The Four Stages of Manhood – The Age of the Patriarch – Leave a Legacy

The Four Stages of Manhood – The Age of the Patriarch

pa·tri·arch (pātrēˌärk/) noun

noun: patriarch; plural noun: patriarchs.

a.The male head of a family or tribe.

a man who is the oldest or most venerable of a group.

Eg.”Hollywood’s reigning patriarch rose to speak”

b. person or thing that is regarded as the founder of something.

“the patriarch of all spin doctors”

2.Any of those biblical figures regarded as fathers of the human race, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their forefathers, or the sons of Jacob.

 

 

There is the wonderful season in Jesus, where the children are grown, we have been faithful to the Lord, and we have learned much through our life experiences, as we and our families have grown. As we have sought the Lord over the years, He has given us visionary assignments, specific directions for our lives and our families, and now, as this next season of life is upon us, we consecrate afresh to His leading, determined to both fully complete our mandate, and to train successors to our work, that the work of God through us grow and prosper in succeeding generations. Now, we live fully for the honor and glory of God, determined to see His mind spoken, His agenda promoted, His truth established in our families, communities, states, provinces, and nations of the earth.

 

We have been looking at:

The Four Stages of Manhood

This is the final teaching on manhood, and the four stages that I see from the Word of God, we grow through, both naturally and spiritually. These four stages are:

Boyhood

Manhood

Fatherhood

The Age of the Patriarch

Today we are going to talk about the age of the Patriarch

A Patriarch, is one that is head of his home, his family, his tribe. Speaking Spiritually here, he is expected to exhibit the character of spiritual adulthood, that is:

1.Esteeming Earthly Things Lightly.

2.Deadness to Censure or Praise.

3.Ability to Recognize God at Work.

 

In a perfect world, in a Christian home where the Holy Spirit was at work and the Word of God was being both submitted to and taught, one would hope that a person would grow both spiritually and naturally at roughly the same pace. Obviously, in a fallen world this has not occurred, and even in the church, there are many who hear the word, but they don’t believe it.

 

Hebrews 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

 

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 

Yet, there are those in Scripture that have gone even beyond Spiritual Adulthood, to become legends of Old, their lives depicted in the pages of God’s Holy Word.

These are what I call spiritual Patriarchs, and it is these that I wish to set before you today, so that by faith, you too will strive to take your place among them in the hall of faith, making headlines in heaven, writing eternity upon this generation.

Leaving a legacy of honour to the glory of God, and before the eyes of man.

 

First lets look at the life of Caleb

 

We see in Numbers 13 that Caleb was a leader, chosen to lead the tribe of Judah by his peers, from the linage that would one day produce Messiah, Jesus our Lord.

 

Numbers 13:30  And Caleb ‘stilled the people’ before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

 

He was a warrior, honoring God and respected among his peers. A man of courage, vision and faith with corresponding action, to change things.

 

Even though the people had a grasshopper mentality, and refused to do what was right and follow he and Joshua into battle, yet with passion he made his case known before them, and God.

 

Numbers 14:6  And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

 

And God heard his cry and responded

 

Every single other person in the entire nation was sentenced to die without entering the promised land, except Joshua, and you guessed it, Caleb.

 

Forty years the entire nation of Israelites wandered in the desert eating Manna every day. One by one, they died there until a new generation was raised up who knew God, and who knew not Egypt. Even Moses died, and a new man was set in place to lead Israel, Joshua.

 

And Caleb was with him, still a warrior, still full of passion and faith, even though he must have now been in his eighties. Righteous, zealous for the Word of God to come to pass in his life we read:

 

Joshua 14:6 ¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

7  Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.

8  Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

9  And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.

10  And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

11  As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

12  Now therefore GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

Now I need you to see some things here. Caleb could have rested after fighting with the armies of Israel for five years under Joshua. He was eighty-five years old. He could have died leaving a legacy of faith and honor behind him.

Yet, He did not. Why?

He had the heart of a Patriarch.

He had gone past spiritual boyhood decades ago.

He overcame his passions to pass through spiritual childhood.

As a leader, husband, and father, he passed through spiritual adulthood and fatherhood, and now found himself as a Patriarch in the nation of Israel.

He wasn’t called to lead as head of the nation, but you can be sure He and Joshua were tightly knit friends.

The same spirit of faith was in them both.

He could have been like Moses, and not fully accomplished the plan of God.

For God cannot lie, and God’s plan for Moses was that Moses lead His people into the promised land.

Yet, Moses never fully allowed God to deal with his anger, and God judged him severely for it.

He died without seeing the promised land in his earthly life (although the Word of the Lord was fulfilled, I believe, when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus on the mount of transfiguration)

Numbers 20:8  Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Numbers 20:11  And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12  And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.:

Romans 14:23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Reminds me of:

Heb 11: 36  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:38  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

37  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

And Caleb made a decision. He decided that the plan of God and God’s promises to him were more important than even his earthly life, that he would FULLY fulfill all that God had promised Him, refusing to die until he did.

So, if his life is any indication, he probably figured. Well, this world is not my home anyway. I’m going to die sometime, even if it is in battle.

Yet, he knew that darkness and light will never mix. Enemies will remain enemies. Even though there might be an apparent end to hostilities at present, he knew what would happen. If left alone, the children of Anak would multiply, and the day of reckoning deferred today would only rise up again in future generations. Anak would attack or defile either his children or his grandchildren.

Join me if you will in an imaginary journey into the thought life of Caleb at this time. Could it be that he reasoned, “Well, I could die, and leave things as they are. Israel is established in this land, and I don’t really need Horeb. I’m well respected in the community, my family is fine. Who cares about Anak?”

Yet notice Caleb. He was determined not to die before all the plan of God for His life was fulfilled.

God had promised him Horeb, and he was going to take it!

To whom much is given, much is required.

And Caleb went to war, determined to see the Word of God fulfilled or die trying!

 

And the Word of God came to pass, and he lived victorious.

Read with me Josh 15:

¹³ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.

¹⁴ And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

¹⁵ And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher.

¹⁶ And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

¹⁷ And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. ¹⁸ And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

¹⁹ Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

So then, a godly patriarch leaves a legacy for the next generation, and refuses to die, before his time is up!

 Psalms 118:17  I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Let go of your fears, and live your dreams, do the impossible!

 

Hebrews 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

 

If you are a Christian you need never fear death or the whimsical temporal approval of man.

 

Believe God, and change your nation or perhaps go as a missionary somewhere.

 

There are enemies in the land Patriarchs: same sex marriages that threaten the family unit. Unprecedented divorce rates and destruction of the family unit. Legalization of Marijuana, Abortion, Child Pornography. Islam, the homosexual agenda, child-sex trafficking, corruption in government to name a few.

As young David said when considering fighting Goliath – IS THERE NOT A CAUSE!

These are: Enemies of honor, enemies of the Word of God, enemies of freedom, enemies of God.

 

As a patriarch, you have a position of influence in the community, that others do not. People of influence will listen to you because of your age, that others will not.

Reminds me of a story: When we were missionaries, living in Val des Monts, Quebec, Canada, I shared this message with our neighbor, who was clearly the patriarch in our community. Though I was pastoring a small Bible study there , ,but as an English speaking evangelical pastor in a French community, I was tolerated at best. Yet I told him that in order for evil to triumph over good, good people do nothing. That God could use him, to quietly have lunch with one of his old friends, and more could be accomplished for the kingdom of God, than I could work in a lifetime.

He was very quiet, but very thoughtful, yet I was pleasantly surprised, when several weeks later, he called me over to talk. Seems he had taken this message to heart, and had lunch with the local judge. The word was that this particular judge would sentence guys arrested for drinking and driving to 30 days in jail, and community service, yet, when one of his own relatives appeared before him, he was pardoning them, and tension was rising in our small town, because of this.

Proverbs 21:3

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice

He spoke to his old friend about it, and his friend saw the error of his ways. The following week, one of his nephews appeared before Him, and received prison time, and the community rejoiced.

Leadership is influence, and you can use your position to work righteousness for the kingdom of God, by affecting people in positions of authority, quietly, sometimes behind closed doors.

Galatians 2:2

I went because it was specially and divinely revealed to me that I should go, and I put before them the Gospel [declaring to them that] which I preach among the Gentiles. However, [I presented the matter] privately before those of repute, [for I wanted to make certain, by thus at first confining my communication to this private conference] that I was not running or had not run in vain [guarding against being discredited either in what I was planning to do or had already done].

Sometimes a quiet, simple coffee with a key leader will do more than all the public protests and clanging noise…

Yet in this culture: The disrespect exhibited for the elderly is appalling.

 

Leviticus 19:32  Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

 

While we pastored in Canada, before God moved in the Inuit, elderly people were considered excesses, and were told to go out upon the ice and die. Now, since Holy Spirit has moved in the North, elders are again respected, revered, and are set in place to help govern this new territory Nunavet.

 

It is said in Africa, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.”

Patriarchs and Matriarchs we need you to guide us with righteousness in this hour.

 

Phil 1: 21 ¶ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Dying is easy. Living takes faith. So the children have grown, and the grandchildren have come.

Live for God!

Ps 91: 14  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Surely you are not satisfied that you have run your race through yet, finished your course for Jesus!

You need a vision from heaven!

Pr 29:1 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

If you get alone with God, and fill yourself with His Word, and seek Him faithfully in prayer, He will give you vision for your life, to make headlines in heaven, to have eternal impact. There is always someone to love, to pray for, to support, to teach, to help in some way….

Don’t retire, refire!

And don’t let the devil tell you that you are getting weaker, nor that you must be sick!

^{Psalm 103 1} Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. ² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ³ who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; ⁴ who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; ⁵ who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

As you get older, you do not need to get sicker. You can still execise, and eat healthily, and He will renew your youth.

I close with this word:

 

‘With long life will I satisfy him’

 

Are you satisfied that you have fully obeyed God, and done everything you can for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

If not, get involved in a prayer group. Seek God for His plan. Stop Abortion. Picket the courts until just laws reflecting righteousness prevail. Leave a legacy that reaps eternal rewards.

 

Go on with God.

Let’s Pray: “Father God in heaven, Creator of all life, renew my youth, my passion, my fire, my vision, my creativity, my health, my strength, my courage, and give me grace to live for Jesus, with fire and intensity and purpose today, and for the rest of my life, AMEN!’

 

Some great articles and videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZjljqReu1Ihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7_X-Gu51xs

http://www.revivalthoughts.org/Recent%20Articles%202013/Serving%20God%20in%20the%20Sunset%20Years.htm

http://www.wholesomewords.org/etexts/troester/elderly.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaihOIVVQ98

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWjW3zv2A1s

Need Prayer:

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

 

 

 

May our Elders obey God

May our elders be wise…

Ever wonder why God told ministers to instruct elders in the community?

Titus 2: 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

We are taught to respect our elders, but here, we see God instructing His servants to teach elders to live worthy of respect.

Clearly, this is not always the case:

Ecclesiastes 10:1
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor; so doth a little folly in him that hath a reputation for wisdom and honor.

In Job 32 we read:

⁷ I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

⁸ But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

⁹ Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Clearly, just because someone is old, or even recognized as an elder, does not make them obedient to God.

I heard an expression in Africa I liked: ‘When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.’

No one can replace our lives message if we continue to grow in wisdom and understanding, we become a great gift to generations to come…

As we grow in years, we must grow in wisdom…

As one person said: ‘The best time to start seeking and growing in wisdom was years ago, the second best time, is today!’

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, grant us wisdom, beyond our years, our frailties, our foolishness, and our passions, that will leave a mark on this world, for generations to come, a legacy of honor that will glorify Your name. In Your precious name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

Traditions!

I remember, when I was about twelve, when my dad came in from sea, and took the family out to see ‘The Fiddler on the Roof’. It was a really long movie, but this song seems appropriate to share before I begin today’s teaching: TRADITION!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJO35zU5bXg

In Revelation we read:

Re 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

In today’s reading, we see Jesus dealing with religious traditions of the scribes and Pharisees:

Matt 15:1 ¶ Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Clearly, there is a difference between religious traditions and cultures, languages, and tribes!

In this account, I imagine Jesus, who had held his peace, for the 30 some odd years that he was in the earth, quietly observing, yet vehemently opposing the religious traditions that rendered the Word of God of none effect.

Yet, now, He had come of age, and stood before these religious leaders, and spoke not just His mind, but the Word of the living God, the voice of our Father in the earth, nailing their religious traditions to the wall, by the Spirit of God!

Traditions of men, any men, may look noble, pious, and wonderful, until Jesus shows up!

When He comes, He comes with power and truth that sets free!

In these last days, we see how difficult, perilous times come into the earth, that would overwhelm us in life and even in the church, if we would bow to them, but we are warned!

2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

When push comes to shove: Obey God, not man, and quietly (if possible) leave religious people and traditions, that are contrary to the Word and voice of Holy Spirit.

If it is not possible to quietly leave, then like Jesus, speak the truth in power!

Demonstrate what you claim to believe with His signs, wonders and miracles, for is He not the living God?

Mt 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

In any corporate, community, or ministry culture, pursue peace with all men. Yet, there are times, when peace is not an option….then, be bold, and whatever He says, DO IT!
I remember chuckling one time, in the city where I pastored when I heard the following story:

Seems God had begun to move amongst the street people in our city. During an eight month period of bus ministry, we saw 833 gangsters, and run away youth, ride the bus, come to church, give their life to Jesus, and receive a Bible, that they devoured. Many of these folks lived on the street, no picnic in Canada! During this time, a well known cult, set up a table downtown in a highly trafficked area, and began to sell little religious idols, and would try to get people to join their organization. As they got more and more vocal in their recruitment attempts, I heard that a couple of street youths, who had just read about Jesus and the money lenders in the temple, entered into a heated debate with members of their organization, emphatically telling them: “Hey, we had nothing, but now we have Jesus, and the streets are becoming a better place because of Him. You take your filth, and get outta here!” When the people refused, these youths reportedly overturned their display tables, and ran the people off!

So much for political correctness!

Yet, Jesus kept the traditions wherever possible:

Matt 17:24 ¶ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Tribute
A tax imposed by a king on his subjects ‪#‎2Sa 20:24 1Ki 4:6 Ro 13:6 In ‪#‎Mt17:24-27 the word denotes the temple rate (the “didrachma,” the “half-shekel,” as rendered by the R.V.) which was required to be paid for the support of the temple by every Jew above twenty years of age ‪#‎Ex 30:12 2Ki 12:4 2Ch 24:6,9 It was not a civil but a religious tax. In #Mt 22:17 Mr 12:14 Lu 20:22 the word may be interpreted as denoting the capitation tax which the Romans imposed on the Jewish people. It may, however, be legitimately regarded as denoting any tax whatever imposed by a foreign power on the people of Israel. The “tribute money” shown to our Lord #Mt 22:19 was the denarius, bearing Caesar’s superscription. It was the tax paid by every Jew to the Romans.

These religious leaders were charging a temple tax, that was not authorized by the Romans, yet rather than blast them, Jesus paid it.

Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes:

2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Heard a quote regarding church: To those who are argue that tradition can kill a church:

The second time you do anything it becomes a tradition.
Brett Blair.

Paul kept the traditions of the elders for we read:
Ga 1:14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

So, the obvious questions are:
1. When do we confront traditions bluntly and boldly?
2. When do we quietly observe, and submit to traditions?
3. When do we quietly, and perhaps gently, walk away from people, places, and cultures, that are contrary to the Word and Spirit of God?

Here is a neat quote I found: Tradition is the living faith of those now dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living.
Jaroslav Pelikan, The Vindication of Tradition, p. 65.

If we believe that: Ro 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Well, here are a couple of my thoughts:
1. Generally, I have found that most confrontation is more effective, in prayer and authority spiritually, before confronting people. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, yet, there are times, when flesh ruled sinful people, must have their flesh restrained. That is why we have policemen and soldiers. If everyone did right, we wouldn’t need them.

Yet, I believe many ugly confrontations can be averted when we pray, rather than say, first! When we bind the evil spirit encouraging a person doing evil, from their mind, and deliberately, in love, use our faith, to believe the best of a person, wonderful things can happen! In fact, this is my current primary ministry: intense intercession for many situations and nations, as people are currently clearly doing evil things, clearly contrary to the Word of God!

2. God hates those who sow discord amongst the brethren, and rebellion is as witchcraft. Generally, it has been my experience that in a community culture, where traditions are present, it is usually the will of God to walk in love, pursue peace with all men, and to walk in love. (Did I say to walk in love?) Strife, and offense opens doors to devils, and we are not servants of hell!

3. I think of ministry, First Nations, and business or government cultures, where elders are respected, honored, and revered. I may not agree with them, nor, in certain cases, be able to submit to their counsel, but I can still honor their traditions, in their spheres of influence, even if I don’t agree with them. 1Ti 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; (Sometimes, this takes great self control!) Yet, no matter how much I may love, honor, and respect elders, and their traditions, I must have the presence and power of God in my life!

Ultimately, I love Jesus, and am determined to hear and obey Him, above the will of any person, no matter how esteemed they may appear in the eyes of the community.

Jesus promised that we will hear His voice! Daily, He will speak. Today, you will hear, no matter how far you may have strayed, when you turn to Him, He will draw near, and lead you, as a Shepherd.

Let’s pray:

“Father, show me how to fully obey You, and walk in love and truth, without compromise. Where I am submitting to traditions that are contrary to Your will, and Your Word for my life, please show me, that I can walk free, in your power. Give me wisdom on how to pray, speak, and when I need to confront evil, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen!’

Honor and Protocol Gifts

Protocol and Honor Gifts

Proverbs 18:16 (GW)

¹⁶ A gift opens doors for the one who gives it     and brings him into the presence of great people

As I begin to learn native ministry, there is a tradition that is widely practiced. It is called ‘protocol’.

It is expected, when meeting a native leader, that we should bring a gift, a gift not of money, rather one signifying respect and honor. These gifts are called ‘honor gifts’.

They are to be given from the heart….

I have been in meetings, where protocol gifts were given for several hours, in an incredible expression of love, respect, and honor.

I have heard about how, in Israel Jonathon Maracle gave gifts to the representative from the Israeli government, and how he cleared his schedule for the entire day, to meet and host the First nations peoples there determined to honor him and Israel. Hours spent, as natives piled his desk with honor gifts, and spoke expressions of love, support and honor to his heart.

Chief Kenny Blacksmith explained this verse the last time we were together, as simply a beautiful expression of honor, as our gifts open doors for the giver.

In our white culture, we give ‘house warming’ gifts when we visit our friends. How much more, when we recognize and enter ancestral native territories, and honor the host peoples of these lands. We are entering their homes, honoring this is only right before God.

I have seen some incredible examples of the power of this act, but there is one that still touches me very deeply: when Harry Hayes (US Army retired) and Gregory Gil (US Marine Corps retired) learned of the horrible betrayal of trust by our government towards the Navajo people that resulted in ‘the long walk’ of the Navajo. In uniform, they presented a combat medal received in operation desert storm, and a marine combat knife (K-bar), as honor gifts to pastor Jerry Tom, and Deswood Tomes representing the office of Navajo President Ben Shelley, asking forgiveness for what the US military had done to the Navajo people, stating that ‘all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God’ and that only God could forgive and fix this horror, and that this was NOT ‘the freedom, liberty and justice for all’ they had given their lives to defend.

Protocol and the giving of honor gifts may be a native tradition, yet it is one that we might be wise to incorporate in our culture today. The honoring of elders, respect for leaders, the recognition of ancient treaties, lands, and covenants, will bring the power and presence of the Holy One that inhabits eternity upon the scene.

It is this presence, that will heal our lands…

Let’s Pray:

“Father, I come before you today, seeking you to heal our land. Show me what to give, to whom, as I travel. Help me to honor Your authority on the land, recognizing the peoples You have given the lands to, who live there. May I always respect elders and leaders, as I seek to walk gently in Your wisdom, bring Your healing wherever possible. Thank you for this Lord Jesus, Amen”

Unity – A Cry of Jesus Heart

 

Unity

The Word of the Lord, come to the tribes, through and from the elders  is ‘unity’. Convergence…

These are the host peoples of this land, and for those of us in the US, we need to have ears to hear, and eyes to see, what God is speaking and revealing…. https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/07/03/the-first-nations-mandate/

Genesis 11:6

And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them.

From the beginning of time, there has been spiritual power generated, when people work together in unity.

“On the concept of unity- “Thatʼs right-Jesusʼ most pressing concern before
leaving the earth was our unity. He was looking ahead, to every generation of
believer. And as he prayed, he made it clear that our witness as his body in this
fractured , messed-up, chaotic world would depend on our love for another.”
― Ed Galisewski, A Simpler Faith: Hope For Those Who Struggle With Church    

Jesus said if only two of us might agree in prayer, as touching anything, it would be done for us

Matt18: 19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and [g]everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them.

When Jesus, King of the Universe shows up, things happen!

Deuteronomy 32:30

How could one have chased a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had delivered them up?

There is great spiritual power released, when people come together in prayer, in Jesus, in purpose….

In Oklahoma, Governer Haskell, in his inaugural address over the state said:

“where the original owners of the state had not yet been conquered, but had joined with their white neighbors in forming a new commonwealth, and he found in the red and white stripes of the American flag, a new symbolism, of the red man and the white man united under the azure sky.”

This is indeed our prayer in Oklahoma, as we see the history of broken treaties, promises, hearts, we cry unto God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth:‘Father in heaven, Creator, do a miracle here, and across America, where indeed, you might heal; the relationships between the red and white man, united under Your azure sky. Only You can do this thing, for the history and wounds are very deep, but the depths of the cross of Jesus, Yeshua, are deeper. Make it happen, do a miracle, for our eyes are on You, AMEN!’

Now, here in Oklahoma, we have every tongue, every tribe (39 tribes!), and every nation represented, as international businesses and ministries have been raised up here from this red soil.

Yet, wherever you are, unity is worth fighting for. Not unity of language, culture, nor over tradition. No, Godly unity, is unity through diversity.

God has given our unique destinies, languages, cultures, for He will have a witness, from every nation of the earth before His throne.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall gaze upon Him and beat their breasts and mourn and lament over Him. Even so [must it be]. Amen (so be it).

Revelation 5:9

And [now] they sing a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the scroll and to break the seals that are on it, for You were slain (sacrificed), and with Your blood You purchased men unto God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelation 7:9

After this I looked and a vast host appeared which no one could count, [gathered out] of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne and before the Lamb; they were attired in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

Unity, can come, in Jesus, Yeshua, between Jew and Gentile, Indian and white man, red and yellow black and white, we are all precious in His sight. The culture of heaven supercedes every earthly culture, the rule and reign of Jesus love, greater than the government of any tribe or nation!

So, I rewrote a prayer of Unity, that still speaks to me today, and is a battle cry of heaven…

Prayer for Unity

Been thinking about David Ruis song: Break Dividing Walls, as
prophetic key to revival in regions and this nation:.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qRtltD2ysg

John 17: 11 ¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 ¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ps 133:1 ¶ «A Song of degrees of David.» Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the
blessing, even life for evermore.

Unity produces God’s commanded blessing!

Let’s Pray:

Father, I join in the prayer of Jesus, asking You, for unity in the Body of Christ in my people, tribe, city, state, and this nation.

Reveal the glory that you have given us Jesus, that sanctifies us and cleanses us of our foolish ways. May truth be spoken in love that is revealed to us deep within, that cleanses us of our own ways and
agendas, that we may take our place before You Father, Creator of Heaven and earth, in the Body of Christ, bringing our particular gift and supply of Holy Spirit, that we may all work together for the harvest, the increase of your kingdom and Body, as we grow together in love.

Warrior God, King of Heaven’s armies, burn with passion and zeal in me, to see my people find the peace, love, healing, provision, and joy, that only comes from You, and You alone, as I walk before You with clean hands, purity of heart, and clear eyes to see….

Help me to be a peacemaker to my people, my family, my tribe and council, to each other, and to this city and region, a bridge builder causing people, families, ministries, governments, businesses, organizations, and our communities to work together in love and one accord, sharing resources that You so richly provide to us, generously, to get needs of people met, that You be glorified.

Father help us as leaders to stand strong for people, programs, ministries, administrative processes, ordained of You, constantly growing and refining them to bear much fruit for You. Those agendas that are of our own making, or that have outlived their usefulness to you and your specific calling upon our lives, please prune and remove them, by Your own hand.

Help us to be pliable in your hand, flowing together with other peoples, ministries, and leaders here in our community, city and land, as You grant us supernatural wisdom, to avoid strife and discord as far as it remains with us.

Help to remain humble, teachable, and make your servant heart of aggressive growth continue to burn bright in and through us, that the world may see your love.

In your authority, I break dividing walls between family members, community factions, clans, tribes, ministries, governments,denominations, and congregations, loosing reconciliation, revelation, love, and understanding between us. I command all judgment, haughtiness, bitterness, pride, arrogancy, unforgiveness, religion, offence, tradition, racism: MOVE, in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ!

There, we enforce your kingdom in righteousness, peace, and joy, in power, anointing, and commanded blessing, in the love of God and name and authority of King Jesus! Amen!

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

The Four Stages of Manhood – The Age of the Patriarch

pa·tri·arch (pātrēˌärk/) noun

noun: patriarch; plural noun: patriarchs.

a.The male head of a family or tribe.

a man who is the oldest or most venerable of a group.

Eg.”Hollywood’s reigning patriarch rose to speak”

b. person or thing that is regarded as the founder of something.

“the patriarch of all spin doctors”

2.Any of those biblical figures regarded as fathers of the human race, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their forefathers, or the sons of Jacob.

 

 

There is the wonderful season in Jesus, where the children are grown, we have been faithful to the Lord, and we have learned much through our life experiences, as we and our families have grown. As we have sought the Lord over the years, He has given us visionary assignments, specific directions for our lives and our families, and now, as this next season of life is upon us, we consecrate afresh to His leading, determined to both fully complete our mandate, and to train successors to our work, that the work of God through us grow and prosper in succeeding generations. Now, we live fully for the honor and glory of God, determined to see His mind spoken, His agenda promoted, His truth established in our families, communities, states, provinces, and nations of the earth.

 

We have been looking at:

The Four Stages of Manhood

This is the final teaching on manhood, and the four stages that I see from the Word of God, we grow through, both naturally and spiritually. These four stages are:

Boyhood

Manhood

Fatherhood

The Age of the Patriarch

Today we are going to talk about the age of the Patriarch

A Patriarch, is one that is head of his home, his family, his tribe. Speaking Spiritually here, he is expected to exhibit the character of spiritual adulthood, that is:

1.Esteeming Earthly Things Lightly.

2.Deadness to Censure or Praise.

3.Ability to Recognize God at Work.

 

In a perfect world, in a Christian home where the Holy Spirit was at work and the Word of God was being both submitted to and taught, one would hope that a person would grow both spiritually and naturally at roughly the same pace. Obviously, in a fallen world this has not occurred, and even in the church, there are many who hear the word, but they don’t believe it.

 

Hebrews 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

 

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 

Yet, there are those in Scripture that have gone even beyond Spiritual Adulthood, to become legends of Old, their lives depicted in the pages of God’s Holy Word.

 

These are what I call spiritual Patriarchs, and it is these that I wish to set before you today, so that by faith, you too will strive to take your place among them in the hall of faith, making headlines in heaven, writing eternity upon this generation.

Leaving a legacy of honour to the glory of God, and before the eyes of man.

 

First lets look at the life of Caleb

 

We see in Numbers 13 that Caleb was a leader, chosen to lead the tribe of Judah by his peers, from the linage that would one day produce Messiah, Jesus our Lord.

 

Numbers 13:30  And Caleb ‘stilled the people’ before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

 

He was a warrior, honoring God and respected among his peers. A man of courage, vision and faith with corresponding action, to change things.

 

Even though the people had a grasshopper mentality, and refused to do what was right and follow he and Joshua into battle, yet with passion he made his case known before them, and God.

 

Numbers 14:6  And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

 

And God heard his cry and responded

 

Every single other person in the entire nation was sentenced to die without entering the promised land, except Joshua, and you guessed it, Caleb.

 

Forty years the entire nation of Israelites wandered in the desert eating Manna every day. One by one, they died there until a new generation was raised up who knew God, and who knew not Egypt. Even Moses died, and a new man was set in place to lead Israel, Joshua.

 

And Caleb was with him, still a warrior, still full of passion and faith, even though he must have now been in his eighties. Righteous, zealous for the Word of God to come to pass in his life we read:

 

Joshua 14:6 ¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

7  Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.

8  Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

9  And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.

10  And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

11  As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

12  Now therefore GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

Now I need you to see some things here. Caleb could have rested after fighting with the armies of Israel for five years under Joshua. He was eighty-five years old. He could have died leaving a legacy of faith and honor behind him.

Yet, He did not. Why?

He had the heart of a Patriarch.

He had gone past spiritual boyhood decades ago.

He overcame his passions to pass through spiritual childhood.

As a leader, husband, and father, he passed through spiritual adulthood and fatherhood, and now found himself as a Patriarch in the nation of Israel.

He wasn’t called to lead as head of the nation, but you can be sure He and Joshua were tightly knit friends.

The same spirit of faith was in them both.

He could have been like Moses, and not fully accomplished the plan of God.

For God cannot lie, and God’s plan for Moses was that Moses lead His people into the promised land.

Yet, Moses never fully allowed God to deal with his anger, and God judged him severely for it.

He died without seeing the promised land in his earthly life (although the Word of the Lord was fulfilled, I believe, when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus on the mount of transfiguration)

Numbers 20:8  Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Numbers 20:11  And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12  And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.:

Romans 14:23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Reminds me of:

Heb 11: 36  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:38  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

37  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

And Caleb made a decision. He decided that the plan of God and God’s promises to him were more important than even his earthly life, that he would FULLY fulfill all that God had promised Him, refusing to die until he did.

So, if his life is any indication, he probably figured. Well, this world is not my home anyway. I’m going to die sometime, even if it is in battle.

Yet, he knew that darkness and light will never mix. Enemies will remain enemies. Even though there might be an apparent end to hostilities at present, he knew what would happen. If left alone, the children of Anak would multiply, and the day of reckoning deferred today would only rise up again in future generations. Anak would attack or defile either his children or his grandchildren.

Join me if you will in an imaginary journey into the thought life of Caleb at this time. Could it be that he reasoned, “Well, I could die, and leave things as they are. Israel is established in this land, and I don’t really need Horeb. I’m well respected in the community, my family is fine. Who cares about Anak?”

Yet notice Caleb. He was determined not to die before all the plan of God for His life was fulfilled.

God had promised him Horeb, and he was going to take it!

To whom much is given, much is required.

And Caleb went to war, determined to see the Word of God fulfilled or die trying!

 

And the Word of God came to pass, and he lived victorious.

Read with me Josh 15:

¹³ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.

¹⁴ And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

¹⁵ And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher.

¹⁶ And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

¹⁷ And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. ¹⁸ And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

¹⁹ Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

So then, a godly patriarch leaves a legacy for the next generation, and refuses to die, before his time is up!

 Psalms 118:17  I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Let go of your fears, and live your dreams, do the impossible!

 

Hebrews 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

 

If you are a Christian you need never fear death or the whimsical temporal approval of man.

 

Believe God, and change your nation or perhaps go as a missionary somewhere.

 

There are enemies in the land Patriarchs: same sex marriages that threaten the family unit. Unprecedented divorce rates and destruction of the family unit. Legalization of Marijuana, Abortion, Child Pornography. Islam, the homosexual agenda, child-sex trafficking, corruption in government to name a few.

As young David said when considering fighting Goliath – IS THERE NOT A CAUSE!

These are: Enemies of honor, enemies of the Word of God, enemies of freedom, enemies of God.

 

As a patriarch, you have a position of influence in the community, that others do not. People of influence will listen to you because of your age, that others will not.

Reminds me of a story: When we were missionaries, living in Val des Monts, Quebec, Canada, I shared this message with our neighbor, who was clearly the patriarch in our community. Though I was pastoring a small Bible study there , ,but as an English speaking evangelical pastor in a French community, I was tolerated at best. Yet I told him that in order for evil to triumph over good, good people do nothing. That God could use him, to quietly have lunch with one of his old friends, and more could be accomplished for the kingdom of God, than I could work in a lifetime.

He was very quiet, but very thoughtful, yet I was pleasantly surprised, when several weeks later, he called me over to talk. Seems he had taken this message to heart, and had lunch with the local judge. The word was that this particular judge would sentence guys arrested for drinking and driving to 30 days in jail, and community service, yet, when one of his own relatives appeared before him, he was pardoning them, and tension was rising in our small town, because of this.

Proverbs 21:3

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice

He spoke to his old friend about it, and his friend saw the error of his ways. The following week, one of his nephews appeared before Him, and received prison time, and the community rejoiced.

Leadership is influence, and you can use your position to work righteousness for the kingdom of God, by affecting people in positions of authority, quietly, sometimes behind closed doors.

Galatians 2:2

I went because it was specially and divinely revealed to me that I should go, and I put before them the Gospel [declaring to them that] which I preach among the Gentiles. However, [I presented the matter] privately before those of repute, [for I wanted to make certain, by thus at first confining my communication to this private conference] that I was not running or had not run in vain [guarding against being discredited either in what I was planning to do or had already done].

Sometimes a quiet, simple coffee with a key leader will do more than all the public protests and clanging noise…

Yet in this culture: The disrespect exhibited for the elderly is appalling.

 

Leviticus 19:32  Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

 

While we pastored in Canada, before God moved in the Inuit, elderly people were considered excesses, and were told to go out upon the ice and die. Now, since Holy Spirit has moved in the North, elders are again respected, revered, and are set in place to help govern this new territory Nunavet.

 

It is said in Africa, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.”

Patriarchs and Matriarchs we need you to guide us with righteousness in this hour.

 

Phil 1: 21 ¶ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Dying is easy. Living takes faith. So the children have grown, and the grandchildren have come.

Live for God!

Ps 91: 14  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Surely you are not satisfied that you have run your race through yet, finished your course for Jesus!

You need a vision from heaven!

Pr 29:1 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

If you get alone with God, and fill yourself with His Word, and seek Him faithfully in prayer, He will give you vision for your life, to make headlines in heaven, to have eternal impact. There is always someone to love, to pray for, to support, to teach, to help in some way….

Don’t retire, refire!

And don’t let the devil tell you that you are getting weaker, nor that you must be sick!

^{Psalm 103 1} Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. ² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ³ who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; ⁴ who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; ⁵ who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

As you get older, you do not need to get sicker. You can still execise, and eat healthily, and He will renew your youth.

I close with this word:

 

‘With long life will I satisfy him’

 

Are you satisfied that you have fully obeyed God, and done everything you can for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

If not, get involved in a prayer group. Seek God for His plan. Stop Abortion. Picket the courts until just laws reflecting righteousness prevail. Leave a legacy that reaps eternal rewards.

 

Go on with God.

Let’s Pray: “Father God in heaven, Creator of all life, renew my youth, my passion, my fire, my vision, my creativity, my health, my strength, my courage, and give me grace to live for Jesus, with fire and intensity and purpose today, and for the rest of my life, AMEN!’

 

Some great articles and videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZjljqReu1Ihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7_X-Gu51xs

http://www.revivalthoughts.org/Recent%20Articles%202013/Serving%20God%20in%20the%20Sunset%20Years.htm

http://www.wholesomewords.org/etexts/troester/elderly.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaihOIVVQ98

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWjW3zv2A1s

 

 

 

May Our Elders Be Wise….

May our elders be wise…

Titus 2: ² Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

Ecclesiastes 10:1

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor; so doth a little folly in him that hath a reputation for wisdom and honor.

I heard an expression in Africa I liked: ‘When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.’

No one can replace our lives message, if we continue to grow in wisdom and understanding, we become a great gift to generations to come…

If you are one of those “precious saints” called the “elderly”, you can thank God, for you have arrived at the apex of life . . . .

 

. . . . It is not a sin to get old or to be old. Aging cannot be stopped and it will go on until death overtakes us or the Lord comes for His church. Older folks have a tremendous responsibility to the younger generation coming up behind them. There is a warning that goes along with being in the elite elderly class. The tremendous amount of knowledge and experience that you have obtained through the years needs to be shared with the younger generation. Sin can overtake you and hinder you from sharing the Lord in these challenging years. It may just express itself so as to confine you to utter uselessness. You may have developed a defeatist attitude that makes you think “I am so useless. What can I do?” So you are apt to do nothing. You can be sinful in what you do not do when the opportunity presents itself. All the knowledge and experience that God has given you can be used as illustrations to reveal His truth. There are many college students that do not have or will never have what you obtained in your lifetime . . . .

http://www.revivalthoughts.org/Recent%20Articles%202013/Serving%20God%20in%20the%20Sunset%20Years.htm

As we grow in years, we must grow in wisdom…

As one person said: ‘The best time to start seeking and growing in wisdom was years ago, the second best time, is today!’

James 1:5 [Full Chapter]

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

Job 32:⁷ I thought, ‘Age should speak;
    advanced years should teach wisdom.’
⁸ But it is the spirit^[b] in a person,
    the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
⁹ It is not only the old^[c] who are wise,
    not only the aged who understand what is right.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, grant us wisdom, beyond our years, our frailties, our foolishness, and our passions, that will leave a mark on this world, for generations to come, a legacy of honor that will glorify Your name. In Your precious name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Meditation on Patriarchs – Serving Jesus as an elder

This is my noteset, from a sermon I originally preached in 2006, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

I have learned and seen so much since then, I am praying about how best write on the call of God to elders…

Any thoughts?

 

Spiritual Growth – The Age of the Patriarch

 

For the last several weeks we have been studying the topic of Spiritual Growth. Every Christian who is born-again is born again a baby spiritually.

 

We talked about the responsibility of spiritual adults to care for new Christians, and we showed you from the Word how babies are Innocent, Ignorant, and sometimes, Irritable.

 

We ended by saying that babies are easily distracted, easily hurt, and easily frustrated. God wants us to grow up to the place where we become single minded, not easily hurt, and not so easily frustrated.

 

Next we looked at Spiritual Childhood

 

We looked at how children are Unsteady, Curios, and Talkative.

 

I explained unsteadiness is a lack of good old-fashioned ‘stick-to-it-ness’, becoming disciplined and focused in our goals.

 

I explained that there is godly and not so godly curiosity. Being inquisitive is godly, being nosy and gossiping is not.

 

We began to look at how important our speech is to be.

 

We saw that a devoted prayer life will help us say more to God and less to people. We talked about three main sins of the talkative,

 

Evil speaking, vain speaking, and foolish speaking.

 

Evil Speaking: talking about the faults and failures of one not present.

 

Vain Speaking – always talking about themselves

 

Foolish Speaking: Ephesians 5:4  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

 

Always blabbing and joking.

 

I then explained how to grow out of these bad habits by feeding on the Word of God, and recognizing these childish behaviours and growing up.

 

Today we are going to look at spiritual adulthood. Becoming a man or a woman of God.

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:1  And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

 

2  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

• For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

 

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

 

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

 

Eph 4: 11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

• That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

 

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

 

2 Peter 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

 

Eph 4: 11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

• That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

Last week we looked at Spiritual Adulthood.

 

There are many attributes of spiritual adulthood described in the Word of God, last week we looked at three of them. They are:

 

1.Esteeming Earthly Things Lightly.

2.Deadness to Censure or Praise.

3.Ability to Recognize God at Work.

 

 

In a perfect world, in a Christian home where the Holy Spirit was at work and the Word of God was being both submitted to and taught, one would hope that a person would grow both spiritually and naturally at roughly the same pace. Obviously, in a fallen world this has not occurred, and even in the church, there are many who hear the word, but they don’t believe it.

 

Hebrews 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

 

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 

Turn to your neighbour and say “Do the Word!”

 

Yet, there are those in Scripture that have gone even beyond Spiritual Adulthood, to become legends of Old, their lives depicted in the pages of God’s Holy Word.

 

These are what I call spiritual Patriarchs, and it is these that I wish to set before you today, so that by faith, you too will strive to take your place among them in the hall of faith, making headlines in heaven, writing eternity upon this generation. Leaving a legacy of honour to the glory of God, and before the eyes of man.

 

First lets look at Caleb

 

We see in Numbers 13 that Caleb was a leader, chosen to lead the tribe of Judah by his peers, from the linage that would one day produce Messiah, Jesus our Lord.

 

Numbers 13:30  And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

 

He was a warrior, honouring God and respected among his peers. A man of courage, vision and faith with corresponding action, to change things.

 

Even though the people had a grasshopper mentality, and refused to do what was right and follow he and Joshua into battle, yet with passion he made his case known before God.

 

Numbers 14:6  And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

 

And God heard his cry and responded

 

Every single other person in the entire nation was sentenced to die without entering the promised land, except Joshua, and you guessed it, Caleb.

 

Forty years the entire nation of Israelites wandered in the desert eating Manna every day. One by one, they died there until a new generation was raised up who knew God, and who knew not Egypt. Even Moses died, and a new man was set in place to lead Israel, Joshua.

 

And Caleb was with him, still a warrior, still full of passion and faith, even though he must have now been in his eighties. Righteous, zealous for the Word of God to come to pass in his life we read:

 

Joshua 14:6 ¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

7  Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.

8  Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

9  And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.

10  And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

11  As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

12  Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

• And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

• And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

 

Joshua 15:14  And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

15  And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.

16  And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

17  And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

18  And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

19  Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

20 ¶ This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

 

Now I need you to see some things here. Caleb could have rested after fighting with the armies of Israel for five years under Joshua. He was eighty-five years old. He could have died leaving a legacy of faith and honour behind him. Yet, He did not. Why? He had the heart of a Patriarch. He had gone past spiritual babyhood decades ago. He overcame his passions to pass through spiritual childhood. As a leader, husband, and father, he passed through spiritual adulthood, and now found himself as a Patriarch in the nation of Israel. He wasn’t called to lead as head of the nation, but you can be sure He and Joshua were tightly knit friends. The same spirit of faith was in them both.

 

He could have been like Moses, and not fully accomplished the plan of God. For God cannot lie, and God’s plan for Moses was that Moses lead His people into the promised land. Yet, Moses never fully allowed God to deal with his anger, and God judged him severly for it. He died without seeing the promised land.

 

Numbers 20:8  Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

 

Numbers 20:11  And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12  And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

 

To whom much is given, much is required.

 

Yet notice Caleb. He was determined not to die before all the plan of God for His life was fulfilled. God had promised him Horeb, and he was going to take it.

 

Join me if you will in an imaginary journey into the thought life of Caleb at this time. Could it be that he reasoned, “Well, I could die, and leave things as they are. Israel is established in this land, and I don’t really need Horeb. I’m well respected in the community, my family is fine. Who cares about Anak?”

 

Yet, he knew that darkness and light will never mix. Enemies will remain enemies. Even though there might be an apparent end to hostilities at present, he knew what would happen. If left alone, the children of Anak would multiply, and the day of reckoning deferred today would only rise up again in future generations. Anak would attack or defile either his children or his grandchildren.

 

So, if his life is any indication, he probably figured. Well, this world is not my home anyway. I’m going to die sometime, even if it is in battle.

 

And Caleb made a decision. He decided that the plan of God and God’s promises to him were more important than even his earthly life.

 

Reminds me of:

Heb 11: 36  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

• And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

 

And Caleb went to war, determined to see the Word of God fulfilled or die trying.

 

And the Word of God came to pass, and he lived victorious.

 

Hebrews 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

 

If you are a Christian you need never fear death or the whimsical temporal approval of man.

 

Believe God, and change Canada or perhaps go as a missionary somewhere.

 

There are enemies in the land Patriarchs. same sex marriages that threaten the family unit. Legalization of Marijuana, Abortion, Child Pornography. Permits applied for Mosques and Hindu temples in our back yards. Stem-cell research and pornography on the Internet. Enemies of honour, enemies of freedom, enemies of God.

 

The disrespect exhibited for the elderly is appalling.

 

Leviticus 19:32  Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

 

While we pastured in Canada, before God moved in the Inuit, elderly people were considered excesses, and were told to go out upon the ice and die. Now, since Holy Spirit has moved in the North, elders are again respected, revered, and are set in place to help govern this new territory Nunavet.

 

It is said in Africa, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.”

 

Patriarchs and Matriarchs we need you to guide us with righteousness in this hour.

 

Phil 1: 21 ¶ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

• And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

 

Dying is easy. Living takes faith. So the children have grown, and the grandchildren have come. Live for God.

 

Ps 91: 14  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

• With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

 

 

‘With long life will I satisfy him’ Are you satisfied that you have fully obeyed God, and done everything you can for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

 

If not, get involved in a prayer group. Seek God for His plan. Stop Abortion. Picket the courts until just laws reflecting righteousness prevail. Leave a legacy that reaps eternal rewards. Go on with God.

 

I close with this word:

 

Psalms 118:17  I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

 

Prayer: Repent of disrespect for elderly. Pray Patriarchs and Matriarchs rise up across the land. Pray God send some into our midst.

Seven That Ways God Speaks to You: Dreams -Part 2

Dreams:

God speaks through dreams.

 

Acts 2: 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Jacob

Ge 31:10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.

Ge 31:11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

Joseph

Ge 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

Ge 37:6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:

Solomon

1Ki 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

Jer 23:28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

Danial

Da 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.

I love a tradition I heard amongst the First Nations tribes. When an elder has a dream, they call a council of elders together, and he or she recites the dream, and they pray and discuss the interpretation of it. They have been doing this for many generations. God, the Creator, The Great Spirit, has been leading and guiding these people for centuries this way. In the tradition of the Cree people, I heard the story, of how, for many generations, elders dreamed of black robed priests that would bring them ‘the black book of God’ that would be the answer for their people.

In the fulness of time, God sent Jesuit missionaries, carrying Bibles to the Cree, the Huron, the Mohawk, the Iroquois confederacy, and now, they have the New Testament translated into their own tongues.

In the book: ‘Brucho’, we read of the God who would appear in the banana leaves. A dream and oral tradition passed down. When the Motilini saw the Bible, it was the sign of the God in the banana leaves, the pages looking to them, like a sheaf of banana leaves.

God speaks through dreams…but they must be correctly interpreted.

While dreams are generally given to us while we sleep, it is what we do when we are awake that is crucial. When the Creator of the universe, reveals things supernaturally to us, regarding the times and seasons that we live, walking out what He reveals can become the most exciting revelation the world has ever seen!

When He truly gives you a dream, and you implement it, eternity comes to earth through you!

Let’s Pray:

“Father God, speak to me through my dreams:

Grant me dreams to show me what You need me to know, discernement to know how to correctly interpret it, and implement it in Your way, in Your timing,  in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen”

 

God speaks through dreams…but they must be correctly interpreted.

Healing America Tour – Choctaw/Spanish

As I have spent a recent time over in the Holy Spirit, praying in other tongues, it has come to my attention that I need to go to Mobile, Alabama, and pray over the land, to cleanse it from the defilements resulting in the innocent bloodshed of the Choctaws at the hands of the Spanish conquistador De Soto.

For those of you unfamiliar with why I do this, know that I am committed to a move of the Holy Spirit in the United States of America, and if you have been to many prayer meetings, you have heard quoted:

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Ever thought about the land itself needing healing?

It can be defiled by innocent bloodshed:

Psalm 106:38

They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood.

Only the blood of Jesus, applied by faith can do this…

For more thoughts on this, read my article: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/redeeming-the-land-2/

It is my intention to travel to Mobile, Alabama to the site of the Choctaw massacre of 1540 where an estimated 11,000 Choctaw were killed in battle defending their home. No date for this trip is yet set. If you would like to join me, please either call or text me at 918 851 4070, or email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com.

For more information, please read the historical account:

History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez Indians – Horatio Bardwell Cushman

Pages 79-83

The Choctaws were first made known to the European world by the journalists of that memorable adventurer, Hernando De Soto, who invaded their territory October, 1540, and introduced the civilized (so-called) race of mankind to the Choctaws in the following manner: A manly young Indian of splendid proportions, and with a face extremely attractive and interesting, visited De Soto after he had left Tallase. He was the son of Tuscaloosa (corruption of the Choctaw words territories extended to the distant Tom big bee in the west. (Tom big bee is a corruption of the Choctaw words Itombi, box, ikbi, maker), a name given to a white man, it is said, who, at an early day, settled on the banks of the river and made boxes for the Choctaws, in which were placed the bones of their dead, which will be particularly noticed elsewhere. The young warrior bore an invitation from his father to De Soto to visit him at his capital. The next day De Soto, advancing to within six miles of where the great chief awaited him, made a halt, and sent Louis de Mascosso with fifteen horsemen to inform Tush ka Lusa of his near approach. Mascosso and his troopers soon appeared before Tush ka Lusa, who was seated upon an emin ence commanding a broad and delightful view. He was a man of powerful stature, muscular limbs, yet of admirable proportions, with a countenance grave and severe, yet handsome. When De Soto arrived Tush ka Lusa arose and advanced to meet him with a proud and haughty air, and said: “Great Chief; I receive you as a brother, and welcome you to my country. I am ready to comply with your requests.” After a few preliminaries, in company with Tush ka Lusa and his followers, De Soto took up his line of march for Mobila the capital of the mighty chief. (Mobila is a corruption of the two Choctaw words moma, all, binah, a lodge, literally a Choctaw word Pi-a-chih, to care for us), they passed through many populous towns, well stored with corn, beans and other provisions. On the fourth morning, De Soto, with a hundred cavalry and as many infantry, made a forced march with Tush ka Lusa in the direction of Mobila, leaving Mascosso to bring up the rear. At eight o’clock the same morning, October 18th, 1540, De Soto and Tush ka Lusa reached the capital. It stood by the si de of a large river, upon a beautiful plain, and consisted of e ighty handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men, and all fronting a large public square. Dodge says in his book styled “Our Wild Indians” that “The aboriginal inhabitants of the North American continent, have never at any time exceeded half a million souls;” yet according to De Soto’s journalists who were with him in his memorable raid, Mobila alone, “consisted of eighty handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men;” and if each house contained Dodge’s “several families consisting of men, with two or three wives, and children of all ages and sexes, occupy for all purposes one single lodge of 12 or 15 feet in diameter what must have been the number of indabitants in Mobila with “80 handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men” with two, three, or more wives, and children The reader can make the calculation at his own leisure; though it seems Mobila alone contained over half the number of souls that Dodge allows for the entire continent, “at one time.” A high wall surrounded the town, made of immense trunks of trees set close together and deep in the ground, and made strong with heavy cross timbers interwoven with large vines. A thick mud plaster, resembling handsome masonry, concealed the wood work, while port-holes were abundant, together with towers, capable of holding eight men each, at the distance of fifteen paces apart. There were two gates leading into the town, one on the east, the other on the west. De Soto and Tush ka Lusa were escorted into the great public square with songs and chants, and the dancing of beautiful Indian girls. They alighted from their horses, and were given seats under a canopy of state. Having remained seated for a short time, Tush ka Lusa now requested that he should no longer be held as a hostage; to which De Soto giving no heed, the indignant chief at once arose and walked off with an independent attitude to where a group of his warriors stood. De Soto had scarcely recovered from his surprise at the independent conduct of Tush ka Lusa, when Jean Ortez followed the chief and stated that breakfast awaited him at De Soto’s table; but he refused to return, and added, “If of my territory.” At this juncture De Soto secretly sent word to his men to be prepared for an attack. Then, hoping to prevent an attack until he could again get in possession of the chief, De Soto advanced toward him with assumed smiles and words of friendship, but Tush ka Lusa scornfully turned his back upon him, and was soon hidden among the multitude of now highly excited warriors. Just then a warrior rushed out of a house, denouncing the Spaniards as robbers and murderers and declared that they should no longer impose on their chief, by holding him as a prisoner. His words so enraged Baltaserde Gallagas, that he cut the warrior in twain with one sweep of his broad sword. At the sight of their slain warrior, the Choctaws, with their defiant war-whoop, at once rushed upon De Soto and his men. De Soto, placing himself at the head of his men, fighting and retreating, slowly made his way out of the town into the plain; and continued to retreat until he had reached a considerable distance upon the plain. In the mean time the troopers rushed to secure their horses, which had been tied outside of the walls. The Choctaws at once knocked the chains from the hands and feet of the Indian prisoners whom De Soto had brought with him, giving them weapons bade them help destroy the perfidious strangers. In the first rush the Choctaws killed five of the Spaniards, who had good fortune in dense masses before the gate. At that moment, De Soto with his cavalry, closely followed by his infantry, made a fearful charge upon the disordered mass of the Choctaws, who were still on the outside of the enclosures, and with a terrible slaughter drove them back into the town. Immediately the Choctaws rushed to the port-holes and towers, and hurled clouds of arrows and spears upon the Spaniards, and again drove them from the walls. Seeing the Spaniards again retreat, again the Choctaws rushed through the gate and fearlessly attacked the Spaniards fighting them hand to hand and face to face. Three long hours did the battle rage, the Spaniards now retreating, then the Choctaws. Like a spectre De Soto seemed every where hewing down on the right and left, as if his arm could never tire. That sword, which had been so often stained with the blood of the South American, was now red with that of the North American, a still braver race. Above the mighty din was heard the voice of Tush ka Lusa encouraging his warriors; his tomahawk, wielded by his muscular arm, ascended and descended in rapid strokes, like a meteor across a starry sky. But could the feeble bow and arrow and the tomahawk avail against the hug e lance and broad-sword? What the unprotected body of the Choctaw warrior against the steel clad body of the Spanish soldier? At the enclosure of their town, closing the gates after them; and at the same time the Spaniards made a desperate charge against the gates and walls, but were met with showers of arrows and other missiles. But the infantry, protected by their bucklers, soon hewed the gates to pieces with their battle-axes, and rushed into the town, while the cavalry remained on the outside to cut to pieces all who might attempt to escape. Then began a carnage too awful to relate. The Choctaws fought in the streets, in the square, from the house top, and walls; and though the ground was covered with their dead and dying relatives and friends, still no living one entreated for quarter. Hotter and hotter, and more bloody waxed the desperate conflict. Often the Choctaws drove the Spaniards out of the town, but to see them return again with demoniac fury. To such a crisis had the battle now arrived, that there could be no idle spectators; and now were seen women and girls contending side by side with the husbands, fathers and brothers, and fearlessly sharing in the dangers and in the indiscriminate slaughter. At length the houses were setson fire, and the wind blew the smoke and flames in all directions adding horror to the scene. The flames ascended in mighty volumes. The din of strife began to grow fainter. The sun weut down, seemingly to rejoice in withdrawing from the sickening was in ruins, and her people slain. For nine long hours had the battle raged. Eighty-two Spaniards were killed and forty-five horses. But alas, the poor Choctaws, who participated in the fight were nearly all slain. Garcellasso asserts that eleven thousand were slain; while the “Portuguese Gentleman” sets the number at twenty five hundred within the town alone. Assuming a point between the two, it is reasonable to conclude that six thousand were killed in and outside of the town. Tushka Lusa perished with his people. After the destruction of Mobila, De Soto remained a few days upon the plains around the smoking town; sending out foraging parties, who found the neighboring villages well stocked with provisions. In all these foraging excursions, females of great beauty were captured, and added to those taken at the close of the battle. On Sunday the 18th of November, 1540, this monster and his fiendish crew took their departure from the smouldering ruins of Mobila, and its brave but murdered inhabitants; and with the poor Mobila girls, at whose misfortunes humanity weeps, resumed their westward march.” Thus the Europeans introduced themselves to the Native Americans nearly four centuries ago as a race of civilized and Christian people, but proving themselves to be a race of fiends utterly void of every principle of virtue the Europeans as a race unknown to civilization and Christianity, yet proving themselves possessed of many virtues that adorn man, together with a spirit of as true and noble patriotism, martyrs upon the altar of liberty, that has never been surpassed. I challenge history to show a nation whose people ever displayed a more heroic courage in defense of their country and homes than did Tushka Lusa and his brave people in defending their town Mama-binah. They exposed their naked breasts to the keen lances and swords of those iron-clad Spaniards with but stone and bone-tipped spears and the feeble bow and arrow, which were but as toy pistols against the deadly Winchester rifle of the present day; and heroically stood face to face with their terrible foes with their frail weapons and disputed every inch of ground, and yielded only when none was left to fight. That they should have killed eighty two of the Spaniards with their feeble weapons is truly astonishing, proving conclusively that had they been on equal footing with the Spaniards, not a Spaniard would have survived to tell the tale of their complete destruction.