoke many false things about me, painting me in the blackest manner possible. Her hatred of me was evident.

Not having a lawyer myself, and not petitioning the court for any object in relation to the divorce proceeding, things did not go well for me. A large financial obligation was laid upon me. This was partly for child support of our son who was 16 at the time, and partly for an alimony award my wife desired. Combined, I was ordered to pay $900 a month. At the time I was working as Resident Manager at the Macon Rescue Mission and was being paid $100 a week, plus room and board.

Shortly after the court date the Mission Director asked me to take over a management job that needed to be filled immediately at their thrift store. It paid $9.00 and hour. The Father made known to me that it was His will that I take the job. With the money it provided I was able to pay my wife the amount the court ordered until our son turned 18 and his child support ended. Even so, I was regularly sending her about 60% of my pay, and this was before taxes were taken out. I was left with very little to live on. The Father always made up what was lacking for my care. I was able to rent a room from the Mission in one of their Second Step homes for $65 a week. It wasn’t much to look at, and it was in a bad neighborhood, but it was convenient and affordable.

I knew that I could protest the financial award in court. Georgia had passed new legislation setting limits on how much a court could demand a person to pay, and I was paying far more than the law required. However, the Spirit told me to not seek any redress in the matter. I knew the Father did not want me to hire a lawyer, or to take up my own defense. Yahweh promised that He would take care of my needs as I followed Him, and He was faithful to do so. I lived a simple life. I had little money beyond what was needed to pay my bills, but I lacked for no necessary thing.

I continued in this situation until February of 2008 when the Father instructed me that it was time to leave the employment of the Mission and return to a full-time ministry of writing. I did not realize it at the time, but this was the same month that my son turned 18 and all child support obligations had been met. The court ordered alimony continued, however. When the child support ended, the alimony jumped from $400 to $800 a month.

For the first seven months after I returned to ministry, the Father’s provision was sufficient for me to continue to send my wife $800 each month. I always sought to send it as soon as I had the money in hand. I was careful to guard against any spirit of offense in my heart, refusing to wait until the last possible day to send the money. Yet, some months I was late due to meager provision coming in.

Eight months after I had left the Mission to return to full-time ministry I had a very short month financially. I was only able to send my wife $400. I set my heart to pray to the Father about this. I told the Father that I did not wish for my wife to think I was unwilling to send her the money, nor for her to think I was offended with her. (We had no communication since 2004 at her request.) Yet no further support came in, and the Father’s instructions to me were to “rest” in the matter. He assured me the matter was in His hands.

The next month was even more meager, and I had nothing to send to my wife for alimony. She contacted a lawyer and filed charges against me in court for non-payment of alimony. I continued to pray and the Father continued to tell me to “rest” in the matter, to leave it in His hands. At the same time the Father made it very clear to me that I was to continue to fulfill the ministry of writing and teaching He had called me unto. The Spirit constrained me from returning to secular employment.

About six months later I was visited by another deputy, and given a summons to appear in court. I spent many hours in prayer over the course of some days. I knew I could be put in jail for non-payment of alimony. I wrestled with the will of God. I knew the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. The Spirit had told me years earlier that I would experience many of the same things he experienced. Joseph had a woman request something of him he could not give to her without transgressing against the will of God. Potipher’s wife wanted Joseph to have sexual relations with her, and this Joseph could not do. Now I was faced with a woman asking of me something that would require me to disobey God in order to fulfill her desire.

About two weeks before the court date, the Spirit told me that I would be going to jail. Even as Christ was shown what He would suffer before the time, so too was I. I was in anguish in my soul. I had never been in trouble with the law in my life. I have not even had a traffic ticket. To be cast into jail with murderers, rapists, thieves, drug traffickers and the like, was distressing to think about. I have never been a physically powerful person. I was born with a bone disease that made my bones easy to fracture. I had broken nearly a dozen bones, and could not even participate in P.E. (Physical Education) in school due to my brittle bones.

I truly felt like a sheep being cast into the lion’s den as the days drew nearer for me to go to court and be sent to jail. It is at such times when our soul is distressed that we have the greatest opportunities to make spiritual progress. The soul and spirit come into great conflict. They are contrary to one another. The victory comes as our soul is crushed that we might choose the Father’s will over our own desires.

At that time, the Father spoke to me much about putting on a heart of forgiveness toward those who were inflicting suffering upon me. Like Christ on the cross who cried out, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do,” I was directed to put on the same heart of forgiveness. I wrote two posts in the days just prior to being sent to jail. They are some of the most weighty teachings on the Parables Blog. They are focused on the call of the saint to endure suffering patiently while putting on a heart of forgiveness. This is the victory that overcomes the world.

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/saviors-on-mount-zion-redeeming.html
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/saviors-on-mount-zion-reconciling.html

The judge ordered me to lay aside the ministry and return to secular employment. In great meekness and trembling, I told the judge I could not do so without disobeying God. He cited me for contempt of court and sent me to jail for sixty days. About a year later my wife again filed charges for the same thing and I was sent to jail for an additional 74 days.

In both instances I took no lawyer. I mounted no defense. I made no charges against my wife. As a result, I suffered. Like a sheep to the slaughter, I was led meekly away to a prison cell. I spent four and a half months of my life surrounded by a very raucous environment of constant profanity, frequent violence, impure speech, and much wickedness. At the same time, I was given much grace. Yahweh sent me a few men with whom to share the truths of His kingdom. I was conducting Bible studies twice a day with some of these men. Even as Joseph was given opportunity to minister to the needs of others while he was in Pharaoh’s prison, so too was I.

Upon being released the Father put it upon my heart to create a series of newsletters to send to men in prison who are spiritually famished. I have sent out thousands of newsletters in the past few years. I regularly have correspondence with men in prison. Some of the letters are heart rending. I can empathize with the things these men endure, for I have also been locked up in an evil environment and deprived of liberty.

People of God, I share these things to tell you that Yahweh has called me to be a vulnerability salesman. This is just the opposite of the security salesman who promises all the protection that the arm of the flesh can provide. Yahweh would have me to urge His sons and daughters to follow in the pattern of Christ who “while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.”

Yes, following this path will result in suffering, but it is the suffering appointed for the perfecting of the sons of God. It will not result in loss, but rather in great gain.

Hebrews 2:10
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.

We too must be brought to maturity through suffering.

I Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.

Brothers and sisters, I cannot say that there is NEVER an instance when Yahweh would instruct a son or daughter to use a firearm for the protection of self, or others. I have learned that when one starts drawing universal conclusions, allowing no exceptions, that it leads away from a Spirit led life. However, I can say with confidence that the prevailing pattern in the New Testament is for the saints to entrust their lives to God.

I Peter 4:19
Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

There is not a single example in the New Testament from the day of Pentecost forward where any apostle, or Christian took up arms to protect themselves or others against evil men. What we do find is a myriad of examples of the saints enduring persecution, confiscation of their goods, being driven from their homes, and suffering many physical assaults even unto death. “For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

I would admonish those sons and daughters of God who are in favor of gun ownership to consider the consequence of acquiring arms for their defense, or the defense of others. Will not doing so predispose you to resist suffering when God has called you to suffer? Will you not find it difficult to put on a heart of love, and of forgiveness toward your adversaries because your mind is set to inflict harm, or even death, on another? Will you be likely to turn the other cheek, when you have acquired a gun for defense? Will you yield your life to death should Yahweh determine it to be His will for you to glorify Him in this manner?

Hebrews 11:35-40
Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

This passage from Hebrews is the roll call of the champions, the elect of God. They did not win the praise and approval of God by beating back evil with carnal weapons. They won His approval by entrusting their lives to His care, no matter the outcome. Their faith held to the hope that Yahweh would provide for them a better resurrection as they accepted suffering, and even death, in this life.

Will you make yourself vulnerable in this life? Will you surrender your life fully into the hands of God for Him to do whatever He pleases? Will you accept that suffering that is the portion of all the sons of God, that you might be perfected through it?

Brothers and sisters, I have no carnal motive to take the guns out of your hands. I am desiring to place the crown of righteousness on your head. This is my heart. Entrusting my life to the care of Yahweh is what I have practiced in my own life, and what I have been led to proclaim to others.

For further reading about the practical challenges of trusting the Father for protection of one’s life, family, and property, I recommend the chapter titled Faith’s First Steps in the autobiographical writing Evidence of Things Unseen.

http://www.heart4god.ws/index_htm_files/Evidence%20of%20Things%20Unseen.pdf

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

P.S. Some have written to ask about the following verses.

Luke 22:36-38
And He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. "For I tell you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'And He was numbered with transgressors'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment."And they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough."

Some of Yahshua’s words are to be taken literally, some figuratively, and some to be understood spiritually as parables. At times there is some overlap as His words are understood at multiple levels. It is necessary in each instance to discern how Yahshua intended His words to be interpreted.

As an example of parabolic, spiritual speech, we have the example in John chapter 6 where Christ spoke to the multitudes and said, “Unless you drink My blood and eat My flesh you have no life in you. For My flesh is true meat, and My blood is true drink.” Those in the crowd who heard these words were offended, for they took them literally. Christ declared, however, “the words I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life.”

Another occasion is when Yahshua stood in front of Herod’s Temple and the Jews demanded a sign of Him. He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” This was intentional misdirection. Christ knew that the Jewish leaders would associate the word “temple” with the massive temple that they were standing right next to. Christ, however, was speaking of the temple of His body.

An example of figurative speech is observed when Christ said to His disciples, “I will make you fishers of men.” This was a metaphor. They wouldn’t literally fish for men, but the figure of speech was clearly understood.

An example of literal speech is observed when Christ said, “Even as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of a whale, so the Son of Man must be three days and nights in the belly of the earth.” There was some mixture of figurative language here, for the earth doesn’t actually have a belly, but what He was saying about the time duration He was to spend in the earth was literal.

So, what are we to make of Christ’s words in Luke 22:36-38. We see, that just like the crowds that heard Christ speak of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, the disciples in this instance took His words literally. One of the disciples responded, “See Lord, here are two swords.” That Christ was NOT intending the disciples to actually act upon His words in a literal manner is revealed when He tells them that the two swords are enough. None of them actually went out and sold their robes to buy a sword.

Further supporting the fact that Christ did not intend the disciples to interpret these words literally, we find Him a short time later rebuking Peter for using a sword in physical defense by cutting off the ear of a slave named Malchus. Christ declares to Peter, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.”

This very plain rebuke reveals that Christ did not intend for His disciples to interpret His words about purchasing swords literally. The disciples came to this understanding, albeit belatedly, as we observe that in the entirety of the New Testament following this encounter there is not a single account of the disciples of Christ procuring weapons, or wielding them in self-defense. Not one example.

Figuratively, Christ’s words could be understood to indicate that the experience of the disciples was about to change radically. He is giving them a contrast here. He begins by saying:

Luke 22:35-36
"When I sent you out without purse and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?" And they said, "No, nothing." And He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one.”

Here we see a transition being indicated. What the disciples formerly experienced was about to change. Was Christ saying that the disciples could no longer count on Yahweh to provide for them, so they needed to start fending for themselves by carrying a purse, extra shoes, and a sword? I do not believe so. Rather, Christ was indicating that whereas God had previously protected them all from suffering and harm, that would no longer be the case. Now the hand of every man would be against them.

Mark 13:9-13
"But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.”

What I believe Christ to be indicating by the passage in Luke 22 is that this time of transition was at hand. Certainly Christ did not desire for His disciples to enter into armed conflict with their persecutors. They were commanded to be “wise as serpents but harmless as doves.”

There is also a parabolic understanding of Christ’s words. This is the most sure understanding of Yahshua's words. What is signified by selling one’s  robe to purchase a sword? Considering that the disciples only had one robe apiece, it would have been a fine sight for them all to be walking around unclothed, but with a sword strapped to their side. Yet there is a parable to be discerned in such an image. That a parable was intended is revealed in the oddity of this advice. Why tell them to sell their robe to purchase a sword? Why not sell their shoes, or catch some fish, or do something else to be able to purchase a sword? It is because of what the robe and the sword represent.

The robe signifies the reputation of a man in the eyes of others. The robe is the outer garment. In various places throughout the New Testament the robe is used symbolically to represent a man’s spiritual reputation in the eyes of God. In Revelation John writes of seeing saints clothed in white robes, which symbolize righteousness. This is how God sees them. The Jews also judged men by their outward appearance, by the robe they were wearing, as Christ pointed out.

Mark 12:38-39
And in His teaching He was saying: "Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets...”

Outwardly these Scribes appeared beautiful, and all men held them in high esteem. They were like Jewish royalty, for they were entrusted with the Scriptures which were considered holy. Yet their inner condition was vile. The reputation bespoken by their robes was a lie.

When Christ tells His disciples to sell their robes, He is indicating that they are about to lose their reputation in the eyes of the Jewish people. They will be reviled. They will be cast out of the temples and synagogues. Outwardly they will appear vile, even as a man walking around without a robe would be a shameful thing.

The robe, or good reputation, of the disciples was to be exchanged for a sword. A sword represents division. It is symbolic of being in conflict with others, of peace being removed.

Matthew 10:34-36
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be the members of his household.”

See how the concept of peace is contrasted with the image of a sword? Christ was indicating to His disciples that their names were about to become mud. Their reputation would be stripped from them, and they would have conflict and be rejected by their own people. This is what is meant spiritually by selling their robes and purchasing a sword.

Being stripped of one’s garment is actually a recurring theme throughout the Bible. We see its first occurrence in the first book of the Bible. Joseph was stripped of his garment twice. His brothers took the coat of many colors that his father had given to him, and later Potipher’s wife stripped Joseph’s garment from him. In both cases we see Joseph being stripped of his reputation, and being adorned with something more humble. He began as the favored son of a wealthy father, only to become a slave. This was a great change of reputation, hence the removal of his outer garment. Joseph rose to a position of some honor in Potipher’s household, only to be falsely accused of trying to sexually assault his master’s wife. He was cast into prison as a criminal. This was a further degradation of his reputation, hence his garment was taken away again.

This same pattern is seen in the life of Christ. He is the favored Son of His Father, but He lays His glory aside to take on a more humble reputation. He becomes a man. This was His first stripping. We read that his parents wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger. Here is the first lowering of Christ's reputation. At the end of His ministry He is accused of transgression falsely, even as Joseph was. The Roman soldiers take His outer garment and cast lots for it as He is crucified on a cross. This is His second stripping, and a further reduction in His reputation.

So we can understand that when Christ tells His disciples to sell their robes and purchase swords that He has a spiritual message in mind. What Christ says immediately after His words about buying a sword further support the understanding that these words were intended to be understood in a spiritual sense. Observe here the connection.

"let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. For I tell you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'And He was numbered with transgressors'"

See the connection between the selling of the robe and being numbered as a transgressor? It is a loss of reputation that is being signified.

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

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

Grab Your Gun Jesus

Joseph Herrin (01-06-2013)

Some readers of this blog who advocate gun ownership by Christians for self-defense may find fault with the image above. It is intended to provoke them to consider whether the mindset they have adopted is harmonious with the life and teachings of Yahshua the Messiah. The Scriptures reveal that Christ not only preached non-resistance to evil, but that He practiced it as well.

Matthew 26:50-54
Then they came and laid hands on Yahshua and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Yahshua reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Yahshua said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”

I entreat the sincere disciple of Christ to ponder carefully what Yahshua was intending when He stated “all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.” Were not Christ and His disciples being threatened by an unruly mob? Were not evil men in positions of government authority conspiring wickedly against them? Yet, Christ did not justify armed resistance. He reproved Peter when he sought to defend Christ with carnal weapons.

The truth is, Christ had far greater weapons of defense at His disposal than His disciples imagined. On the night of the first Passover we are told that one angel slew all the firstborn of Egypt. Yahshua had more than twelve legions of angels at His beck and call. He could have unmade the world with a command. This same Messiah who could raise the dead with the spoken word could have just as easily sent every wicked adversary to the grave.

Why did Christ NOT defend Himself, or lash out against His wicked adversaries? Yahshua came to do His Father’s will, and it was His Father’s will that He suffer many things at the hands of evil men.

Isaiah 53:10
But Yahweh was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief...

The contradiction is seen clearly between Christian belief today and the life of the Messiah when an image is displayed showing Christ with a gun in His hand.

The apostle Paul declared to the church of Corinth that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. They are spiritual.

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...

Carnal vs. Spiritual

The Messiah stated clearly what attitude should be adopted by those who desired to be found pleasing to the Father.

Matthew 5:38-45
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

One truth that many Christians resist is that we are not called to triumph over evil in the common sense. God has not promised His people that they will prevail over the wicked intents and schemes of fallen angels and wicked men.

Revelation 13:6-7
And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them...

Christians are not called to armed conflict with those in this world. The victory of the saints does not appear as victory in this world. The greatest triumph of Christ came as He freely yielded His life on the cross. Outwardly, this appeared to be a great defeat. It seemed that wicked angels and evil men were triumphing over the righteous. In the eyes of Yahweh, however, a great victory was won. The saints in Christ are called to experience many similar things.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Don’t rush over these words. Consider carefully what is being declared. It is appointed to those who follow in the steps of Christ to experience tribulation in this world. They will be subjected to distressing circumstances. They will be persecuted. They will have their food, clothing, and possessions taken from them. They will face many perilous circumstances. They will be attacked with the sword, or in more modern parlance, with guns and bullets. The saints will even be slaughtered.

BUT....

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”

How do we conquer? How do we prevail and come forth victorious? It is by manifesting the Spirit of Christ in the midst of our persecutions. When we love those who persecute us, when we pray for those who despitefully abuse us, when we bless those who curse and revile us, then we are overcoming the Adamic, vengeful, prideful, fear driven motives of the sinful nature. When we face our persecutors with the love, patience, meekness, forgiveness, and longsuffering of Christ we triumph.

Taking up a gun in self-defense is antithetical to the manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit. Our victory in the eyes of God is not achieved by killing or injuring others before they can kill or injure us. There is no spiritual triumph in shooting those who seek to break in and steal your goods.

Christians who have not embraced the disciples’ cross, who shrink back from experiencing suffering and loss, often present hypothetical situations in defense of their position. One might ask, “You mean if a robber breaks into my house I am just to let him take my possessions, and my family’s goods, and not resist him?” The answer Christ would give is “Yes! If you want to do what is pleasing to the Father.”

Luke 6:30
Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again.

Hebrews 10:34
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.

In a material society in which Christians are inundated with a prosperity gospel that makes a virtue of covetousness, there are few believers who would accept joyfully the seizure of their property. There are few who would “count it all joy” when they suffer loss because of their commitment to walk as Christ walked, and to do the will of the Father.

Some have written to me in the past and said, “If evil men broke into your home and threatened to rape your wife or daughter, or murder your children, would you not defend them?” Such hypothetical questions are predicated upon great unbelief. As a son of God I have chosen to entrust my life, and that of my family, to the care and protection of Yahweh. Is He not present every moment? Can Satan touch a child of God without first getting permission from the Father? Yahshua declared to Peter that Satan had sought permission to sift him. If Satan had not been granted permission, he could not touch one who belonged to Christ.

Similarly, we see Satan seeking permission to attack Job. God had constructed a hedge of protection around Job that Satan could not penetrate. Yahweh had to lower the hedge in order for Job to be tried. At the same time, Yahweh set definite limits upon what Satan could and could not do to Job. Do you not recognize that nothing can touch a child of God until Yahweh has determined that it is their appointed time to suffer? And when that time comes, we are promised that nothing we experience can separate us from the love of God.

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Yahshua our Lord.

A brother recently wrote to me and stated:

The “What would Jesus do?” scenario is not valid in my opinion because He was only caught when it was His time. He easily escaped His detractors whenever He wanted. We don't possess such capability.

Such words and thinking dishonor the Father. We are told, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6), and “this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (I John 5:4). I will testify that God’s care for me as a son is no less than His care for Yahshua. He will certainly guide me, put a hedge about me, and protect me from evil. When it is my time to share in the sufferings of Christ I will receive great grace to endure all things.

Yahshua is our Pattern Man. Even as He was guided by the Spirit, so too are we to live a life yielded to the Spirit’s leading. There were times when the Spirit revealed to Christ that He should avoid certain areas where the Jews sought to harm Him, for it was not yet His time to suffer.

John 7:1
And after these things Yahshua was walking in Galilee; for He was unwilling to walk in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.

This was no carnal decision that Christ arrived at in His own soul. Yahshua only did what the Father revealed to Him to do. Those who walk by the Spirit as Christ did will receive the same guidance. Even as an angel appeared to Joseph, the husband of Mary, in a dream warning him to flee from the wrath of Herod, and years later told him when it was safe to return, and where to locate, so too will the Spirit guide all those who belong to Him. Not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father’s notice. Are you not worth more than many sparrows?

It is important for the saints to separate themselves from sin, and to live a surrendered life to the Spirit that they might hear clearly the voice of the Father. Yet, there have been many times when God in His mercy has spoken to disobedient and immature sons and daughters to deliver them from harm. I have heard many true testimonies from men and women who were saved from death, or some terrible consequence, even before they had been born again of the Spirit. Yahweh causes His sun to shine on the just and the unjust. If you want to be assured of hearing God’s voice, however, you need to be living a life of surrender and obedience before Him.

Christ never instructed His disciples to take up arms in defense of themselves. What He did tell them was to flee when they were persecuted.

Matthew 10:23
“But whenever they persecute you in this city, flee to the next...”

There are numerous examples of the saints fleeing from persecution in the book of Acts. It is not necessary for a Christian to remain in harm’s way out of some misplaced belief that they must never act to avoid suffering. The will of Yahweh is that we be guided by His Spirit in all things. When He says to flee, we should flee. When He advises us to avoid some area, or people, then we should do as He directs. When He tells us to accept the suffering we see before us, then we need to accept what is coming. The apostle Paul manifested this attitude in his life, and he is a pattern for the saints as well.

Acts 20:22-24
"And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Yahshua...”

Brothers and sisters, it should be our focus to finish the course appointed to us, and to run a good race. We too must not count our lives as dear to us. They belong to the Lord who has purchased us with His blood. Those who attack the people of God are attacking Christ, for we are His. This is why Yahshua appeared to Paul as he was on his way to Damascus to persecute the saints and said, “Paul, why do you persecute ME?” Understanding that an attack against those born of the seed of Christ is an attack against Christ’s person, can we not anticipate that He will act as our defender and protector? Can we not trust Yahshua to either deliver us from the wicked schemes of men, or to give us the grace, strength and peace to endure?

When a man or woman takes up arms for self-defense they remove themselves from a place of faith. Their trust is no longer in Yahweh’s care and protection, but on the arm of the flesh. What a weak and pitiful substitute the flesh is! Any man who puts his trust in guns and bullets to protect himself, his family, or possessions, truly lacks understanding. There is no inner peace when a man takes up his own defense. The only peace comes from entrusting one’s life to the care of God.

Psalm 91 is a familiar passage, and it has great relevance for the days before us. Many Christians have failed to understand what is being spoken in this Psalm. Pay close attention to the following words:

Psalms 91:1-4
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to Yahweh, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you  with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Are you dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, or is your trust in the guns in your closet? What is the source of your confidence? Is God truly your refuge and fortress? Are you trusting in Him to protect you from all those things named in this Psalm? Or have you placed your confidence in lesser things?

The promises of Psalm 91 are for those who make God their refuge; whose hearts trust in Him. Do you see His faithfulness as a shield about you, or is your heart filled with unbelief?

Psalms 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

These words of David express the confidence that Yahweh desires His children to have in Him. Those who make the Lord their refuge will not be disappointed. The saints are truly sheep among wolves. We are admonished to be as wise as serpents, yet as harmless as doves.

At this hour a great amount of attention is being given to gun ownership rights of Americans. This will increase in the coming days. The government will not rest until they have prevailed in this matter and stripped away the ability of America’s citizens to defend themselves. This may seem a terrible thing, but those who have placed the defense of their lives into the Father’s hands will be just as secure as they ever were.

There are ministers who are advocating armed resistance, and who are asserting the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Brothers and sisters, those who take up the sword will die by the sword. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Your greatest battle will be to overcome the fear, pride and other Adamic motives within your own soul that would drive you to take up arms.

Without question, there will be much that the people of God are called to suffer in the days ahead. These experiences are for the perfecting of the saints. To pass through these trials victoriously will require faith and patience. I am confident that Yahweh will extend great grace to all who put their trust in Him.


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

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

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

Into the New Year

Joseph Herrin (01-02-2013)

As I typed the heading above, it was the first time that I wrote out a date for the year 2013. 2013 portends to be a year of dramatic changes for America and the nations. Dire things are coming. The light of truth and righteousness is fading quickly. As men are becoming ever more enslaved to the passions and desires of the flesh, Yahweh is giving them over to another type of slavery. Their personal liberty and freedoms are being eroded. A draconian government is arising that will enforce thought control along with dictating all human behavior. If you are new to this blog and have not read the article I posted on the year 2013, I recommend it to you.

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/thirteen.html

In that post I shared the Biblical significance of the number thirteen. Following is a quotation from E.W. Bullinger.

As to the significance of thirteen, all are aware that it has come down to us as a number of ill-omen. Many superstitions cluster around it, and various explanations are current concerning them.

Unfortunately, those who go backwards to find a reason seldom go back far enough. The popular explanations do not, so far as we are aware, go further back than the Apostles. But we must go back to the first occurrence of the number thirteen in order to discover the key to its significance. It occurs first in Gen 14:4, where we read "Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they REBELLED."

Hence every occurrence of the number thirteen, and likewise of every multiple of it, stamps that with which it stands in connection with rebellion, apostasy, defection, corruption, disintegration, revolution, or some kindred idea.
[Source: http://philologos.org/__eb-nis/eight.htm#205]

As the earth descends into darkness, the same fate need not be the portion of the people of God. Indeed, it is the Father’s will that as gross darkness overtakes the world that an increasing radiance would be seen among His sons and daughters.

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of Yahweh has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; but Yahweh will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you.

The sons and daughters of Yahweh are not members of this world and its kingdoms. We are aliens and strangers here. The verses above reveal how far out of synch the kingdom of God is from the kingdom of this world. Satan’s plan is advancing as he covers humanity with gross darkness. At the same time Yahweh has a remnant who are increasing in their manifestation of the life and light of Christ as they are transformed from glory to glory.

One thing I have noted among a number of saints is that at this time they are being urged to bring to completion that which is lacking in their lives. They are rising up to overcome besetting sins. They are manifesting a renewed vigor to study the word of God, to spend time in prayer and communion with their heavenly Father, and to surrender more fully to be guided by the Spirit.

At the end of 2011 I shared in a post that Yahweh had convicted me of falling short in some areas of my life. I was not walking as an overcomer. Had I gone on to be with the Father at that time, I lacked confidence that I would be numbered among the overcomers in Christ.

The manner in which Yahweh brought this into focus was by drawing my attention to the campsite I had been parked in during the year 2011. It was site number 143.

Site Number 143
(Click on image to view larger)

The Bible uses the number 144 to signify those who are overcomers in Christ. The number 143 falls short of 144. Some wrote to me at the time asking if I might be mistaken. They asked that if I was not an overcomer, then what chance did they have of being one? Many have read of the various ways in which the Father has guided me. They have observed that I have followed, often at great personal cost, incurring loss in this world and suffering various things. Yet, at the end of 2011, as now, I am aware of areas in my life that have not been brought under subjection to the rule of the Father. I have not completed all obedience that the Spirit has made known to me to be the will of Yahweh.

Revelation 3:2-3
For I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you.

Brothers and sisters, being numbered among the overcomers who appear with Christ on Mount Zion is an exceedingly high calling. John wrote that “blessed and holy” are those who attain to the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6). To be counted worthy to attain to this premier resurrection is the prize the apostle Paul wrote of striving toward. He stated that he was focused on the goal, comparing himself to an athlete running a race. He said that he buffeted his body and kept it under subjection lest after having preached to others he should himself be disqualified.

This same peril stands before me. Having proclaimed the crucified life, and set before the saints the need to live a life yielded to the rule of the Spirit of Christ, I can myself fall short. One thing I have struggled with all my life has been bodily discipline. I have indulged the flesh. One outward manifestation of this has been that I have been overweight much of my adult life. I have given my flesh what it desired, rather than what it needed.

I have made much progress in this area in recent years, having even gotten down to the weight goal the Father gave me of 165 pounds on a couple of occasions. However, I have not maintained my weight under 165 pounds. At one point in the mid 1990s I hit a high of 285 pounds. I am nowhere near that now. I estimate that I am around 190 pounds. The Father will not be satisfied until I rule over all of my appetites, becoming fully conformed to the image of Christ.

Matthew 5:48
Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Ephesians 4:13-14
Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.

Some years back, when I weighed 235 pounds, the Holy Spirit made known to me that the Father desired me to get down to 165 pounds and remain below that weight. When Yahweh sets a goal before us, we can either attain it, or fall short of the mark. He will not tell me “Well done” when I have fallen short. He will not move the finish line so that I can indulge my flesh. Rather, He would stir me up to exercise the discipline and focus of an athlete who has his eye set on attaining the prize.

A week ago, as I approached the end of another year, the Father once more indicated to me that I am still falling short of walking as an overcomer in Christ. Following is an image revealing the manner in which the Holy Spirit chose to communicate this to me.

Parables Blog Archive

Down the right hand side of the Parables Blog there is a menu of all posts separated by year and month. A week ago I posted the final writing for the year, notifying readers of the passing of my father. I stated in that post that I would not be writing another post until after the new year had begun. Upon posting that notice my attention was drawn to the total number of posts for the year 2012. There had been 143 posts. When I saw this number I immediately sensed again the witness of the Spirit that I have been falling short in some areas of my life. I have not completed that obedience the Father has laid upon me.

Getting my weight down to under 165 pounds is not the only area in which I sense the Father’s conviction. I have indulged the flesh in other ways. To most Christians these things would seem petty, but they are not petty in God’s sight. He is looking for full stature sons who are fully conformed to the image of Christ.

Romans 8:29
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.

We are not called to be partially the image of Christ. Our Father will not be content for His sons to be somewhat spiritual and somewhat fleshly. He desires spiritual sons in His image. We do err when we compare ourselves to other men. Christ Yahshua is our pattern and goal.

II Corinthians 10:12
But when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.

When I observed that there were 143 posts to the blog in 2012 the temptation came to my mind to add one more. However, I had already stated that I would write no more until after the new year, and I knew it was the Spirit of Christ that had guided me to make that declaration. Posting another writing would not have made me an overcomer. It would have only given testimony that I desired to appear good in the eyes of men. I rejected the temptation. Yahweh resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, so let all my readers know that I am not yet perfected in the eyes of God. I am falling short in some areas. My desire, however, is to arrive at that place where my life is fully satisfying to the Father. I want to walk in the knowledge that I have completed every obedience the Father has laid upon me. I need His grace to do so, and I would choose humility in order to obtain this grace.

My determination is that when I arrive at the end of 2013 I will have a different testimony. I desire that at the end of this year that I will have fulfilled every obedience the Father has laid upon me. I am determined that those things that change in my life this year will lead to a greater conformity to Yahshua. Let the world grow more rebellious in 2013, but let me grow more submissive to the Father. Let the nations descend into darkness, but let my life reflect the glory of Christ to a greater extent. As the people are enslaved more to the flesh, and descend into depravity and abominations, let my life become more pure, more discipined, and show forth the righteousness of the Son of God.

I John 3:2-3
We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

A week or two ago a sister in Christ sent me a wall decoration she thought I would enjoy having. She said she thought of me when she saw it. I am delighted with her choice and her sensitivity in sending this gift.

Dream Picture

There is a quotation from poet Carl Sandburg in the lower left corner. It states, “Nothing happens unless first we dream.”

Notice that the image above the quotation is that of a caterpillar. We all begin life as caterpillars. It is the Father’s will that we undergo a metamorphosis and come forth as heavenly creatures of great grace and beauty. Many Christians remain caterpillars to their last days. They never embrace the dream of becoming a butterfly. Such a radical and complete transformation seems too improbable. Being a fleshly caterpillar is comfortable. Caterpillar’s are consumers, and so too is the Adamic man.

It is not by happenstance that one of the foremost issues facing me is to change my eating habits and to decrease the amount of flesh I am carrying about. These things are parables. Christ’s first temptation after He was baptized by the Spirit in the Jordan was to turn the stones into bread and fulfill His fleshly appetite when His body was hungry. Yahshua chose instead to do the Father’s will.

I have a dream of choosing always the Father’s will over the desires of my flesh. It is necessary to nurture such dreams, to hold onto them, to not let them slip away. My bus is named The Dreamer, and at the front of my bus inside is the following wall decoration:

Joseph’s brothers referred to him as “that dreamer.” May my brothers and sisters know me as a dreamer too.

Will you dare to dream the dreams Yahweh has given you for 2013? Nothing happens unless first we dream.

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

P.S. Thank you to all who wrote to share your words of comfort and consolation upon the passing of my father. Your prayers availed much. I experienced much grace on my trip to Mississippi and back. My sincere appreciation also goes out to those who sent financial gifts at this time as they helped out greatly in meeting every need and enabling me to rent a car for travel and pay for accommodations while away.


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

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

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