Don't be dessert! Be Dessert!

I was listening to Acappella's powerful song, "Shut de Do". One of the lines said,

Satan is an evil charmer
Hungry for a soul to hurt
And without your holy armour
He will eat you for dessert


I started thinking (*startling). Wow, I usually love dessert, but I hate beets and iceberg lettuce and certain preparations of carrots, zuchinini, and brussel sprouts (note certain preparations of brussel sprouts, carrots, and zuchinni are good). I am intereseted in giving the devil a little "Christian Health Reform". Or maybe better said a downright, dingy, dinky, dinner. As I see it, the devil is having way to many desserts. We need to try to give him a little bit more of fiber the scrubber. It should be noted that beets, carrots, zuchini, and brussel sprouts don't appear in the Bible. May be God is trying to say something. Wouldn't it be nice to "keep the armour on" and cause Satan to have eat not dessert, but a big juicy beet ( of such size as to intimidate the most dedicated beet enthusiast),
or a sweet, but so not so tasty carrot, or even better a "piercing headache" producing zuchini or how about the mind twisting brussel sprout. In conclusion, be a vegetable to the devil, however be dessert to God.

Beatitudes of the Apocalypse

Rev 1:3 Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.



Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.



Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.



Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.



Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.



Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.



Rev 22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

What do owls and handcuffs have in common?

A lot?

David's Mighty Men

There was something about this sheperd, something powerful! Whether slaying a bear and lion, beheading Goliath, conquering Philistines, tending sheep, or plucking a harp, David was good at what he did. People noticed this and were drawn to him. I like to imagine that it would be like what my Uncle said concerning Baraka Obama (this is not a political message =). "When Mr. Obama went into a room it was always noticed. Conversations stopped, people parted, expectation filled the room, eyes turned toward Mr. Obama. As he spoke, it was clear that everyone was moved. He has charisma." Charisma, that is what David had, and people loved it. I imagine that people probabbly felt better when they were around David. Something about him spoke hope, in their hopelessness.

Unfortunately, Saul got jealous. He saw people adoring, David, and not himself. So he kicked David out. But that didn't stop people from coming to David. The Bible says, "David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard [it], they went down thither to him.And every one [that was] in distress, and every one that [was] in debt, and every one [that was] discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men (1 Samuel 22:1-2)". Good, mediocre, bad, and downright evil he took them all in, as long as they were willing to let him be captain over them.

After a few years of being with David, the band of men started to change. All those Psalms that gave such a startling description of a man's relationship with his God, started to be lived out in the lives of the men and women that took refuge with the charismatic leader. Listen to this Psalm, written during David's experience in the cave. "1 I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. 2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. 4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. 5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. 6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me (Psalms 142)".

Then it happened. Men who had before been the dregs of society, became the chief protectors and defenders of the next king of Israel. They became David's mighty men. "These also [are] the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, [and] with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel (1 Chronicles 11:10)."

Through the spirit of God, David's mighty men wrought many amazing feats. "8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. 9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: 10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. 11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. 13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. 14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it , and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. 17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men. 18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them , and had the name among three. 19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. 20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: 21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian' hand, and slew him with his own spear. 22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men. 23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard. 24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 27 Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 29 Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, 30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, 34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, 38 Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite, 39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all (1 Samuel 23).

A son of David also had charisma. People saw something in this Son of David. After John declared him to be the lamb of God, two of John's disciples spent the rest of that day and all night with Him. The result, "We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ (John 1:41)." Think of it in a little less then twenty four hours two men are convinced of the messiahship of Christ.

Like David, Christ chose commen men, who were willing to call him Lord. The charisma of Christ, which is derived from the Greek word that can mean "God's gift" or "divine favor", gave bad, average, and "good" men hope admist this world's hoplessness.

After a few years with Jesus, people noticed, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13)". Men once fearful of maids, stood before the kings and queens of the land proclaiming Christ at the risk of their lives.

Transformed by the power of Christ, their one goal was to set up Christ's new kingdom. "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? (1 Peter 3:12)" Their devotion to Christ was so powerful and influential during their lifetime that the 12 foundations of the New Jerusalem bear their names (Rev 22:14)."


Just like Christ changed them, he can change us. The "captain of our salvation" wishes to make you one of his mighty souldiers (Hebrews 2:10). Should you accept this charge, your one ambition will be to prepare the way for the coming King Jesus.

Light Capturers

Light has fascinating properties. It can act like a wave sometimes or like a particle other times. The way it interacts with various substances to bring out various colors, shades, hues, and sparkles is fascinating.

Christ said, "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). It is Christ who first broke through the darkness. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light (Genesis 1:3)." "And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Ephesians 3:9)."

We have no light in and of ourselves. If we seperate from Christ, our flame goes out. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them (Isaiah 8:20)." "But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him (John 11:10)." "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Revelation 2:5)."

When accept Christ, we receive the light. "... he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12)."

People cherish things that reflect light in a beautiful way. Morphos reflect a jewel like blue light. Flowers show off a vast array of colors. The blue jay has feathers that are structured in such a way that it gives captures blue light in the feathers.





Some of the most prized light capturers are gemstones. The way that a gemstone is able to capture and reflect certain wavelengths of light has led to people doing all sorts of crazy things to obtain a light capturer.

Christians are like gemstones. " And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; (Revelation 21:19)". In verse 14 of Revelation 21, the Bible says that the tweleve apostles names were written on each foundation. Furthermore, Peter writes, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5) ". And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him (Malachi 3:17)."

Each Christian's testimony is unique. No two people on the earth have the exact same experience with God. Light capturers capture and reflect light in different ways. Causing the many spectrums of the light of God's love to be revealed in the world. The light capturers of Revelation 21 or the apostles are represented by various gemstones in the New Jerusalem.

The jewels on the ephod of the Old Testament high priest, had special significance. They represented the twelve tribes of Israel. "And the stones [were] according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes (Exodus 39:14)." Christ the high priest of the New Testament wears each of his light bearers close to his heart.

Whatever wavelength of light you may capture and reflect, know that it sparkles and dazzles those around you. Just like a gemstone your experience with God is something that is sought after. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10)." Accept Christs' call to be the light of the world. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:14)." Accept Christs' call to be a light capturer.

Palmowniy

"Wonderful Numberer" that is Palmowniy. This is the only time that the Hebrew word is used in the Bible. The reference can be found in Daniel 8:13. "Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] (Palmowniy) which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot (Daniel 8:13)?"

Look at Young's Literal Translation, "And I hear a certain holy one speaking, and a certain holy one saith to the wonderful numberer who is speaking: Till when 'is' the vision of the continual 'sacrifice', and of the transgression, an astonishment, to make both sanctuary and host a treading down? (Daniel 8:13)".

That "Wonderful Numberer" is Christ. The future is laid out before Christ. "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he] (John 13:9)."

I want to lay my all in the hands of the "Wonderful Numberer". "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:(Isaiah 46:10)."

Make an effort to examine the prophecies of the "Wonderful Numberer".


Note Leslie Hardinge contributed to the insights here presented. For further study investigate his books (God Is My Judge, Walking With Jesus in His Sanctuary) and his sermons (Daniel Series via American Cassette Ministries).