Moving from a Water Bearer to a Gatekeeper

Jos 9:21  And the princes said concerning them: 'Let them live'; so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation, as the princes had spoken concerning them.

This is a very interesting story recorded here in the book of Joshua. The bible records that the citizens of Gibeon had heard the reports of victory over the towns of Jericho and Ai. Perhaps if we study, we might be able to understand why Joshua acted as he did in regards to Gibeon. The citizens formulated a plan and chose ambassadors to represent the town of Gibeon in negotiations with Joshua and Israel. I find it interesting that the citizens of Gibeon went to such extremes in order to fool Israel. They put old travel packs on the donkeys and used new wine skins with holes and aged to look like they had been on a long journey. They used old moldy bread,  everything one could imagine to convey that these men had traveled a great distance to make a peace treaty with Israel. They even dressed the men in old tattered clothing and shoes. These men looked like they had traveled perhaps hundreds or even thousands of miles when in actuality they traveled only 26 miles. One only has to examine the culture then and the culture today and find so many reasons why this plan would never succeed today.

The citizens of Gibeon counted on Israel honoring a covenant with their city. This speaks volumes of the difference between the generation of people then and the generation today. While people back then were known for their honor of covenants, today we are always looking for a way out of them. If Gibeon had attempted this deception in our time period, even if they were successful, the attorneys would be lined up to list the many reasons why the peace treaty should be invalidated. However, I would like to take a look at this story from a different angle. Why it worked. We know why it would not work today, but let's delve into why it worked then, and how that can benefit you today. The first and most obvious reason, the plan worked was because of the Gibeons. In order for a covenant to be successful you have to have a committed party. The Gibeons had heard of the overwhelming victory against Jericho. This was not a small feat. Jericho was a walled city and impenetrable. The shock waves of the falling of the walls of Jericho reverberated throughout the land. The citizens were immediately concerned. Then the town of Ai was totally destroyed. Not one of the wealthy treasure of Ai was taken, yet burned with the town. The secret to the success of the Gibeon plan was their commitment to the covenant that they presented to Joshua. They decided it would be better to be a slave to Israel than to be destroyed by them. The Gibeons were so committed to the covenant that they began their deceptive plan by choosing the right people for the job. Then with great forethought they thought everything through from food to clothing. Finally, they formulated a speech that would tempt the pride of Israel's leader.  

The bible records something very interesting. I believe it was because that was how the Ambassadors of Gibeon approached Joshua. 

Jos 9:3  But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, 

I believe the writers of Joshua explain the message used to sway the favor of Joshua. They appealed to Joshua's pride by stating we have heard of your victories over Jericho and Ai, Joshua. It also follows the conclusion as to why Joshua did not consult God about the proposed covenant. The mental framework of Joshua was believing these men were from a faraway land, so why not entreat these men. First, they complimented Joshua and to take away any suspicion that Joshua may have felt from the great and wonderful compliments, they began to brag about the greatness of his God. Joshua was confident in his decision to make a treaty with the Gibeons and Israel agreed with their leader.

Eventually, your sins will be shouted from the rooftop. That is exactly what happened to Gibeon. Israel found out the deceptions of Gibeon and they travelled to the city and confronted them. Joshua records an amazing fact that we have failed to teach. 

Jos 9:20  We must let them live to avoid the LORD'S anger because of the oath we swore." 

Jos 9:21  The leaders said that they should be allowed to live. So they became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation, as the leaders had said. 

Israel wanted to destroy them. Have you ever been a victim of a good con? A good prank? Your first instinct is I am going to kill you! Israel felt the same thing. However, Israel also had enough knowledge to realize that their own lack of wisdom and lack of honor was just as much a sin as the sin the Gibeons had committed. Israel never prayed and consulted God. Instead, they regarded a man, Joshua, rather than regarding God. Secondly, their God was a God of covenant.  In their covenant God had promised to bless them. Either, Israel believed in that or they didn't. History had instructed Israel that God would take a bad situation and turn it to there good if only they believed. Rather than killing the Gibeons and bringing a charge of dishonor against the nation of Israel and their God of covenants, Israel decided that the Gibeons could live and would be slaves to the nation. How did the Gibeons react? They were glad! It worked out exactly as they planned. This is what they wanted. And so, they were pressed into service, being water gatherers and wood cutters for the nation of Israel. If this was the end of the story I probably would have read it and said hmm..interesting and passed by this story. However, we see the Gibeons appear in the time of King David approximately 300 years later. Israel had experienced a famine for 3 years. Knowing that something was wrong, David sought the Lord and asked why was the famine coming against the Nation. 

Here is another lesson to be learned from this story. If there is a problem find out why you are having it. My wife is one, who after listening to someone complain about a health problem, will look online and search out what the problem may be according to the symptoms of the person. 

 I find it interesting that a terrible standard has been set by preachers and so-called prophets today, who will give their advice of why something is happening. Usually, it is because  of the sins of the nation and forsaking God. Rather than searching the symptoms and going to God in prayer, they begin their prophecies of doom. In this instance King David sought God. God told King David that the famine was happening because King Saul had killed the Gibeons. Now experts say that the actual killing is not covered in the scriptures. I think that with a little study and prayer you will find a different conclusion. 

Ezra 8:20  and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were mentioned by name 

King David had given the Nethinim to the Levites. What is the Nethinim? Strong's says that Nethinim is interpreted as one given. All the experts agree the Nethinim are the Gibeons. When King Saul was seeking to kill David another story is recorded that gives us insight to the fate of the Gibeons.

I believe that God had already promoted the Gibeons from slaves to temple gatekeepers. The priests that were slain in Nob were the Levites and their servants. Ezra records that David gave these servants to the Levites. I think this was a formality. An official act, that had not been conducted before, probably because of the scandal it could have created. However, with the killing of the Gibeons and knowing that the famine was in direct connection to this, David officially assigned the title of Nethinim to the Gibeons. After 300 years of slavery God had moved the Gibeons from water bearers to gatekeepers. 

What was the task of the gatekeeper? The gatekeeper had 9 basic duties

1-the gatekeepers were responsible for the gates on all four sides of the temple.

2-the rooms and treasuries of the temple.

3-opening the temple each morning.

4-bringing the serving vessels in and out of the temple and counting them each time.

5-caring for the temple furniture and other temple articles.

6-the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.

7-the baked goods.

8-the baking of the shew bread.

9-making music through song and instruments.

It is most likely when David came to Nob and the Priest Ahimelech ordered the Shew bread to be given to David, one of the Gibeons gave him the bread. Most likely sealing his fate as he was witnessed doing so by Doeg the Edomite.

The final time we see the Gibeons/Nethinim mentioned in scripture is in Nehemiah. Nehemiah used the Nethinim to rebuild the temple. Where were they working? Of all places, the Water Gate. These water bearers were building the water gate. Nehemiah would later open the Torah and began reading it, where? At the water gate. All the people wept upon hearing the words of God. Hear we see the washing of the word at the Water Gate. Why was this story so interesting to me? Because, I was able to see how God took a deviant people from a life of slavery to a life devoted to Him. Not much different from you and I. You may not be able to see beyond your current scheme, but God can. He sees something greater in you that you can't see. Who knows? If you will simply trust in Jesus, God's Son, He will move you from a slave to sin, to a life with Him. What does it take to get there? First you have to have a party committed to the covenant. You're in luck. Jesus was so committed to this new covenant, He shed His holy blood just for you. Where the blood of the Gibeons brought a famine, the blood of Jesus brings abundance. While the Gibeons pledged to a Nation, Jesus pledges a Kingdom to you. The Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus will bring you from a slave to sin to a joint heir with Him. What are you waiting for? All it takes is you choosing Him today! He took care of everything so you can say I agree, I choose life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Will America Survive?

How many times have we seen this gloomy question? Will America survive? The prophets of doom and gloom have been predicting the demise of Americans for years now. Every disaster or freak storm points to the impending destruction thereby supporting their prophecies of doom. Meanwhile, people build shelters to go underground in effect looking more like the fulfillment of the prophetic scripture of Revelation.

Rev 6:16  and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 

Destructive storms, economic collapses, weird anomalies all seem to feed these prophets of doom and it appears that even our pulpits of the local church also began to share the same. New books written and videos dispersed and blogs shared of the impending destruction. It appears that the flyswatter of God is drawn back and ready to annihilate the United States. So what do we need to do? Build shelters? Stock up on food? Buy another instruction DVD? If only we knew what Jesus would be saying at this time. Would Jesus join in the plagiarizing  of the gloom and doom prophets? Is this the end or is there another explanation? 

I am not dismissing the Prophet or his importance to the government of Christ. No in fact,  I am very much a supporter of the office and believe that the office of the prophet is one of the most misunderstood and under appreciated oldest office established by our Lord. However, I do hold to the idea that  men and women have used the office of the prophet for profit and that is a sin. The prophet of God was never designed for profit. In fact let us look at the example of the prophet given us in God's Holy Scriptures. The first identified prophet listed in scripture is identified by none other than God Himself.

Gen 20:7  Now therefore, restore his wife to the man. For he is a prophet, and he shall pray for you, and you shall live. And if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you, and all that are yours.

When God identifies you as a prophet I believe that settles it. However, in following Abraham's life we don't see the mystic prophet as we have come to understand in our world today. Also, another glaring example set forth in Abraham's life is that he did not profit from the prophetic office. In fact, Abraham was very careful with attributing his successes in life to God alone.

Gen 14:22  And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand to Jehovah, the most high God, the possessor of Heaven and earth, 

Gen 14:23  that I will take from all that is yours, not from a thread even to a shoestring, lest you say, I have made Abram rich 

Ahem! That is a little different than the so called prophets today! The Prophets of old from Abraham on down through the scriptures never sold the word of God for profit. God forbid! However, the uncouth modern day prophet has little care, how or where their profit comes from, and everything including God's word is for sale to the highest bidder. While today, we watch as the so-called prophet scurries around from venue to venue, church to church, believer to believer, never do you see a "prophet"do that in the bible. Today, we have men and women, posing as prophets, giving personal prophecies in the church to self indulgent Christians, who are looking for their slot machine prophets to "give them a word". It appears today that the modern day prophet would be willing to have their prophets sign in front of their house alongside their tarot card reading sign as long as it brought the desired response, CASH! 

Well, as we research the prophets we find a glaring difference from the profits, uh, prophets today. What about Jesus? Would His message resemble the message of the Prophets of doom? 

John 3:17  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. 

So, the message of Jesus was one of knowledge based on salvation. His message glorified God's love for the people and God's desire to deliver not condemn. Does God warn? Yes! God warns those whom He loves and always has a plan of salvation. Jesus could have walked through Israel declaring the impending doom of the nation and point out all the signs of God's intent to destroy such a sinful people. Did he? No. In fact, Jesus declared, that He was the same TODAY, as He was YESTERDAY, as He will be FOREVER! And his message was that He came to save. He didn't chase people around wanting to "give a word". He didn't sell of a good word to the highest bidder. If Jesus didn't do that 2,000 years ago why would He change His message today?

What happened to Israel? The Nation of Israel had walked away from the knowledge of truth. They gave up their faith in God and began gambling on themselves, their king, even other heathen gods. Did it happen instantaneously? No. They rested in the success of the blessings from God. They lived their lives daily without thankfulness. They would go through the religious mandates from the priests. Step by step they walked from the truth of their relationship. They began to imagine that their success was because of their greatness and not God's greatness. Their blessings came from what their leaders did and not what God did. Step by step they walked from the truth that was known in their heart and slowly, but surely followed down this "new" path. The path that they took was a path of severe consequence and destruction. The path that they traveled was one that had far worse tragedy than what has ever been spoken over most Americans today.

Why did this occur? They rejected a known truth! While we have laws that say ignorance of the law is no excuse, society as a whole are more merciful for someone who just didn't know than we are for people who knew yet decided to break the rules anyway. Of all the nations of the Earth, Israel knew the One true God. Yet, they rejected God. 

The same God that led the nation of Israel out of bondage, parted the Red Sea, had Angels fight for them, blew down the walls of Jericho and performed miracle after miracle and supplied provision after provision, was the same God that Israel forgot. Time would have it that they lost their way even while living in the promised land. God reached out to Israel with men and women that He chose. Israel would repent and then walk to another path. Israel continued the process they learned when walking in the desert after being delivered out of Egypt. Walk in faith and then get lost. God would rise up a Judge, King or Prophet and Israel would repent. They would return to the known kingdom and the blessings of God would again flourish the nation.

While we argue over the belief of whether we are a Christian nation or not, I believe we have missed a more important failure, than that of the actual statement. Like Israel of old, we have identified ourselves in our government and our accomplishments as a nation rather than honoring God and the Kingdom of His Government that His Son Jesus established in the Earth. We have a condition that I would like to call Spiritual Amnesia. We have failed to remember who God is, what Jesus has done, and our life in His Kingdom. We have rejected the knowledge of One way and chose to believe that there are many ways. As a nation of "believers" we have chosen to accept any belief as right and none are wrong. Why is that so wrong? Because, it refuses to honor the only way Jesus, the truth and the light in a darkened world. A voice thundered from the heavens 2,000 years ago and still thunders today. This is my Beloved Son! In Him I am well pleased! Matthew records something I believe is stunning and prophetic. God didn't just speak this over Jesus one time. No! Three times He exclaimed this from the heavens! There is no other way to God except through His Beloved Son Jesus! What happens when we reject God's truth?

Is there an explanation? Yes, I believe there is. Hosea, a prophet of God was told to publish a statement from the Lord. I believe it was more of an education of rules than an explanation. Let us investigate.

Hos 4:1  Sons of Israel, hear the Word of Jehovah, for Jehovah has a quarrel with those living in the land; for there is no truth, and no mercy, and no knowledge of God in the land.

God begins the illumination with a curious statement. God has a quarrel with those living in the land. The very first thing that we have overlooked in this passage is what the quarrel was. Israel was living in the land. Just like Americans or Christians are living in the land. We have been called to live in God. In His Kingdom, not the land. Did God give Israel the promised land? Yes. However, Abraham taught his descendants to live in the mercies of God. To honor God. Follow where He leads, but your residence is in God. You live where your faith dwells. Abraham would dare not do anything that would take from the honor or favor that came from Almighty God. In God is the truth. Only in God is mercy found. Our knowledge is based in His truth and His mercy. However, like Israel of old we have lost sight of this and are prideful in what we have done, our jobs, our houses, yes our churches and our country. We reside in the land and not in God. Your tower, your rock, the stronghold is not in the land.

Hos 4:2  Swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and the committing of adultery increase. And blood touches against blood. 

There is no honor in men and as they have abandoned their God it is witnessed in their marital relationships. Since 1977, divorce rates have hovered around 50% and sometimes higher in America. What about the churches? Same. 

Hos 4:3  On account of this the land shall mourn, and every one living in it shall droop, with the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven; yes, also the fish of the sea shall be removed. 

The land shall mourn and everyone living in it shall droop. The greatest economic disaster this nation has seen has occurred in 2008 and we have "drooped" as a nation since. what about the beasts?

Unexplained Fish Kills.

Birds Falling from the Sky.

                                                                                        

Here is where the doomsday prophets are going to say, "Behold the judgement of God!"

 Hos 4:4  Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another. For your people are as those who strive with the priest.
Another translation explains it better.
Hos 4:4  "No one should accuse other people or bring charges against them. My case is against you priests. 
Why is God's legal dispute against the priest?
Hos 4:5  During the day you stumble, and during the night the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother, the nation of Israel. 
Who was supposed to care and nurture Israel? God! Not the nation. Not the land! Not the priest. The priest failed to instruct Israel. They failed to lead them into the true knowledge and sought after riches rather than truth.
Hos 4:6  I will destroy my people because they are ignorant. You have refused to learn, so I will refuse to let you be my priests. You have forgotten the teachings of your God, so I will forget your children. 
Hos 4:7  The more priests there are, the more they sin against me. So I will turn their glory into shame. 

We have watched through the years disgraced and sinful preachers that are more knowledgeable of covering their sins than preaching the knowledge of God. The truths of the Kingdom have been hidden from the minds of the people and what the people have misplaced their trust is now laid waste before them. Disgraceful preachers preach a guilt ridden and burdensome religion and the nation buckles under the yoke. Why? To expose them! God's judgment is against the preacher! Will America survive?

I have good news for you. In fact, I have news for you that is too good to be true!

Hos 6:2  After two days he will revive us. On the third day he will raise us so that we may live in his presence. 

Hos 6:3  Let's learn about the LORD. Let's get to know the LORD. He will come to us as sure as the morning comes. He will come to us like the autumn rains and the spring rains that water the ground.

The truth has come to you today. Jesus has been resurrected to resurrect you! God desires to raise up this nation! Will America survive? Yes! America shall be saved. God is bringing the truth to the people. Blinders will be removed and the people will see again! Rejoice America! You have not been forgotten! God's judgement is not against you! No, He desires to bring you to a higher life. A life of abundance! All you have to do is turn back to Jesus! Live in His Government, which is greater than any government you may have lived in before. Walk in His ways and share His blessings with others. He has decreed that in His government you are a lender and not a borrower! How is that possible? As an Ambassador of His Government your income potential is not regulated by the government you might be currently living in. No, Your prosperity is regulated by the Government of Christ! Rejoice for the Kingdom of Heaven has come to you today! Prepare for your personal resurrection. Jesus is Alive!  

  

 

I Would Throw My Hat in the Ring For That!

I am like most of you, I have never done anything great to be known for in life. I have done many different things and am known as a "Jack" of all trades but "Master" of none. Through time in my life as a kid growing up I thought of the "cool" things I could do in life. Of course the first thing was to be an Astronaut, then a policeman, a fireman and the list went on. However, there was one thing that I stopped at on my list. To be a lover of Jesus. As the old song goes, "Oh how I love Jesus!" Through my life, I would walk away from this love only to hear the whisper of my Lover to come back. I am so glad Jesus never gave up on me, Aren't you? I was reading in the book of Revelation, the Lord led me to a passage that Like many of you I have read many times before. However, the Lord illuminated something to me that I had never seen before and was excited to learn.

In Revelation 7:4  the Apostle John shares the vision of the 144,000 Jews that are sealed for service. Two things I would like to share before I continue. First, this occurs after the rapture of the Church and secondly, these are Jewish descendants of the 12 tribes. The 144,000 are not nor have they ever been Jehovah's Witnesses or any other group or cult. The Revelation is very clear and precise of who the 144,000 are. So you might be asking if we are gone then why commit a blog to this prophecy. It is important to understand the aspects of this Prophecy because it sheds light on our time as well before the rapture. To better understanding the sealing of the 144,000 we must understand what the seal itself means. Being sealed indicates to be set aside for a particular time, a particular service, and a particular title/job. Jesus reveals that to us in the book of John chapter 6:27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for that food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you. For God the Father sealed Him.

We see that Jesus revealed to us the purpose or service that He was sealed for By His Father. In the books of Daniel, Daniel is ordered to seal up the book and it would be unsealed for a particular time.
Dan 12:9  And He said, Go, Daniel! For the words are closed up and sealed until the end-time. 
And of course we have been sealed for identification or ownership.
2Co 1:22  And He has sealed us and having given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Another translation says it this way; 
2Co 1:22  In addition, he has put his seal of ownership on us and has given us the Spirit as his guarantee. 
And finally, the seal for service.
1Co 9:2  If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
As Ambassadors of the government of Christ each and everyone of us has been sealed by God. Can Revelation 7 teach us something for today? Yes I believe it can.

When we (the believers of Christ) are raptured from the Earth, we must understand that the Government of Christ will remain. Yes, we are ambassadors of that Government, however, that Government is a rule without end. With the failing of instruction by most leaders in this area we have wrongly taught that after the church is gone it will be total chaos in the Earth. God has a plan that is revealed throughout the tribulation period. There is no chaos in God or his plans. To support that with the truth of the word, In Hosea God has told the prophet that the wife he will marry will be a harlot and that this was to be a sign unto Israel. The spirit of harlotry or adultery is the door in which the enemy will use to persecute the chosen people of God. This door is opened by corrupted trust/love. When Abram began his walk with God his trust was corrupted. It brought about an adulterous relationship with the servant girl Hagar. The son of that unholy union brought about many nations that to this day have been the door which the enemy has utilized to persecute Israel. This doorway of harlotry which the enemy has used, will be closed by the Lord himself. This will occur during the end of days. In Hosea, God tells Israel that in the last days they will return through their hunger for God's goodness.

 Hos 3:5  Afterward the sons of Israel shall return and seek Jehovah their God and David their king. And they shall fear Jehovah and His goodness in the ends of the days. 

How will this hunger be sparked? Through the preaching of the Gospel. This prophecy of the remnant that is brought to the Lord is not only foretold by John in Revelation chapter 7 but also written about by Isaiah. 

Isa 10:22  For though Your people Israel are like the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return; the full end which is decreed shall overflow with righteousness.  

This remnant spoken about by Isaiah, I believe is the 144,000 that will be sealed in the Name of Jesus. Jesus has been ministering to Israel in personal visitations and by the preaching of the word. 

Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri was born in Baghdad which was then a part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1923, Upon the advice of his elders in Baghdad, Kaduri returned to his homeland, Israel, which at that time Great Britain decided to name it the land of Palestine. I found it interesting that the intention of his teachers was to keep the incursion of Zionism from occurring by sending one, who they thought was one of their own, to the Holy land. Rabbi Kaduri at the time was known as Diba. He changed his name upon entering the Holy land to Kaduri. Rabbi Kaduri lived what the Apostle Paul taught. 
Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
What the enemy intended in their plans to do evil to Israel God turned to their good. When looking at Rabbi Kaduri's life you will understand that God had more good things to work through his life. In, 1934 Rabbi Kaduri moved to the old city and there he began binding books and copying rare manuscripts. During the friction that occurred between Arab-Israeli factions prior to the 1948 war, Rabbi Kaduri was able to smuggle out many of the rare manuscripts and books that he bound. Unfortunately, the Old City quadrant fell to the Jordanian invasion and the books and manuscripts that were left were set on fire by the Jordanians. Fortunately, Rabbi Kaduri knew the Kabbalah teachings by heart. Rabbi Kaduri began receiving students and teaching the Kabbalah teachings. Again, God turned the evil intentions about to perform His good will. As time would have it Rabbi Kaduri became one of the most renowned Rabbis in Israel. Before, his death he began informing his students that the Messiah was soon to appear, and there was more. Rabbi Kaduri began telling everyone that not only was the Messiah soon to appear, but that he had met the Messiah! Rabbi Kaduri stated that he knew the name of the Messiah and the Messiah's name would be sealed inside an envelope to be revealed one year after his death. January 29th, 2006 with 300,000 people in attendance Rabbi Kaduri was buried. One year later, the crowd formed once more to hear the name of the Messiah. What was the name revealed? Jesus! I believe that Rabbi Kaduri has opened the door for his followers and for the 144,000 that will be sealed by the Lord. I am sure that Rabbi Kaduri never imagined that his life was so important to the Nation of Israel and the prophetic timeline of God. What does this have to do with us? We don't realize how important our role in Christ's government is. We have undervalued the anointing that has been given us. We are ignorant of the Angels that surround us and oversee the region of which we are assigned. Finally, we are unaware of the seal of God that is upon our foreheads. We know that the 144,000 will be fully aware of these things and it will lead to the repentance of the nation of Israel. If we only walk in the knowledge of the same revelation that the 144,000 will walk in we will see a great awakening in all nations. Is this something that is possible? YES! I believe when God speaks that His words do not return to Him void not accomplishing that which they were spoken for.
 John 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 
The Son of the Living God has been sent to save the world. I believe the Awakening has already begun. Believers are beginning to understand who they are. They beginning to understand their role in the government of Christ. We are beginning to understand that an Angelic host is there to help us in the spiritual battles facing each region. We are to preach the arrival of the Son and establish the will of God through the Anointing from the Anointed one. The government of Christ has been established in the Earth and when the believers are raptured prior to the tribulation it will once again be assigned to Israel. Isn't it interesting that Rabbi Kaduri came from the Ottoman Empire and has opened the door for the 144,000 to oppose the Revised Ottoman Empire? So what happens next? The final showdown!

Revelation explains to us about the two witnesses.

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 

Rev 11:4  These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

It is the showdown between the Antichrist and the Two witnesses. What are they witnesses of? I believe the Lord tells us here in the description in Revelation. First, let us start with the obvious descriptions, the candlesticks. We have covered this before, but let us take another look. Jesus himself, describes the meaning of the candlesticks. Jesus starts by explaining that He is the beginning and the end of all things; Rev 1:8  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, 

Rev 1:20  The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.  

The term "churches" again has not been interpreted. Through study, we discovered that the term church is a term referencing government. We know that Jesus has a 7 divisional government. We know that 7 is a holy number. So we can understand that Jesus has established the most holy government in the Earth. He did this in the beginning. Like a plant it has grown since it's initial planting. The first plant was assigned to Israel. Through previous study, we found the 7 divisional government was made known in confession by an Angel. 

Dan 10:13  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 

So we see the Angel was opposed by the Prince of Persia. This demonic prince was a regional demonic being overseeing the Persian region of the 10 divisional government of Satan. The Angel fought against this prince for 21 days until Michael one of the regional Angels of the 7 divisional government of Jesus, came and relieved him. This Angel then sat and rested with the other 6 regional Angels until Michael defeated the prince of Persia. This first structure of government was planted under the old covenant and assigned to Israel. The government of Christ followed the children of Israel and we see the Angelic host defending Israel throughout the Old Testament. The New Testament or Covenant brought about new growth. We see the 7 regional government take on it's role of world dominion. In this observation we can absolutely see the two candlesticks. Now the two olive trees. Again, it is a witness of two covenants but the same Spirit, the Same Anointing. The prophetic vision that John was shown was the same shown to Zechariah.

 Zec 4:6  Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 

The government is established by the Same Holy Spirit of God. As the Spirit of God rested upon men for a particular service we witness in the new covenant the Spirit of God is in men. The two witnesses will walk in full knowledge of their place in the Government of Christ. Why is that so important?

Hos 4:6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge

Again if destruction is the result of a lack of knowledge what is the result of having that knowledge and walking full in faith of it? John gets to see it and shares the testimony of it with us.

Rev 11:5  And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 

Rev 11:6  These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 

Rev 11:7  And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 

Rev 11:8  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 

Rev 11:9  And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 

Rev 11:10  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 

Rev 11:11  And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 

Rev 11:12  And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

I wonder how many folks would say I would like to see that? Scholars have debated over the years about who they believe the two witnesses will be. Most concur that the two witnesses will be Enoch and Elijah. I would say they are probably correct. However, what if they are not? What if one witness is a representative from the Old covenant government and the other a witness from the New covenant? Well then Enoch and Elijah would not be a viable conclusion. What if Jesus was looking over heaven for the representative for the New Covenant government?
I would throw my hat in the ring for that! Would you? It starts by walking in your place today. I want to encourage you to walk in the full knowledge of who you are. You are an Ambassador of the Most Holy Government of Jesus. Rejoice the Kingdom of Heaven has come to you today!

Working Within Your Region

What an exciting time we live in. Before, the arrival of Jesus, over 2,000 years ago, John began preaching. What did John preach? Repent! (which means turn your mind and body around) For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Now is that all that John preached? Of course the answer is no. Matthew included this in his writings and is so important. 

Mat 3:3  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight."
I was so excited to read this. I know, like you I have read this passage many times before. However, this morning the Lord opened my eyes to see and ears to hear this word like never before. Of course we know that John was quoting the prophetic words of God recorded by Isaiah in Chapter 40:3.
Every Jew that heard these words knew John was talking about the Messiah. That was the reason everyone was asking John are you the Messiah? What is so important about this verse? John was preaching about the Kingdom. One of the things that the devil has fought against and continues to fight against is the Kingdom of Heaven. Every Jew knew the scripture that John was quoting and also knew that when the Messiah would arrive he would bring with Him the kingdom, His government. 
Isa 9:6  For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 
John was the Harbinger of the Messiah. He was preparing the way for the Lord. He was preaching to the people that the Messiah was coming with His government. The government of the Messiah is what all people would live in. The government of the Messiah would topple all other governments. The government of the Messiah would be the only government in the world. The reason the believers of John were being baptized, was a commitment to that government. We have let religion sneak in and say the were sorry for their sins and being baptized. That is a half truth. Were they repenting? Yes! They were turning away from their level of understanding back to their knowledge of one God and One government, the kingdom of heaven. They were devoting themselves to God, His Messiah, and His government. What did Jesus have his disciples teach people when he sent them out?
Mat 10:7  And as you go, proclaim, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. 
Okay, John preached it is coming. Jesus and His disciples preached it is HERE! 

What were the disciples to do after they preached the kingdom of heaven is here? 

Mat 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. You have received freely, freely give.

We know that they were there to enforce the kingdom of heaven! As they went forth the region of the Messiahs government went with them. Heavenly battles were taking place everywhere the disciples went. Their regional angels followed them and they were imposing the government of Christ kicking out the devil's government. As the believers were dispersed we witnessed the broadening of the regional government. As the word was spread throughout the Earth by believers of the words of Jesus the enemy was deposed. The region that you may have been in expanded and a new region covered your land. That is why most believers thought that the churches spoken of in Revelation were church ages. They witnessed a region that they once lived in leave and another take it's place. Of course, one only has to look around to see the great revivals that are occurring in Africa today. Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke ministries is receiving the greatest harvest of his life. In one service alone over 2 million people came to the Lord. The greatest recorded day of salvation in his ministry! Does that sound like a  Laodicean church age to you? Of course not!

Another thing for us to understand is that Jesus and His government is a government without end! The seven regions are here and we are a part of those regions. Now how do we work within our region? Understanding your region is important to understanding your enemy. We have already discovered  the 7 churches were in Asia to identify the gates of hell in Turkey, the Ottoman Empire. Understanding your region will disclose to you the demonic prince that is opposing your regional Angel. For example, the description of the Philadelphian church, Jesus tells them that He has opened doors that no man can shut. He explains that there will be people coming to them that are from the synagogue of satan. One only has to look at the reports of the countless numbers of muslims in Africa that are repenting and following Jesus. He also said that there would be those coming forth saying that they are Jews but are not. I was excited to know that in Africa is a Jewish history going back 2,700 years. So we can see that the region of Philadelphia matches up to Africa. So how does a person work within  their region? I believe in order to get a perfect formula go to the perfect example!

Mat 10:1  And when He had called to Him His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 

The first step to working within your region is understanding your place! The very first thing that Jesus did before he sent them was instruct them. To paraphrase, Jesus explained I have a government and you guys are going to work with in it. I authorize you as my government representatives to go forth. Notice this wasn't a command, okay you guys are authorized now go get em'. No, Jesus organized the assault on the enemy. First, he placed them in a company of two's. Where one will set a 1,000 to flight two will will defeat how many? Ten thousand! So we see a powerful force that has been organized. Secondly, Jesus explains the places for them to go. We see the same thing conducted by the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. The Holy Spirit did the same thing! Remember, Jesus said I will pray to the Father and He will send you ANOTHER! Another meaning same! The Holy Spirit said send these two and go here. Once you are in your assigned region what is your task? Proclaim that your government, the Kingdom of Heaven has arrived. There never would have been a Jericho if there wasn't the proclamation from Joshua! Speak the Word. God said my word shall not return to me void not accomplishing that which it was sent forth to do. Jesus gave you the WORD to speak.

 Mat 10:7  And as you go, proclaim, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. 

Understand that you establish your government, the government of Christ, by speaking! Use the authority that you have been given. Destroy the works of the devil claim your region and KICK the devil OUT! First you speak then you act! 

Mat 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. You have received freely, freely give. 

Now Jesus sent forth the twelve in the beginning. We know later this was increased to 70 and as numbers have increased so has the sending. The twelve that was sent in the beginning was a prophetic picture and instructive. He gave us a picture of something and by doing so instruct us in that knowledge. First, we know why they went by two. But, why only the twelve. Was it because they were the only ones? No. There were other believers. Just like in the book of Revelation, John knew there were other churches, yet Jesus picked the 7 in Asia. We know that they were picked to stand before the gates of the devils kingdom. The twelve were sent out by two working in the 6 regions. Where was the 7th region you ask? With Jesus! While the pairs walked in the differing paths a Regional Angel was assigned to each pair. The 7th Regional Angel stayed with Christ. For the Government was upon His shoulders. Is it necessary to know what region you are in? I don't believe so. However, by knowing your region you will discover the plan of attack the enemy is using on your region.I find that this revelation is just now being released because of the sealing of Daniel's revelation. These regions have existed without anyone's knowledge and we have watched the regions grow. So why now? Because of the harvest. If you ever watched harvesters in a field, there is a plan to harvesting. The plan is done by coordination. The Holy Spirit is coordinating the last days harvest and friends we are the laborers.The Lord of the Harvest, The Holy Spirit is calling forth. You will be sent forth to proclaim and to command the authority given you. Freely you have received freely give. I will finish this with a personal note. I do not share this as to boast of  anything but to share as an example to all believers. My lovely wife and I were asleep on this particular night last month. She was awakened by my movement in the bed. She said she rolled over to hold me and when she touched me she immediately woke because she said it felt like a bolt of electricity shot through her. When she opened her eyes she said she saw an Angel standing over me and he was waving a stick over my head like someone churning butter. She said the Angel spoke to her as told her to be quiet. My wife said she didn't see anything but could hear a great whirlwind being churned around and around over her head. She said this churning whirlwind was going into my ear. The Angel looked at her again evidently seeing the puzzlement on her face and said it's okay. I am increasing his anointing. She said she fell asleep and didn't remember what had happened until the next day when I began to explain to her that I had been dreaming about a bible verse. When I said that, what had occurred earlier came rushing back to her memory. Why did I share this? Because, I believe that it explains the understanding of the Daniel prophecies. All believers, not just me, are going to receive a greater revelation and understanding of the Lord Jesus, His government, His rule, and your place in it. God said something I have repeated numerous times.

Hos 4:6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest to Me. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I will also forget your sons, even I. 

If we are destroyed due to a lack of knowledge then what happens when our knowledge is increased?

Beloved, I am sharing things that have been locked up for thousands of years, because the Lord has unlocked this knowledge to this generation. We have a final battle that is soon to occur. However, there is a great and mighty work yet to be done. I believe, that as we increase in the knowledge of our Lord's rule and reign and our place in it, so increase the power of the anointing of the believer. Share this with everyone you know. For knowledge is key essential to awakening yourself to the greater anointing and working of that anointing in the lives of everyone around you. As John preached the knowledge of the kingdom before the arrival of Jesus, I believe this message is to to be preached before the arrival of the King. Look up Jesus is coming to a cloud near you!