The Fasted Life
The Origins of Fasting From the Old Testament The Life of Moses The first mention of the discipline of fasting in Scripture is the 40-day fast of Moses when God met with him on Matt. Sinai (Ex. 34:28; Deut. 9:9). There he received directions about building the tabernacle and the Ten Commandments. Moses did a second 40-day fast (Deut. 9:18) during the time the tablets of stone were replaced. Historical Development The verb ‘fasting’ comes from the Hebrew term tsum, which refers to self-denial. The noun, tsum, means voluntary abstinence from food. Most scholars believe fasting began as a loss of appetite [...]
Power and Perils of the Prophetic
The Purpose of the Prophetic Revelation 19:10 To have a personal revelation of Jesus Christ. To know Him and to make Him known; to carry a testimony of Christ - this is the primary purpose of the prophetic. To know the future is not the primary focus of the prophetic. Matthew 16:13-17 Jesus said to them (Disciples) “Who do you say that I am?” (v. 15). And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). ...“Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father [...]
Transfoming Faith
Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible. Faith Defined Faith is a constant, abiding trust in something. Biblically, faith means trust in God (or, as our primary study passage, Hebrews 6:1, puts it, “faith toward God”), not faith in other people or things, in feelings, or in circumstances. Faith in God gives us the ability to believe His Word and to appropriate it in our lives. Faith, which comes only after we repent of our self-sufficient trust, does not depend upon the acquisition of information or on prior experience, because it originates in our hearts or spirits [...]
The Blood That Speaks Better!
Old Testament Type Hebrews 9: 6-14 The High Priest went into the Holy of Holies only once a year and that was with the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. There is no access into the presence of God without the shedding of sacrificial blood. Leviticus 16:11-15, 18-19 The blood of the bullock and the goat were sprinkled seven times in three places; upon the mercy seat, in front of the mercy seat, and upon the horns of the brazen altar. Seven Ways Christ’s Blood Was Shed Luke 22:44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and [...]
Learning Your Spiritual Alphabet
Each of us has our own personal, unique spiritual alphabet that the Holy Spirit uses to communicate with us. Just like every language has different symbols or characters representing different “sounds” - and the combination of them brings thoughts and phrases together, so the Holy Spirit will bring a sequence of symbols to us that together form a language we learn over time. Here are some tips taken from my book Dream Language and my study guide Exploring the Gift and Nature of Dreams that will help you in learning your personal spiritual alphabet. THE PEOPLE WHO APPEAR IN MY DREAMS In [...]
The Center of Quiet
FIVE INGREDIENTS OF THE CONTEMPLATIVE – MEDITATIVE STATE Biblical Exhortation Concerning Physical Calm Hebrews 4:9-11 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 3:18,19 And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Biblical Exhortation [...]
Priesthood in Light of the New Testament
Theme Verse: Revelation 1:6 He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father - to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Needed: Ministry at the Altar of Incense The Order of Progression Zechariah was chosen to minister to the Lord. The people all responded as they were in prayer at the “hour of incense offering”. Zechariah is now ministering at the altar of incense (prayer). What went up (incense-prayer) was cast back down to earth in the form of a visitation. (Remember, that which goes up must come down!) Angelic activity is released [...]
Finishing Well
PRIMARY VERSE: II Timothy 4:6-8 - For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me on that day; but also all who have loved His appearing. As we have go on this wonderful journey together in learning lessons on living a supernatural life, we have seen [...]