Where is God

The question was asked, if God and Jesus are real why do the vast of majority of people not see them? To which I replied, the reason we do not see them is that they (God/Christ) are to be reflected in us-His created image. Mankind was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This means we were created to resemble God in terms of our physical/spiritual make up, but also in terms of our personality. Personality is defined as “the set of emotional qualities, ways of behaving, etc., that makes a person different from other people.” We were created with the ability to conduct ourselves much like Him. The first clue we see of this comes from Genesis 1:28. “God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” God’s rule is in Heaven and the earth He gave to man (Psalm 115:16). 

However, many can attest that the earth we live in is one that is in distress. We see that many do not value life as murder and/or the taking of life is rampant. Others whose only value is self often dismiss the needs of those bound in poverty and seek to keep them subdued rather than offer a helping hand. You see, while many have attempted to understand the behavior of mankind they can only offer insight into what is observable. That which we see does not often explain the why behind what we see. In order to answer this question we must journey back to the beginning of mankind. And no, we aren’t the result of some unexplainable big, bang. We human beings are intelligent in our design and thus can only be the result of an Intelligent Designer.

When God created mankind there was no division between He and them.They were able to enjoy each others presence. The divide that would come to exist did not happen until after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. You see, most people take issue with the fact that a serpent (snake) could speak and have the ability to deceive human beings. I must add, whether you believe in an actual talking serpent is not of importance here; the Bible often uses many things in a figurative sense. However, the original context of words and what they mean can sometimes be lost in translation, which happens a great deal in terms of the Bible. Serpent in Hebrew is Nachash and while it does mean to hiss, it also means divination or enchantment. It was in this enchantment that Eve, later Adam ate the fruit. 

The serpent (Satan) convinced them that if they ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil that their eyes would be open and they would become like gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5 KJV). It is important to note that they did not become evil through eating the fruit, they now had a knowledge of what it meant to be good and evil. On the other hand, the transgression of God’s command opened the door to which sin entered. Sin meaning, “an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law,” in simple terms to miss the mark, the mark established by God. It was at their disobedience of God’s command not to eat the fruit that expelled not only them from the Garden, but expelled God-or the Garden from the earth. You see, the Garden of Eden was the point at which Heaven and Earth met. Now with the introduction of sin Adam and Eve could not freely move between both realms, and neither could God. God is Spirit, and the inhabitants of a material world must be those made of material substance, which in this case is man. The only inhabitants who could live in the garden were those free of sin, thus why mankind was expelled. In this instance mankind had a new lord in that of Satan-so, instead of the earth being influenced with the goodness of God it became influenced with that of evil.

Many have trouble with the fact that Adam and Eve, along with the earth and all that were yet to come would suffer such a fate. However, even in this punishment God had a way for mankind to be redeemed through the Person of Christ (Yeshua-Jesus). Christ came to demonstrate the Kingdom from which we all originate and to provide the Way through which we could all have access. Through one man (Adam) sin and death reigned for all, but through ONE Man, Christ we are born unto righteousness, should we choose to make Him our Lord (Romans 5:17). The LORD, Himself came to the material earth in a material body! This act translates us out of the kingdom of darkness (Satan) to the Kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13). However, the aim of Satan is to keep people from discovering the truth of who he is and therefore who God is. "In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4). Because remember, if there is no devil there can be no God. Can good exist without evil or evil without good?

The powers that be which influence this world has and can only offer a fleshly existence; it denies the divine-God within us. Flesh is only concerned with pleasing and gratifying the flesh; it is the, “whatever makes me feel good,” existence. Its soul aim is to keep people from recognizing God within, the divine, the spirit nature. The spirit nature knows from whence it came and is always seeking to bring this reality into the earth. “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible”(Hebrews 11:3).

God is not absent, people have chosen to disregard Him. Although, He has been known as God from the beginning, many did not acknowledge Him as such (Romans 1:21). Many understand the notion of the spirit world, the divine, but lessen it using terms like the universe, consciousness, etc. Many have taken the principles of God, re-packaged them in a way that divorces them from their source of Origin, God. “He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.' Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.” (Acts 17:25-30)

We must understand the law of Oneness.  That all humans are created in the image and likeness of God-that God breathed His Spirit into Adam (mankind) and that one breath, the breath of life has continued throughout all the generations.  In this law of Oneness the actions of one affects all those around them. So, if there is poverty, it is due to man not taking care of his/her brother/sister. If there is murder, it is due to others not valuing life-not valuing the divine that is within us all. Did not Cain say to God, “am I my brother’s keeper?” Well, yes you are! Until we understand this law of Oneness the question of where is God will continue to be asked.

 

 



 

Two become one

I am constantly amazed at the revelation that continues to be discovered in God’s Word. Lately my attention has been drawn to that of creation as relating to humankind and wanted to share some insight integral to understanding God’s natural intent and design for us all. In Genesis 2:7 we see that Adam (man) is formed. Formed-“bring together parts or combine to create, bring into existence.” On the other hand the Isha (woman) was made. Made-“bring into certain form-to cause to be or become.” After the creation of Adam-Elohim (The Lord) declared that it was not good for man to be alone. However, not only was Adam alone, he was “AL-ONE.” The creation of humankind came about through the creation of Adam. After mankind was brought into existence the Lord separated man (humankind) into male and female!

The Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam. Most of today’s translations read “then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place.”(Genesis 2:21) However, the original word used in this context is “tsela or tzela” which means side-side chambers or cells. It has been postulated that what was actually taken from Adam was DNA-which is the framework of life and contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce. It is possible that rib was used allegorically as ribs are necessary not only for the protection of vital organs and assistance in breathing, but they also serve as much needed support for the body. They are the framework onto which the muscles of the chest, back, upper abdomen and shoulder girdle attach. Let’s just say you couldn’t live without them!

What God did with Adam is to remove the portion of him which would later serve as the framework for which the female would come to be. Why the male first? Seed reproduces after its own kind (Genesis 1:11 & 1:25) Males are the producers of seed and women are the bearers/carriers of that seed-woman-meaning “womb man.” What is further interesting is the name for husband-man and woman-wife in the Hebrew language.

Husband-man is represented by Aleph Yod Shin with woman-wife represented by Aleph Shin Heh (Hey). These two names are separated by Yod and Heh (Hey) In looking at what remains-Aleph Shin we learn this means fire-fire. This fire within both male and female can represent passions, desires, etc. These passions and desires can burn uncontrollably if not kept in check. When we look at what was removed, Yod Heh (Hey)-(YH) we come to discover that this is actually the abbreviated form of the Lord’s divine name-YHWH. What is so amazing about God is that He inserted Himself into both the male and female! He is the source that if submitted to Him, controls the fire, so that it does not burn uncontrollably.

After the woman was made the scripture reads, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” In Genesis 1:26 we read that man was created in the image and likeness of God. But, remember after man was created-God separated them into male and female. Oh, here is the best part! It is when man and woman are joined together through (marriage), becoming one flesh, that they reveal the image and likeness of God! It is the act of marriage that brings back together what was once separated!

Why this long message? Because we need to understand the importance of marriage and to recognize Satan’s assault and calculated attack on the institution of it. Remember Satan hates anything that represents God and this act puts the fullness of God’s image and likeness on display.

Press Onward

During the latter half of my third pregnancy I began having some issues with mobility, particularly on the right side. These issues were eventually resolved but would later revisit me in my fourth and final pregnancy. After a few years of visiting various doctors, physical therapies and injections I finally opted for a right sided S.I. Joint Fusion in the summer of 2013.

Prior to these issues I was very active and considered myself to be in even greater shape at that point of my life then when I was younger. The recovery was long lasting and almost two years later I still experience some limitations. Here recently, I decided that in spite of these limitations I needed to be more active. Since the surgery I’ve worked out here and there but not with any consistency. I decided that no matter how small a start returning to physical fitness was a feat I was determined to accomplish.

The other day while jogging, yes jogging, an activity I hadn’t done years prior to my final pregnancy or surgery because of two injured knees I had a revelation. My right hip is often stiff, a side effect from the fusion I’m sure, and sometimes it takes a while to get in motion. At the outset of the run I was experiencing a little pain from the stiffness, but I noticed the longer I ran the less pain I felt, until I eventually felt no pain at all. This very physical activity referenced a spiritual one.

Often in life we find ourselves facing some very intense struggles, battles and situations.  These very things often cripple a person to the point where they struggle to live fully. Sure, they are alive physically but with each step taken they feel the crushing weight of life’s challenges holding them back. It was in that moment as I was jogging that I discovered if I pushed past that which was causing so much discomfort I would break through those very hindrances that were holding me back. Paul is one of the writers of the Bible that is often quoted. I love Paul as I can relate much to the man and definitely to his message.

^“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” I Corinthians 9:26-27

I like the fact that Paul used such a relatable concept in the way of sports. Being in a Roman dominated society I’m sure he was well equated with the Roman world of sports. He understood that laying hold of something would require discipline. It would require intense and unswerving fixation on a goal along with the training and exercise to obtain it. As a believer this is what we do when we encounter life. Being a believer does not exempt us from the effects of life, being a believer empowers us to rise above them. In the physical many thrive from having a partner to help push and motivate them toward reaching their goal but we are also afforded assistance in the spiritual world. Believers have the best training partner in the way of our Lord, the great I AM.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

Consequently, in that same exercise session I was enlightened with another revelation. When I awakened the next morning I was slightly sore in my oblique area. I could not figure out why when it hit me that the previous day I did approximately 20 side bends on both the left and right sides. This wasn’t an extensive amount of exercise and I couldn’t understand why this would leave me sore. I then realized these were muscles that have been severely underutilized and any amount of training would produce a physical effect. The same is true within our spiritual walk when facing difficulties. As challenging as it may be spending a small amount of time in prayer, praise and worship will produce not only a physical effect but a spiritual one as well. Time spent in these devices will uplift the soul and strengthen the spirit. The more you continue in those small efforts the greater the advancements you will make.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Have you stayed too long?

A few months ago I made the decision to read through the Bible with my children. I remember as a child attending Sunday and Vacation Bible School. It was during these encounters that I was able to learn scripture even if I didn’t understand the meaning behind them. With Sunday school classes on the decline and in some instances Vacation Bible School as well I realized that “I” needed to do more to expose my children to God’s Word. Isn’t that the job of a parent anyway? I wanted to make it simple so I just started with the beginning. What has been so beautiful about this experience is the revelation I’ve been receiving! I have read these books multiple times and at varying stages in my Christian walk but this experience has been quite different. After completing Genesis and soon to begin Exodus I gave my son a brief description of what the book entails. It was in this synopsis that something key was revealed.

Toward the end of Genesis we learn that Jacob, now known as Israel, his sons and all their household must relocate to Egypt due to a drought (Genesis 45-46) Twenty years earlier, Israel’s son Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers due to their jealousy. During Joseph’s time in Egypt he suffered much hardship but was ultimately promoted to Governor in Egypt second only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38). It was because of who Joseph was that his family was able to move to Egypt and be spared from the effects of the drought. Israel, his sons and their families were able to live in Egypt peacefully and abundantly for many years. However, after the deaths of Israel, Joseph and his brothers the descendants of Israel became mighty in the land of Egypt. Upon recognition of this the Egyptians reasoned with themselves that if they did not enslave them then those descendants might align with their enemies and war against them (Exodus 1)

The failure of the Israelites during this time is that they became too comfortable in Egypt. When God brought them out of the land of Canaan in order to save them from the drought He never intended for them to prolong their stay in Egypt. However, in order to get a complete picture we must go back to Jacob/Israel’s grandfather Abraham. God told Abraham to leave his father’s household and go to a place that He would show him (Genesis 12); this land was Canaan. It is interesting to note that after Abraham and Sarah arrived in Canaan there was a famine which caused them to have to go to Egypt. However, their stay there was short lived but when they departed they left with sheep, oxen, donkeys, camels and female and male servants (Genesis 12:16)  Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and their descendants were already living in what would become the promised land (Canaan) for the Israelites. With the exception of the 20 years Jacob/Israel spent living and working for his uncle Laban he, himself was reared in the land of Canaan.

Isn’t that the case with God’s children of today? We become comfortable in situations and places that God never intended for us to remain in. We have two choices, leave when we are instructed or remain and face the consequences of staying in a place when we aren’t supposed to. Of course, hundreds of years later God would deliver the Israelites and once again instruct them to go to Canaan (the Promised Land) but their presence in the land had been absent for many years and other nations inhabited the land. The Israelites had to fight to regain what was theirs to begin with! I believe they were supposed to leave when Joseph died and/or when the famine had ended. The famine lasted only 7 years but they sojourned there for many more years after that.

It is important to seek God on where you are to be and to be sensitive to His voice. God can call you to a place filled with peacefulness and abundant living however, you must recognize if and when He calls you to leave. Don’t become too comfortable that you miss His voice and when calamity befalls you question where He is.

The Agony of Waiting

The other day I was in the middle of cleaning when my three year old asked me to help her remove a belt that she had fastened around her dress. Because of the chemicals on the gloves that I was wearing I told her to sit on the bed and once I was done I would help her. Apparently, wait is not a part of her vocabulary and she began to throw a tantrum! I thought this the opportune time to teach her the importance of waiting. As her tantrum began to reach decibels that should have shattered the windows the more determined I became in not running to her rescue. In that moment I needed her to understand that she can't expect everything to happen at the time she determines they should. This tantrum raged on for almost 30 minutes and concluded only when she succeeded in ripping the dress because she  refused to wait the 10 minutes it would have taken me to finish my tasks.

As she stood there crying I asked God if this is how we react to Him when He doesn't respond immediately. We ask Him for something and when He doesn't show up on our predetermined schedule we throw a tantrum. Of course tantrums for us may not be screaming hysterically, but for some that maybe the case. Our tantrums could manifest in refusing to do the things we know we should; read our bibles, go to church, neglect our responsibilities or in some cases refuse to fellowship with God. We could be close to the cusp of answered prayer and because God doesn't appear at the time "we've" requested we throw a tantrum. What happens as a result of our proverbial tantrum is that God is surely delayed and in some cases we miss His time of visitation altogether.

You see, God tells us that we are not to be anxious but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6) But I believe that if many believers are honest with themselves the reason for their anxiety is lack of faith. Hebrews 11:6 states that it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone coming to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Many believers do not have a problem with the existence part, it is the part that He rewards those who diligently seek Him that can cause us to stumble.

Certainly life's circumstances can sometimes seem overwhelming and at times appear to crush us under its weight but Christ told us to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. I do not share this with you as someone who has arrived to the place free of struggles but as someone who continues to struggle. My mind has been the thorn in my flesh and some days it feels clear and free and then other days not so much. But, what I've learned is I don't have to pretend with God to be someone I'm not and I don't have to pretend that I have obtained and arrived at the place He would have me be. When I feel overwhelmed in my mind I confess it and I ask God for His grace. I have discovered that is the only way I can make it. I've settled the fact that God does reward those who diligently seek Him even when His rewards appear to take more time than I like. To everything there is a season but there is also a process. If we could see behind the scenes and be privy to every plan that God has then why would we need faith? What would be the point of trusting and hoping for that which we can't see because in this scenario we've already seen it.

 No believer's life is perfect, nor is it free of challenges but let us all cling to Psalm 27: 13-14 which states, "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"