Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people. Oh, that I had in the desert a lodging place for travelers, so that I might leave my people and go away from them; for they are all adulterers, a crowd of unfaithful people. “They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies; it is not by truth that they triumph in the land. They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge me,” declares YHVH. “Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning. You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,” declares YHVH. Therefore this is what YHVH Almighty says: “See, I will refine and test them, for what else can I do because of the sin of my people? Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors, but in their hearts they set traps for them. Should I not punish them for this?” declares YHVH. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?” I will weep and wail for the mountains and take up a lament concerning the wilderness grasslands. They are desolate and untraveled, and the lowing of cattle is not heard. The birds have all fled and the animals are gone. “I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals; and I will lay waste the towns of Judah so no one can live there.” Who is wise enough to understand this? Who has been instructed by YHVH and can explain it? Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a desert that no one can cross? YHVH said, “It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their ancestors taught them.” Therefore this is what YHVH Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “See, I will make this people eat bitter food and drink poisoned water. I will scatter them among nations that neither they nor their ancestors have known, and I will pursue them with the sword until I have made an end of them.” This is what YHVH Almighty says: “Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful of them. Let them come quickly and wail over us till our eyes overflow with tears and water streams from our eyelids. The sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How ruined we are! How great is our shame! We must leave our land because our houses are in ruins.’ ” Now, you women, hear the word of YHVH; open your ears to the words of his mouth. Teach your daughters how to wail; teach one another a lament. Death has climbed in through our windows and has entered our fortresses; it has removed the children from the streets and the young men from the public squares. Say, “This is what YHVH declares: “ ‘Dead bodies will lie like dung on the open field, like cut grain behind the reaper, with no one to gather them.’ ” This is what YHVH says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am YHVH, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares YHVH. “The days are coming,” declares YHVH, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh—Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
Jeremiah 9:1‭-‬26

I pray that you will have the opportunity to share the Good News with people who have never heard the powerful and life saving message of JESUS.

Heavenly Man, p. 170

I feel deeply impressed tonight to share this with all who will read it.

I just finished reading Revelation 12 and most of chapter 15 of Heavenly Man to the family. I was deeply struck with a vivid reminder when I read the linked page 170.

I may not do this justice here briefly but I was drawn back to another time and another place some of you here know of, though most in name only.

I wish for all of you this same life impacting opportunity to experience the sheer and incomparable blessing of being able to share JESUS…beyond the regions of those who have heard of Christianity and are often tainted by demonic lies about JESUS… that you would be able to share JESUS in regions and with people who have never heard about the powerful truth of JESUS who saves and heals and transforms.

I thank God for the priceless blessing and privilege we’ve had in our lives of taking this eternal treasure to distant lands and isolated people who worshipped idols and demonic spirits, who prayed to their deceased ancestors and ate the blood of animals sacrificed to idols, who suffered demonic possession and bondage of all sorts holding them captive in their spirits, souls, minds and bodies, until the Son of God came and set them free by the blood of JESUS to eternal life.

May God grant us each opportunities like this again and again, to bring the saving message of JESUS to peoples & nations, everywhere He opens the door.

WTW 2021
14 August
Revelation 1-10 Review

I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14

So let us wash in the blood and cloth ourselves with Christ

All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:27

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. James 5:1‭-‬2

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ” Revelation 7:13‭-‬17

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:12‭-‬21

WTW 2021
8 August
Revelation 6

REVIEW

First rereading chapters 1-5

Chapter 1
Revelation from JESUS about things “now & later” directed to the 7 ekklesia (in Asia) which are the 7 stars which cannot be plucked from JESUS’ right hand

Chapters 2-3
The 7 letters are to the 7 ekklesia which are all along the sliding spectrum from most vibrant followers (enduring Ephesus) to least vibrant followers (sleeping Sardis) interjected with those who are simply faithful, near journey’s end (patient Philadelphia) and to the most pitiful and lifeless of all (lukewarm Laodicea)

All 7 of these receive fervent instruction warning strongly against the influence of the synagogue of Satan in Pergamum, directly and indirectly

Ephesus – against wicked people, false apostles, sinful Nicolaitan practices

Smyrna – slander of false Jews, synagogue of Satan

Pergamum – Satan’s throne and dwelling place, idol sacrifice food & sexual immorality (see Aaron’s calf rebellion & Jerusalem Council letter), Balaam, Balak & Nicolaitans

Thyatira – false prophet Jezebel, adultery, sexual immorality and idol sacrifice food

Sardis – dead, sleeping & soiled

Philadelphia – weak, yet simply obedient, patient & enduring, to whom wicked followers of synagogue of Satan, false Jews, claimers will bow to the faithful who will be spared from tribulation

Laodicea – illusively rich & comfortable, in reality at ease in Zion, brackish & tepid, lukewarm, wretched, pitiful, poor, blind & naked, no concern whatsoever of Satan’s synagogue

Chapter 4
Open door in heaven
Things to come
24 + 1 thrones
Living creatures & glass sea

Chapter 5
In the right hand of the Son of God
The Book of Life
Which no man can open
Which no one can pluck from his hand
Written on both sides
Sealed with 7 seals
There are a lot of names written there
From both Jews & (turn over —>) the nations

And now this dramatic history & prophecy continues unfolding as we come to

Chapter 6
This glimpse into the heavenlies reveals clearly the dual histories: here the seals in heaven are being opened almost as if in slow motion while the final events on earth are being played out regarding the end times, even as they were being experienced by first century followers as well.

WTW 2021
2 August
Revelation 2

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:1‭-‬7

Let us listen and hear, hearken and understand, heed and obey so that we may be victorious and come at last as originally planned to eat from the the Tree of Life which remains in that garden, the Paradise of God.

WTW 2021
1 August
Revelation 1

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne. Revelation 1:4

Paul was initially prevented by God’s Spirit from entering the first century province of Asia Minor with the Good News Message of JESUS.

First Century Asia Minor encompassed roughly the region of modern day Turkey and included the 7 cities to which John directed the apocalyptic letter prophecy of Revelation, in Greek called The Apocalypse.

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the (martyrian) testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9‭-‬11

ASIA MINOR
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea

We have these 7 letters to these 7 cities written circa AD 95. The events of Acts 16 took place approximately 45 years earlier.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6‭-‬10

Rereading this now, I realize I never noticed the Bithynia restriction before being the second instance, first by the Holy Spirit, then by the Spirit of JESUS.

There is still much more to the story of Asia Minor to which The Apocalypse is addressed. For starters, clearly Paul not much later did go to Asia Minor after all without much commentary.

Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. Acts 18:18‭-‬21

As we have also seen recently, Timothy later oversaw the ongoing ministry in Ephesus. And so it is that we come to have Paul’s letters to Timothy in Ephesus in addition to his AD 62 letter directly to the followers of JESUS in Ephesus as well as that well known reference to his open letters to the Colossian & Laodicean followers of the Way.

So, what can happen in 30 years? We get another glimpse of this right here in these first couple chapters of The Apocalypse.

Are you hearing from the Holy Spirit today?
What is the Spirit of JESUS speaking?
Let us not by any means desire or seek in some way to conjure anything from God’s Spirit. Rather let us seek hard after Him so we can know Him and so He can speak to us, even in koinonia fellowship with the adelphoi brotherhood by the Holy Spirit of God.

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:1‭-‬16

WTW 2021
30 July
2 Jude

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22 – 23

Powerful times sharing JESUS with those we encountered at the parks again the last two nights. Looking forward to more. The fields are ripe. I pray we will all be challenged to do these things daily more and more. Just as with sharing truth and speaking boldly, obeying the commands of JESUS to love and obey and live boldly in these ways will immediately begin transforming us again in ways we cannot imagine, simply because God is faithful and His WORD working in us will work powerfully, especially when we are actively obeying His commands to go in obedience and truth and love.

WTW 2021
28 July
3 John

The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 3 John 1:1

Gaius is not a familiar name from the Gospels or Acts or the other epistles. So too in our own lives, the names may change over the years of those who we are walking with in koinonia, but there is ONE who is the Friend we walk with Who continues faithfully over the span of all the years.

WTW 2021
26 July
2 John

I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 2 John 1:12

Teaching about holy living is not widely accepted, and specific teachings can quickly challenge full harmony within the broader society. This is why separatist communities have always arisen in every generation.

Reading John’s second letter closely makes it very clear that his exhortation to walk in righteousness does not include any specifics, only the clear exhortation to keep JESUS’ commands to walk in love and truth and righteousness.

Beyond this John clearly says he does not want to write any more specifically and looks forward to giving any further details in person.

Let us devote ourselves to understanding and living out in every area the commandments and teachings of JESUS to live and walk in love, truth and righteousness.

WTW 2021
22 July
1 John

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John 4:3

There is a very real separation that most of us have not experienced yet.

A separation unto righteousness which results in separation unto God from which many friends and family will depart.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1 John 3:1

Just as those in the 1st century chose to follow Christ at all cost even unto death were forsaken by friends and family, so too does a genuine following after Christ now result in decisions which will cause others to forsake us and continue in the ways of the world.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
1 John 1:6

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1 John 2:18‭-‬19

“The righteous life which God requires” (J120) has never been a matter of words but of life and power (1C420). So called cheap grace and cheap salvation are of the antichrist based on these passages. They are counterfeits, and those who hold to a cheap evangel are of the antichrists. We cannot partake with them and when we do not go along with their ways it becomes clear that they hold to the world and are friends with the world and do not know us who are the sons of God who purify ourselves even as we are pure (1J33). This is an arrogant statement except when it is truth because of God’s grace by which we are called sons of God.

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
Isaiah 65:2‭, ‬4‭-‬5

_____

“It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
1 John 3:2b