The Sacred Anointing Oil

The Sacred Anointing Oil Exodus 30.22-33 Consecration Set aside Items People Aaron and his sons for generations forever Sacred for the sacred * The Items: The Tent of the Meeting- where all the sacred activities took place under The Ark of the Testimony- containing the Two Tablets, Manna, Aaron’s Rod The Table which contained 12 loaves of the Bread of the Presence The Lamp Stands remained lit all the time The utensils and accessories * The People: Aaron, the brother of Moses, the first High Priest Aaron was being set apart for God’s service. His life was not his own. He would serve the LORD. He was the go between for God and the Israelites. He would go into the Most Holy Place once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, celebrated by the Jewish people around the world a week from tomorrow. Hebrews 5.1 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. He would be seen throughout the day, each day, in his garments, carrying the people on his shoulders and his heart, listening to their burdens. This was his work. He and his sons were to be set apart for God’s purposes. The mark of their consecration was the stains the oil made on their garments. The anointing was a public thing. People would see the oil (and smell it) when it was poured out. Psalm 133 A song of ascents. Of David. 1 How good and pleasant it is
    when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
    running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
    down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows His blessing,
    even life forevermore. This oil was not allowed to be used for any other use. verse 33 It was for Aaron and his sons. Family portraits show amazing things. My Dad was an only child. We took a family portrait on his 80th birthday, then one on my Mom’s 80th, 2 1/2 years later. Grandsons had been added to the family. Even more since then. In fact at this current time he has 4 grandsons 10 great grandsons and possibly another soon. One man, 2 sons, 4 grandsons, 10 great grandsons, 16 all together. Numbers 1.1-4 2 years, one month after they left Egypt the census took place. Since Levi went down with his brothers over 400 years ago, only God knows how many they became. They were the only tribe not verses 47-49 They could begin serving at 20 until 50. Then they were put on modified service. Aaron was a Levite. When Aaron’s sons turned 20 something happened to them. They served as priests. This was going on until Jesus’ time, 1,500 years later! Luke 1.5-25 Zechariah and Elizabeth were descendants of Aaron. Zechariah was a priest. He had this special anointing oil poured on on him and his robes. In fact every time a descendant of Aaron reached 20 years of age this oil was brought out and poured over him! He was ordained a priest. The fragrance filled the air and remained on his garments. So there is this similarity with the Spirit. My daughter, Theresa, is more like my Nana than any of her descendants, along with my cousins, Lee. They are quiet and contemplative women. They seldom begin conversations but will respond if you talk to them. I, on the other hand, was told by my Dad that I reminded him of his father, a pastor. God works, not exclusively, through family lines. My son-in-law is an example. My friend, Doctor Mark Weinberg, comes from a family of Doctors as does his wife. Both of their daughters are doctors. What does oil do? Sweetness Lessens Friction Causes things to run smoothly Prevents things from burning up Powers Gives light Fuels Cleans Cools Prevents rust (Stay under the spout where the Glory comes out) Jesus has become our great High Priest. Hebrews 8.1 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and Who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the LORD, not by a mere human being. 3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If He were on earth, He would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. Jesus was anointed. Matthew 3. 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him.17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” The Holy Spirit descending on Him in the form of a dove was His anointing.. He also read in Nazareth, 18 “The Spirit of the LORD is on Me,
    because He has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, 19      to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor. 20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4 His anointing was from above, of the Spirit. John writes in I John 2.20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” I Peter 2. 4 As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The precious oil has been poured out on us, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We are priests in God’s House. That is why we intercede for people. We offer up praise. We bring sacrifices. Our lives are all for Him. I Peter 2. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Jesus is our Great High Priest. Martin Luther talked about this verse and called it, “The Priesthood of all Believers.” We serve as priests as we intercede for others. The Holy Spirit helps us. Jesus listens Pleads our case before the Father. This is the Holy Spirit. You received the Holy Spirit when you believed. He takes up residence within. You have been born of the Spirit, born from above. As you walk with the LORD you find you need more of God. Then in a call to God you ask Him for the fullness of His Spirit. When my Nana knelt in her apartment in Brooklyn back in the 1930’s she asked for this, although she didn’t know anything about it. She knew God had answered her prayer. Then shortly after she heard a pastor on the radio proclaim this truth, this anointing and she said, “That is what God did for me!” I didn’t know what to call it. We sense the anointing within. Our spirit moves. We honor Christ. There are mockers and there are worshippers. One anointing, many fresh infillings Are you in need of a brand new touch?

The Dignity And Honor Of The High Priest

The Dignity And Honor Of The High Priest Exodus 28.1-21 Dignity= glory, honour,, abundance Honor= beauty, splendour, glory The High Priest was to have these things on the sacred garment. His clothing spoke of spiritual things, things of Heaven and Earth. They foreshadowed Jesus. Photo of High Priest Jesus has become our Great High Priest. Hebrews 8.1 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, Who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and Who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the LORD, not by a mere human being. 3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If He were on earth, He would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. The dignity of Jesus is seen in His humble life, His loving treatment of all people, and His Divine Authority. He showed honor and worth to the broken and the poor, the defiled and demon possessed, defining true Majesty through service rather than earthly power. Rather He had power over disease, demons and death. Being the High Priest was an honor to a chosen few. It was also a very humbling experience. Colossians 2.17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Jesus as our Great High Priest is an honor that is His alone. We honor Him. He experienced humility beyond measure. * The High Priest Carried the people on His heart and Shouldered Their Burdens. We see this in the onyx stones and the breastplate. vs.9-12, 15-21 He was available during the day in the Temple Courts to listen to the people’s requests. He would walk through the courts of the Temple. His residence was in sight of the temple. The High Priest carried out some duties of the shepherd/pastor. A shepherd who does not carry the people on his heart and shoulder their burdens is not a true shepherd. For this is part of shepherd’s work. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd of the sheep. He is our Great High Priest. He is King of kings and LORD of lords. He is the Chief Shepherd. I Peter 5.1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. The Priestly work of sacrifice and being a mediator has been done and is being done by Jesus, our Great High Priest. The Sacrifice of Himself was a one time act. The bearing of our burdens is ongoing until we all get to Heaven. Christ Jesus Who died—more than that, Who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8.34 * The High Priest’s Garments Spoke Of His Work Beautiful Stained with oil. He was anointed with very special scented olive oil. This was to show he was set apart for the people. God’s hand was upon Him. Roman’s 8. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And He Who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. The High Priest would do his best to help the people. Coach and Miss Adler Jesus Hebrews 4. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest Who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. He serves as the ultimate mediator who bridges the gap between a holy God and humanity Stained with blood The blood of sacrifices he made would be all over his garments. This was from the blood of animals. Hebrews 9. 11 But when Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands,that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciencesfrom acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Think of the Humility of Jesus: Philippians 2. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; 7 rather, He made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    He humbled Himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place
    and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father. He continues His High Priestly role today. He hears our sins and forgives them. He bears our burdens. He heals our diseases. He listens to us all the time. He is the Beautiful Savior Hymn #240 Fairest LORD Jesus

Keep Those Lamps Burning

Exodus 27.20-21 Remember from two weeks ago the Lamp Stand was and is the Church. The Tabernacle and later the Temple contained the Golden Lamp Stands. In Revelation the Church are the Lamp stands. No mention of the building. We, God’s people, are it. Revelation 1.19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstandsis this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Luke 12.35 Jesus said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” This an exhortation from the LORD. Be dressed Be ready to serve Stay awake Let your light shine He gave this to His disciples at a time when persecution would break out against the church. By the end of the century Christians would be burned, beheaded, band to Islands like Patmos. Wherever they were, they were to keep those lamp stands burning. This is true for us in 2026, here in America and in all other 195 nations. Pray that as a House of Prayer for all nations. How we need to keep the eternal perspective. This life is a mist, a vapor, like the grass of the field, it is soon past. Eternity is forever. Suffering must be seen from an eternal perspective. Riches too. Evil as well. It will not be much longer. Now to the lamps on those stands. * The lamps were fueled by Olive Oil. Olive oil was a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The light of the church is fueled by the Holy Spirit. He is the breath of the church. There is no substitute. If you try you will soon find the lamps burning out. To be fueled by the Spirit we need to be filled with the Spirit.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5.18 Be filled and keep on being filled. This was to be a daily filling. In the Word and in prayer. Praying, “Fill me this day, LORD, with Your Holy Spirit.” He knows what is ahead for each day. We do not. May Your Spirit gush like torrents of living water from within me. Help me to yield to Your Spirit, not my flesh. Again the focus was to keep them filled so they would not go out Before my Dad would go to bed he would bring in enough wood for the fireplace. That fire would heat the house. He saw to it that it would not out. In the middle of the night he would get up and put in a few more pieces of wood. Wood fueled the fire. Wax and a wick light a candle. Oil fuels a lamp. It was golden, unlike the brick fireplace and the glass candle. * They were to burn through the night. In our darkest moments we can be assured that He will fill us with His Spirit. Songs in the Night Job 35.10 But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker,     Who gives songs in the night, Proverbs 24. 10  If you falter in a time of trouble,     how small is your strength! Night time. When sin is the greatest. In the darkness of night the lamps filled brightly burned. Keep those lamps filled with oil so when the night comes you can see. Matthew 25.1 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Notice they were all virgins. Blameless character. They all went to meet the Bridegroom. Could be that the foolish virgins never had the Holy Spirit. Could be that they did not attend to their own spiritual lives. * This was a lasting ordinance. It was not just for biblical times. It is for today. How we need the Light today! In these confusing and dark times, the Light shows us the way. The Holy Spirit gives us direction: From the God breathed Word From Within If you don’t have the Word hidden deep within your heart you can mistake emotions or your understanding for the Holy Spirit. The Light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. In this time, when we need it, the Light is shining. It is for today and until Jesus returns.

The Lamp Stand: The Church

The Lamp Stand: The Church Exodus 25.31-40 We are seeing the beginning of the building plans for the Tabernacle. This was the earliest form of organized worship of the LORD. The second was the Church as we will see this morning. The Lamp Stand was to remind the priests that Israel was to be a light to the world. God was shining His light through them. There would be a place for prayer for all the nations called The Court of the Gentiles. When the Temple was built this was the place to meet with God, Jew and Gentile. This was to be made precisely to the specifications God gave Moses. The Church is shown to be the Lamp Stand in Revelation 1.20 …the seven lampstands are the seven churches. This is NOT a denomination. This is not an association. This is definitely not a Headquarters or Satellites. It is not a fixed system of theology, beyond what we all agree on. It is not church government. These are individual churches, as in the Book of Revelation with an Angel, Messenger or Pastor. This is the Body of Christ Matthew 5.14 You are the light of the world Ephesians 5.8 Live as children of the Light Philippians 2.15 Shine like stars in the universe I John 1 Walk in the Light So what are the specifications for the Church? Jesus addresses the ills in the messages letters to the 7 churches There were issues of forsaking their first love, persecution, idolatry, tolerating false teachers, spiritual death, little strength, and dependence upon riches. Molly Kathleen Mine, Cripple Creek Colorado, 1000 feet down One of our relatives, a Lawrence, died out there, digging for gold! On When the Lampstands shine bright… All of these would be light in the dark world: * First, Jesus said He would build it. Built with Light Bright Illumination Build= erect a building, restore a building Equip= set broken bones, mend ripped nets He is speaking of a spiritual building Psalm 104.2 The LORD wraps Himself in light as with a garment; Jesus is His own witness. * Second, the Holy Spirit brings people in. They come in when they are born of the Spirit. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6.44 How is the Lamp Stand powered? By olive oil, symbol of the Holy Spirit Zechariah 4.6 Not by might, nor by power but by My Spirit says the LORD. They would come to the Light. Let your light shine! * Third, There are activities of the Church: Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Spiritual Activities No mention of board meetings or committees No mention of offerings or worship music. No mention of age group ministry Spiritual Building not physical Devoted To * The Word of God Lights are going on all time as we read, study and meditate upon the Word Growing in understanding as the lights go off in our minds! When we walk with the LORD’s, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! There is a glory, an illumination as we read the Word. Luke 24. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Psalm 119.105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a Light for my path. * Fellowship There is something different about fellowship with the Church. It is fellowship of light. You will not hear foul language here. You will not hear dirty jokes. You will have understanding given and received. You will be blessed by it You will be strengthened by it. You will help others in it. I saw it last Sunday when we took the LORD’s Supper together. If Jesus is present then we will exclaim, “God is with us.” Emmanuel * Eating Together and Taking the LORD’s Supper This too is a time of joyful illumination. This is a time of Spiritual Nourishment Good Digestion Lights should go on as we take it. As we get nearer to Heaven this makes it clearer. * Prayer You leave these prayer meetings with brightness and glory. Shekeniah Glory Light comes to people from prayer meetings when their prayers are answered. We are leaving to be lights. Shine brightly. If you follow Jesus you will.

The Slrinkling of Blood on the People

The Sprinkling of the Blood On The People Exodus 24.1-8 From the beginning, from Genesis 4.4 blood sacrifices were made to the LORD, before the law has been given. In Exodus the Covenant is being instituted. The Old Covenant was by the blood of lambs, bulls and goats. There were all kinds of sacrifices. There were morning and evening ones. There were ones for Holy Days. There was the Passover when huge amounts of lambs would be slaughtered, one for every 10 people in Israel. The last census by Josephus estimated that 250,000 were slaughtered for the Passover in Jerusalem. In this case here the blood was sprinkled on the people. Beautiful robes/ garments were made for the High Priests, only to be stained by oil and blood, from the anointing and the sacrifices. * The Blood Reminded The People That A Sacrifice Had To Made For Sin. This morning as we take the LORD’s Supper and we take the cup in our hands it reminds us of our sin. Jesus shed His blood. The sprinkling of blood showed everyone sinned. When they saw the High Priest walking among them, they would see the breastplate with the 12 stones, one for each tribe, a son of Jacob/ Israel. He carried the people on his heart They would see the two stones, one on each shoulder, inscribed with six of the tribes. He shouldered the people’s burdens. He served until he died. Then his eldest son would take his place. When they saw the oil and blood stained garments it reminded them that this anointed individual made sacrifices for their sins. * The Blood Showed That God Provided For Atonement For The People’s Sin From the beginning we were told that without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission for sins. Hebrews 9.22 * The promise to Abraham when he offered up Isaac. Genesis 22. 8 Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. 9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven,“Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD’s it will be provided.” * The Promise of the Sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus. John 3.16 Isaiah 53 Hebrews 12. 18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the cityof the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. * The Sprinkling of Blood Showed Cleansing Was Provided For All Christ died for the whole world.. John 3.16 God loves this world, every person. All 196 Nations All 8.3 Billion People From India’s 1.48 Billion to Pitcairn Islands with its 35 people * Now, Under the New Covenant We Drink the Blood! Mark 14. 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.” 23 Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is My blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many,” He said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.” Now we come to the Table Now we remember His Body and His Blood We are not just sprinkled. We are washed in the blood of the Lamb Hymn #259 Are You Washed In the Blood of the Lamb? The Lamb Who had been slain Revelation 4-5 What was going on with John in Patmos? What is going on all over the Earth now? What is going on now in Heaven? We are joining in the worship as we remember the Lamb that was slain and is alive forevermore.

The Wonderful Ability of Standing Alone

Exodus 23.2-3 2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit. Remember when we were kids and we wanted to do what everyone else was doing we were asked, “If everyone was jumping off a bridge, would you? The ability to stand alone and stand up for what is right is wonderful. Before you can stand alone you have to learn how to stand. Human beings are the only species where we do not stand at birth. It takes many months. I remember when my grandchildren learned how to walk. We bought bumper pads for the edges of the coffee table! It was a whole new ball game when they went from crawling to walking. My grandson Timmy took years off my life, or at least it felt that way. I had him in my study. He was playing on the floor, while I worked on my computer and made phone calls. He was three. I kept an eye on him. Once when I turned around he was gone! I started calling him all throughout the house. I could not find him. Then I went out in the backyard. There he was watching the workers put in a new fence. I yelled, “Timmy, do not ever do that again!” Whew! When he became mobile my world changed! He knew how to stand. How do we stand spiritually? We are exhorted to do this in Ephesians 6. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm To continue safe and sound, upholding the authority of what we believe * We have the ability in Jesus to continue safe and sound against the devils’s schemes. Jesus told us that all authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to Him. The devil is the accuser. He accuses us before the LORD day and night. He accuses us of serving God just for what we can get out of Him. We say, “No matter what we will serve Him.” He is able to deliver us from the furnace but even if He does not we will not bow down to a golden image! That is standing! Job saying, “Though He slay me I will praise Him,” is standing firm Jesus being taunted on the cross, “If you are the Christ, come down and save Yourself,” is the ultimate of standing your ground. He could have! But He did not. * With the full armor of God we can stand our ground. Guarding our hearts and minds, letting the Word Of God dwell in us, praying in the Spirit all work in concert to make us unmovable. Stubborn Sanctified Commitment. We have to have the helmet of salvation to guard our thoughts We have the breastplate of righteousness to guard our hearts. I remember running cross country. Your insides would be turning, sweat running down your back and your heart being pushed and you kept going. It was not easy but it paid off in the long run. Back in that time I can remember being the only one in my Homeroom Class who stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Miss Bororian and I would say it together. She recommended me for Boy’s State. I was moving over that summer and part of the program was to bring back what we learned the next fall. I went down to my guidance counselor and told him it would not be right for me to go. He said, “Larry, thank you for just affirming why we picked you.” In Bellmore, where I grew up, there was a church of my grandparents denomination. Brother Terry was the caretaker and only member left. It was a beautiful brick building. He lived meagerly, out of his garden. My folks would go over and bring him food and money. He lived all alone. He stood alone. We invited him to come to our church for fellowship but he was faithful to those grounds and opened the church in case anyone visited. They never did. Let me say at this point that there is a difference between standing alone and being lonely. Feeling lonely is a growing state of Americans. We can have people around us and still be lonely. * After we have done everything we are still standing. Ephesians 6 We have read the Word. We have prayed. We have fought the devil. We have meditated on the Scriptures. We have kept the faith. We have obeyed the LORD. Now we are able to stand alone. We are not in a popularity contest. We are standing for the Truth. I know this is not easy. It never is pleasant to stand alone. Daniel is a good example of standing alone. Daniel 6. 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing. 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attentionto you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.”14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. What would you do in a land where it was against the law to pray to the LORD? What are you doing in this land where it is okay to do it? Praying with our Pakistani Brothers and Sisters in Thailand on Friday. Told them they were part of the Daniel Band. Daniel did not allow the change in the law to change his prayer habits. He was standing firm. He was not intimidated. He knew God would be with him in the lion’s den. He was. He was delivered. He had stood alone. Moses stood alone before God. When king Saul was chasing David he had to stand alone and run alone. The prophets had to stand alone Jeremiah Paul and Jesus had to stand alone. Paul the apostle wrote to Timothy, “ II Timothy 4.16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Stand alone and the LORD will stand with you! In the fire, in deep sorrow, in prisons, on the run away from spear wielding men. I Corinthians 15.58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Things The 70 Years On Earth Has Taught Me

Things The 70 Years On Earth Has Taught Me Philippians 3.4-16 Life is a journey. I have made my 70 Trip around the Sun this past week. It has been amazing journey. How God used a kid who had a lisp, was in remedial reading and was frightened to stand up and speak in a class amazes me more than I can express. I remember those days. People and their spiritual need has always been a part of my heart. I grew up caring about people, surrounded by those who did. My journey began not far from here, in Queens. I always felt God has His Hand upon me, guiding me. I look back today, this week and can say, “All the way my Savior has led me.” Along the path I have learned lessons. I have also gained some wisdom, although I am still learning each day. For the past nearly 42 years of my life I have been blessed to shepherd the flock here, the Bay Shore Church of the Nazarene. My friend, Art Alexander made this observation this past year. He said, “When I pastored in Valley Stream, I ministered to that flock, of 750-1,000 souls. You however have had a much smaller church but probably have 4,000 souls or more you have minister to.” They all look to you as their pastor. I see it every time I come to Bay Shore. Now over 8,000 around the world. I just wrote down all 196 nations in my Bible yesterday. I believe it is significant that I served 40 years as a shepherd with Pastor Johnson before he came here. As I stated I have known him for 42 years. We shepherded our flocks peacefully for 40 years, a very significant number. You remember Lot and Abraham… Genesis 13. 5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. 8 So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between herders and mine, for we are close relatives. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” That never happened to us! We worked side by side, 6 blocks from each other. The past 12 years I very close association. Psalm 133 He used to love to say that between the two of us we had over 100 years combined experience in the ministry. I have laid to rest nearly everyone that was here that first Sunday in 1984. Some have moved. Most are in Heaven. Many laid to rest in the place where we will lay Pastor Johnson Tuesday Morning, Oakwood Cemetery. The other is Calverton where some of our veterans are laid to rest. I have done approximately 200 funerals these past 42 years. I love what I do. Shepherding eternal souls. C.S. Lewis say man lives 100 years. The combined Dynasties of China are 5,000 years. You would conclude that the combined Dynasties of China are 50 times greater than a man. But suppose that man is eternal, his soul lives on forever. You would have to conclude that a single soul is infinitely greater than the combined Dynasties of China. The LORD has me in an Eternal Work. It is hard for me to relate to those colleagues of mine who are retiring. It is even harder now that there are some who are younger than me retiring. Now as my retirement benefits kick in it is still in my heart to serve as your pastor. Charles Jefferson, pastor of the Broadway Tabernacle in the city, 100 years ago, gave lectures to Yale Divinity School, and asked, “What dunce of a man goes into the ministry to make money?” Money has never appealed to me. If I had food to eat, clothes to wear and a place to lay my head I was content, still am. I love what God has done here, what He is doing here. I told Jeff last week that when I came here, in those early days, after the service, the lights went out, the congregation emptied out within about 3 minutes. Not so now. Where God is taking this little flock here around the world is truly amazing to me. Here is what I have learned in my 70 years, 47 as a pastor, 42 here. * The Bible Is The Word of God. Your Word stands Eternal in the Heavens. Psalm 119.111 Depending upon its promises brings great joy. Living out its directions gives you a good life. There are mysteries along the way. Like my 40 year old brother who loved the LORD, was definitely more sweeter than I and yet 26 years ago God did not heal him but took him home to Heaven, leaving a 12 year old and 10 year old son and a 5 year old little girl. 26 years later they are all serving Jesus! I love the old hymn, written by a Nazarene Pastor. It is called, The Bible Stands. The Bible stands like a rock undaunted 'Mid the raging storms of time; Its pages burn with the truth eternal, And they glow with a light sublime. Chorus: The Bible stands tho' the hills may tumble, It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble; I will plant my feet on its firm foundation, For the Bible stands, The Bible stands. 2 The Bible stands like a mountain tow'ring Far above the works of man; Its truth by none ever was refuted, And destroy it they never can. (Chorus) 3 The Bible stands and it will forever, When the world has passed away; By inspiration it has been given, All its precepts I will obey. (Chorus) 4 The Bible stands every test we give it, For its Author is divine; By grace alone I will expect to live it, And to prove it and make it mine. (Chorus) Secondly * More is Wrought By Prayer Than This World Dreams Of. -Tennyson Pray without ceasing. If you are not there keep seeking. -John Wesley Let your prayer life become a source of joyful fellowship with Jesus. This little church here has indeed become a House of Prayer For All Nations. One blessing is that the nations are praying for us! I fell in love with the Prayer Meeting as a young teen. It was at 8pm on Wednesday Night. It was required we attend if we wanted to serve on the District Impact Team (Immediate Personal Action For Christ). So I got picked up every Wednesday Night by our Pastor’s Wife. My Dad was not home from work yet. In the back of that little church was a tract rack. It contained Gospel Tracts, little booklets. One of them was The Power of Prayer by E.M.Bounds. I took it home and read it. It got into my heart. I am still part of the Wednesday Prayer Meetings in this church at noon. A handful of us meet in the Conference Room. A thousand join us each week from around the world. Many in Uganda, Pakistan, India, Kenya and dozens of other places join us. It is glorious. Be faithful in prayer. Be faithful in the small things and you would not believe what God will do even if you were told. * Be Thankful For All The Blessings From The LORD. He grants sleep to those He loves. He feeds us with the finest of wheat. He overflows our cup. He directs our steps. My journey has been marked with His direction, daily. I am amazed often at the end of a day what God has had me involved in. He watches over us. In Temptation He is a strong and mighty tower. His goodness and mercy has followed me all the days of my life. All this and Heaven ahead! Thank You Father! * Those Who You Do The Most For Will Often Turn on You. Love them anyway! Do regret what you have done. It is the LORD Jesus Christ You are serving! Psalm 55.12 If an enemy were insulting me,     I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me,     I could hide. 13 But it is you, a man like myself,     my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship     at the house of God, Leave them with the LORD. Be like Jesus. * People Have Treated Me Far More Graciously Than I Deserve. I have been humbled by their generosity, their prayers and their love for me. Always be grateful. Having traveled around the world I can tell you we are very blessed to be Americans! Clean water, food, clothes, education, opportunities Freedom Life, Liberty and the ability to pursue happiness. I know there are those who seems to revel in America’s faults and we have many. However the generosity of Americans has astonished me wherever I have gone. When I have seen what God has done through His Church I am so blessed! Alabaster The Unisphere Photo * Serve the LORD with gladness There will be disappointment There will be times of testing But here will always be blessings to be thankful for. I think it is inappropriate to serve the LORD with a bitter spirit, a resentful disposition, a judgmentmental attitude. If you cannot be glad… not sure what questions they get asked for ordination. It has been 44 years ago I was questioned, probably 18 since I asked questions. I would interview neighbors. I would ask children what kind of a character is this person? Do they keep their word? Do they bless you? What kind of a relationship do they have with you? Are they a positive force in your life? I would ask for references where an individual has done business, been treated by doctors and had car service. Is he known by paying his bills? Have you had problems with him paying? * Be Content With What You Have Been Given from Heaven. John 3.27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” John’s disciples were concerned over people leaving him and following Jesus. I have been and always will be a shepherd. I am not an administrator, so I have people that are helping me. I am so glad I am not a DS, a GS, or any denomination executive! I have friends that are. They have my sympathies and my prayers. * God is good. God loves me, God is in control. * One Day All the Stuff I have accumulated is going to be rummaged through. That is okay. I will not be here for that. I will be home. My heroes are not pastors of large churches like it was when I was young. My heroes are those with more to give step aside to care for an ailing wife with Alzheimer’s, the wonderful devotional writer who spent the last decade of his life caring for mentally handicapped adults… the pastor who could have ease in his 80’s but chooses to continue to shepherd that flock. These are my heroes. I have told you often of that young doctor I met in the Port Au Prince Airport. We were both waiting for persons there. Mine was coming in from the South of Spain, an internist coming to serve in a medical clinic Yelssy Manza put together from Metro NY District. This young doctor, still in scrubs was picking up a friend who was ready to make tenure as a teacher in California. She came at the invitation of her doctor friend to see about opening up a school there. I asked this young vivacious doctor what made her leave and come to Haiti. She told me. “The thought of making a lot of money, driving an expensive car, and living in a large home did not appeal to me. I wanted to help people who were sick and didn’t have money to pay for their healthcare.” She overflowed with hope. She told me that she told her pastor in Southern California about her dream. The next thing she knew her church there was paying her Medical School debt so she could go follow the dream the LORD gave her for Haiti. She is a hero of mine. These are the souls that inspire me! More than anything I want to hear those words from Jesus, “Well done good and faithful servant.” The longing to hear them is growing intensity these days.