Chase God Not Man

After the sermon one Sunday we were worshiping deeply.  They Holy Spirit said, "Don't chase man."  This came as a thought in my mind.  I knew immediately Jesus Spirit meant not to think too highly or suck up to any Bible teachers and worship leaders.  I can see supernatural empowerment and the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon ministers so easily.  I sit at the the table and visit with the great men of God moving powerfully in the Holy Spirit.  Men who have gotten out of the way so the Spirit of Jesus can move powerfully through them.  Men who are at the cutting edge, and carrying on the great work of taking Jesus testimony to the ends of the earth in these last day.  I have the  Bible translators who brought back the Majesty of Messiah to the people through their ISV translation, "pure gold".   What a gift from above to hang with the Whitfields', the Tyndals', the Wesleys' of our day; the Pauls' and Timothys'  of our generation.  I thank Jesus for this opportunity.  My daughter calls all of us Christian here at the KI Resident Study Program, "Bible people."  I like it.  Being a Bible person makes me happy.  We are still living the Book of Acts today.

So, don't chase man.  We know who to chase: Jesus.  Chase God and Him alone. Let us chase Lord Jesus with intensity for the rest of our lives and into eternity.  Let's be hot for Him, on fire with fervent love for Messiah.  I love reading Song of Songs and imagining King Jesus.  How He loves us, and how we love Him, Spirit to spirit.  Think of chasing Jesus when you read these verses:  DRAW ME; WE WILL RUN AFTER THEE:  THE KING HATH BROUGHT ME INTO HIS CHAMBERS;  WE WILL BE GLAD AND REJOICE IN THEE;  WE WILL MAKE MENTION OF THY LOVE MORE THAN OF WINE;  RIGHTLY DO THEY LOVE THEE. (Song 1:4 ASB)

And here's something even more wonderful: the love God has for you and I.  When you read this think of the love between you and your Maker; the love only your soul and your Savior can share.  FOR LOVE IS AS STRONG AS DEATH, PASSION AS INTENSE AS SHEOL.  THE FLAMES OF LOVE ARE FLAMES OF FIRE, A BLAZE THAT COMES FROM THE LORD.  (Song 8:6b ISV)  Jesus died on the cross and rose again for us.  He conquered death for you and I.  Jesus flamed mercy, grace, and forgiveness forever into the universe 2,000 years ago from the cross.  That's how strong Messiah's love is; stronger than death for you and I.  GOD IS LOVE.

Bragging On My Ministers

If you would have asked me a week ago if I had carnality in my life I would have said no.  But after Chuck Missler's Monday night study of First Corinthians chapter 2 and 3 I have to confess.  (Only because his study questions ask us for an example of carnality in our lives.)   

It's hilarious, I see that the carnality in my life is the exact same as the carnality in the church ladies in Corinth .  They were all bragging on their Ministerswho they loved the best and thought were the greatest in the world. One would said Apollo that was the best.  Others said that Paul rules, another claims that Peter is the greatest.  The smart said "I BELONG TO THE MESSIAH." (1 Cor. 1:12c)  They were even fighting over which Pastor they followed.  ( 1 Cor. 1:11-12)  Paul had to write them and get after them.  He told them to stop.  Paul gets down to the bottom line:  therefore, as it is written, "THE PERSON WHO BOASTS MUST BOAST IN THE LORD". (1 Cor. 1:31 ISV)

So, that means I can't continue going around  bragging on my Ministers.  In my personal opinion  they are the greatest in the world.  I've been worshiping at Calvary Spokane for about 18 years.  To me, Ken Ortiz is the best Pastor in the world.  He is the Pastor Jesus has given me.  He hears from God.  Ortiz wears white robes in a spiritual sense.  Sitting under his teachings, Jesus has kept me grounded in the faith, worshiping God, taught from the Bible.

For 20 years I've been listening to Chuck Missler.  The power of the Holy Spirit moves profoundly when he speaks.  I used to tell everyone that in my personal opinion Missler is the greatest theologian in America.  Well, now that Chuck's moved to New Zealand I tell everyone he is the greatest theologian in the world.  And I think he is.

I laugh because I had to set one of his board members straight at the Coeur'd Alene conference.  I met one of the KI board members and he asked me, "How long have you been following Chuck Missler."  I gave him the obvious answer, the only  answer.  "I don't follow Chuck Missler, I follow Jesus" I told him.  He said, "Well answered."  I wanted to reply, "It's not well answered, it's the truth."  But I didn't, I didn't want to be too in his face.

I met another man at the conference that said he is a 'Misslerite".  I was shocked.   I wanted to set him straight too.  I wanted to say "Hey, we're supposed to be called Christians."  But, I didn't.  I was polite.  I probably should have said something though.

Now, I have another Pastor.  Ron Matsen, here at the resident study program in New Zealand.  He has had almost 40 years pastoring and teaching.  He and his wife are just the Pastors I needed.  Pastors who are with a person day to day.  He is also a preeminent theologian in the Evangelical Church.  To me, he is the second greatest theologian in the world, after Missler.

The other day I met the new Managing Director of KI, Louis Powell.  He is a man of great love. God has given him a powerful testimony of Jesus' love in his life.  It is an honor to meet him.  I know Jesus has good plans for him. 

But this is all bragging on my Ministers.  Fist Corinthians reveals that  I can't say I follow Matsen, or I follow Ortiz, or I follow Missler.  That's sin.  That's carnality.  They are only human beings. (1 Cor. 3:4)  I can only say, "I follow Jesus." Jesus said, "NO ONE IS GOOD, EXCEPT GOD ALONE."(Mark 10:18c)  It's only God, and Him alone who grows our faith.  God gives us His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus.  So that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 

Now, I repent.  I want to boast in the Lord and Him only.  Jesus has poured His mercy, grace and forgiveness into me and my life like a mighty river of His power.I know Jesus loves you.  He has good plans for you too.  NOW TO THE ONE  WHO CAN DO INFINITELY MORE THAN ALL WE CAN ASK OR IMAGINE ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT IS WORKING AMONG US-- TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH AND IN MESSIAH JESUS TO ALL GENERATIONS, FOREVER AND EVER! AMEN. (Eph. 3:20,21 ISV)  I like the way the Amplified bible describes Gods great power toward us who believe.  NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO SUPERABUNDANTLY, FAR OVER AND ABOVE ALL THAT WE DARE ASK OR THINK, INFINITELY BEYOND OUR HIGHEST PRAYERS, DESIRES, THOUGHTS, HOPES OR DREAMS.  TO HIM BE GLORY. (Eph. 3:20,21 portions)

The Secret Of Power

`I asked Chuck Missler what his secret of walking in power is?  He said, "I get out of the way."  Isn't that profound?  The secret of talking, praying, teaching, seeing, etc. in the mighty power of the Holy Spirit is just to get out of the way, and let Him move.  Jesus, I pray that You teach me, and all of us how to do this.  Amen.

Worship:  Jesus once told me "Worship Me-- that's where the power is."  Jesus prescription for power is to worship Him! Amen.

Don't we all want more power? .. SO THAT YOU WILL WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE LORD, TO PLEASE HIM IN ALL RESPECTS, BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY GOOD WORK AND INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD; STRENGTHENED WITH ALL POWER, ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS MIGHT..  (Col. 1:10,11a)  

May we know.. WHAT IS THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE.. (Eph. 1:19 a)

Jesus says: .. "YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES ON YOU, AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES... TO THE END OF THE EARTH." (Acts 1:8a,c)

"Once and Future Church"

 Chuck is especially excited about the current move of  God  the Lord is allowing him to participate in. He has been warning us for the 20 years that I've listened to him that someday it won't be "church as usual."  He says eventully the church in America will have to go underground.  We can see persecution all around us: against us Christians who take the Bible seriously.  I recently had to leave my job because I was told to stop talking about God. The persecution has started.  In my personal opinion Jesus has given him a vision and work of Jesus establishing His underground church.  Especially for these times we live in right now, in the States and around the globe.  Koinonia Institute and River Lodge are instrumental in this new direction from our Lord Jesus.  Chuck explains that the bible believing church has always been persecuted by the religious establishment.  J. Verson Mcgee foresaw this coming persecution in America when he was alive.
 
Chuck's current insights on Christ's Church is in the Briefing Pack, "Once and Future Church."   The Holy Spirit tells us to start small home fellowships.  The mission of these home study groups is discipleship.  Chuck explains "you and I are God's sanctuary".  This is our most profound opportunity in America right now because home fellowships are "effective in transforming lives" and persecution proof.  Chuck encourages all of us bible people to work in this direction.  He says America is in difficult times and headed for more.  Our freedom of thought and movement are becoming increasingly restricted.  "We're moving into different times" states Dr. Missler.  "The dark times are the times in which the church flourished. We're moving in a way God that has laid out in advance.  In these small groups the Spirit is free to move. Our only boast is the Lamb Himself."

Home Fellowships

Dr. Chuck Missler is encouraging  us regular Christians in America to start  home fellowships.

That's where the power of personal transformation can really move.  He is very encouraging and very helpful to get us started.  He forsees home groups as imperative for the difficult times ahead.  God is doing great things in our day my friends.

 I'm  currently getting my house in Spokane WA. all fixed up.  Its starting to look very pretty. Jesus can use it any way He wants.  I gave it to Him a long time ago. I've invited the Holy Spirit in. My home is available to our Lord Jesus for a home fellowship.  I'm thinking of inviting 2 of my close neighborhood friends. I would really like to sing worship songs to Jesus, that's where the power is.  Then teach a chapter in the bible and  have a discussion group. We'd do lunch too. How fun a ladies time would that be!  Maybe you could do something at your house too.  It would be fun, loving, and powerful in the Holy Spirit.  Chuck does have teaching DVD's available for anyone who doesn't want to do their own teaching.  It's that easy. Id like to teach.  That would be so exciting.  Chuck does encourage us to start with 1 book of the bible and go through it one chapter a week.  "One bite at a time", he says.

I gave Jesus my life a long time ago.  Jesus divinely  healed me of terminal cancer.  Our lives are His. He gives us our very breath.  It's only by His grace that we can even take our next breath.  Our lives and souls are in His hands. God is faithful.  We are in His hands.  He has shown me mercy, grace, and forgiveness beyond human capacity to understand.  GOD IS LOVE. (Infinite love.)  Jesus wants me to tell others about Him.  He wants  all of us to tell others about Him in our own way.  Jesus spoke these last words to us in the book of Matthew: "THEREFORE, AS YOU GO, DISCIPLE PEOPLE IN ALL THE NATIONS..... TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING THAT I'VE COMMANDED YOU.  AND REMEMBER, I AM WITH YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY UNTIL THE END OF THE AGE." (Mt. 28:19a,20 ISV)

I Want Everybody To Come: Jesus Will Talk to You

(Imge: KI trust.org)

Sitting on the dock of the meandering river in the cool of the evening I can sense Jesus' Spirit  talking to me.
 I have all the solitude I need to contemplate the great things of God.  I have all the Bible teaching I need to keep me enthralled by the Word of God.   Not to mention the powerful Presence of the Holy Spirit.  Hanging with Dr. Missler and other 'bible people' is a highlight in my life.  To me, Chuck is the world's greatest theologian.  In my eyes he always has is the outstanding Bible teacher and watchman of our times.  When he speaks it is with power and always has been for the 20 years I've been listening to him.  Sitting at Chuck's feet gives one a sense of  the divine destiny Jesus has for us in these end times.

Ron Matsen, director, is also a world renown Bible teacher.
 He has taught and pastored in the States, the UK  with Calvary Chapel.  Ron's professional background is in managing of very large programs for multinational defense contractors in the States and Europe.   His  Bible teachings always inspire and bring me into a much deeper understanding of God and Scripture.  Ron exhorts us to live right by Jesus. The Holy Spirit speaks to the heart of people through him.  I saw a brilliant, orthodox Jewish man come to the realization that Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah while he and his family stayed here at the Lodge. I have met the most interesting people from all over the world here.  Ron, his wife Marcy  all his family make everyone feel loved, welcomed and right at home.  If you need a pastor who is right here with you, Ron and Marcie are some of the best.  We all need that.  Their cooking's delicious and healthy.

I'm especially excited about upcoming conferences.  God willing, Dr. Peter Flint will bring the majesty of Messiah to us as only Dr. Flint can.
  He is the world's premier authority on the Dead Sea Scrolls.  His translation of the Great Isaiah Scroll in the ISV Bible makes Isaiah understandable.  Dr.Missler has used his translation in his upcoming study on the Book of Isaiah.  I've had a sneak preview.  To me this is Chuck's most anointed teaching.  He brings his mature wisdom and up to date analysis of Isaiah's prophecies to light.  Profound.

God willing, another conference speaker who I look forward to hearing is Dr. Barry Setterfield.
 He is the cutting edge physicist of our day.  His research into physics prove the existence of the God of the Bible.  The plasma model universe and Barry's discovery of the slowing speed of light, plus his insights into why there is still background heat in the atom at absolute zero shatter the myths of an evolution based universe.  I want to hear him explain the cosmos as only a God fearing physicist can.  I like how God explains the great secrets of the universe in  Colossians:  CHRIST IS THE VISIBLE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD.  HE EXISTED BEFORE ANYTHING WAS CREATED AND IS SUPREME OVER ALL CREATION, FOR THROUGH HIM GOD CREATED EVERYTHING IN THE HEAVENLY REALM AND ON EARTH. HE MADE THE THINGS WE CAN SEE AND THE THINGS WE CAN'T SEE...  EVERYTHING WAS MADE THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM.  HE EXISTED BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, AND HE HOLDS ALL CREATION TOGETHER. (Col. 1:15,16ac,17 NLT)  What a God we serve.  "BLESSING AND HONOR AND GLORY AND POWER BE UNTO HIM THAT  SITTETH UPON THE THRONE AND UNTO THE LAMB, FOREVER AND EVER!" (Rev. 5:13b KJ21)

              I want every body to come to the Resident Study Program.  Jesus will talk to you. 

(Image: killuminate.wordpress.com)

 I encourage you to come.  The most important thing in life is that we please the Lord.  The Holy Spirit told me to come to New Zealand for 3 months and I would  find what I'm seeking. So I came.  My dream is to come study next year too.  Maybe Jesus is calling you too.  Is He?  Answer His call.   All are welcome.

NOW TO HIM  (LORD JESUS) WHO IS ABLE TO DO FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS WITHIN US. (Eph. 3:20 NASB)

 It's  beautiful here at River Lodge in New Zealand. 

 The sun rises with golden warmth.  It's summer here while it's winter in the States.  Chuck has the prettiest yard I've ever seen, all 40 acres of it.    The river glistens like diamonds in the sunlight.

(waikatoregeion.govt.nz) 

The mountains breathtaking in the evening shadows, exotic in shape.  The green trees, shrubs, and plants appear extra vivid in the New Zealand daylight.  Birds welcome the day, and sing until night time.  The air smells of life.  Walking on the grounds is like walking in a paradise garden.  Almost as good as walking in  the millennium.  Flowers burst with beauty.  Swallows swim through the air.  Glories sunsets shine on majestic clouds.  Sweet breezes make music through the rustling leaves.  Stars blaze brilliantly in the night sky.

 This paradise is home to a quail family, wild duck families, a blue crane family, and the fluffiest momma possum and her baby.  And more.  There's even a family of the  pet ducks and chicks living here.

Image: thevintageperfumevault.blogaspot.com)

They're the cutest and most delightful little things.  Henrietta is the mother hen.   Her eggs are delicious.  Shawn is the resident doggy.  He's adorable and loves his mistress.