Joseph and Unreasonable Requests

Listening to God can be a bit confusing at times. Especially for the common folk. As we look at Joseph's life, we discover that he was no "Mary".

He was just a man doing his best to provide for his family. Into his life, God gave what seemed to be unreasonable requests. We often will spend time arguing with God about these, but because Joseph knew God and trusted Him, he obeyed, and Jesus was saved.

In the end, Joseph simply faded into history, as most of us will do, but he was blessed to be a part of God's plan in the world.

What do you do when God makes unreasonable requests of you?

God bless,
Pastor Wayne

At the end of Ezekiel's ministry, he receives a vision of what the world will be like when God himself rules from Jerusalem. In these nine chapters with 8250 words, He describes in detail this new temple.

This is the culmination, the answer to all of God's promises to his people Israel, and the answer is glorious. It is so glorious, that many people try to spiritualize it and make it mystical and common. As one looks at the multitude of details, the new priesthood, and the sacrifices, One sees a holy point of origin for the river of God that renews the world and brings healing to the nations. In the end, the simple answer is YHWH Shammah.

May you be encouraged as you witness how God keeps his promises, not only to Israel, but to us.

Pastor Wayne

When God calls

When is the last time that God had an all-out fight in the physical world? What happens when God calls a nation out? God called Pharaoh Neco in Josiah's time to his destruction at Carchemish. God told Sennacherib that he knows where he lives, and when he comes and goes. It was God who called him to come against Hezekiah.

In Ezekiel, God calls out the nations that have been exalting themselves and brings them against Israel. They believe that they are initiating the war, but it is the true God. God is stating that now is the time to put up or shut up. When we look at the world and the nations that are currently arrayed against Israel, we see that they are completely in line with the battle of Gog and Magog.

It is not a dreadful thing when one realizes that it is God who is calling them, and God who will humiliate them.

be encouraged, even as the world gets turned upside down.

Pastor Wayne

He is Risen!!!

The resurrection of Jesus is celebrated at Easter, but often the message is removed from our lives. In Scripture we have 3 resurrections that are talked about. The first has happened, the second is close at hand, and the third will follow shortly after.

Jesus' resurrection was an eternal resurrection (in contrast to people like Lazarus who would die again). The Nation of Israel has been gathered together, as described in Ezekiel, but the complete resurrection has not happened, in that it is not yet an eternal resurrection. The Spirit has not yet entered them. In the mean time, we have been gathered as a church, and are made alive, but are awaiting our eternal resurrection.

In all three cases, the purpose is "I will be their God, and they will be my people". Eternal living in eternal family and relationship. In this way, let Christ's resurrection be a joy and comfort to each of us.

Pastor Wayne