The Tabernacle of Moses - The Brazen Altar-Part 1

      The Brazen Altar or the Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8)(Altar of Judgement) was the largest piece of furniture in Moses' Tabernacle.It's believed that it was large enough for every other piece of furniture to fit into it, symbolizing all of the other graces, all of the other things that are in God come out from the Altar. In other words, we start with redemption, we start with the blood and as a result everything else precedes from there. You must start here(The Cross), for everything begins with salvation or redemption or the sacrifice of Jesus. Notice that where he finished is where we must start. The starting point for man's relationship with God. The word Altar means lifted up- high-ascending. Jesus Christ was lifted up on the Cross which was His Altar. Since then He has ascended up and is high above all. It also means "slaughter place". The Altar of Burnt Offering pointed to Calvary's Cross where all that the Brazen Altar foreshadowed was fulfilled.To me the Altar is a place where one meets with God.

Leadership - Divine Principles

Stay out of strife at all cost, resolve your anger, and don't take matters into your own hands. First principle is  the rewards of authority and the law of respect. God will never give a man or woman authority who will attack authority. Why! You will never attract what you attack. What you don't respect will eventually move away from you. This could be friends, family, health, money, the anointing, miracles and the supernatural...etc..On the other hand, what you respect you will attract. One of the great rewards of authority is promotion. Promotion is God's doing and it is His will for your life. The Holy Spirit's opinion of you determines your progress, but His favor controls your promotion. The attitude with which you receive correction from those in authority will determine the length and depth of God's blessings and promotions in your life. Caution! The moment you decide to be a leader, you give away your right to become offended. If you are going to be a strong leader, you must develop tough skin. God is seeking for strong leaders. Some qualification: One is faithfulness. One who is after God's own heart. A praying man or woman. A worshiper. It is the surrendered life that worships Him in spirit and in truth. A grateful heart is the one who carries a love affair with Him in the spirit. A humble man or woman is one who does n"t exalt themselves. Humility is simply recognizing the worth and value of another, specially that of Almighty God. The man or woman who fears the Lord is one who hates the very thought of displeasing God. A wise man or woman is a doer of the Word of God.

A Lying Spirit

    You ask why is it so easy to lie than to tell the truth?
A liar is Self Deceived for he has been tricked or mislead by the devil into believing that if he lies he can get over in life. He can get over on others. But the truth is that lying is a great sign of insecurity and poor self worth. Now what the devil never tells you is that a Lair is an Impostor- a Fake - a Phony. A lair is one who has lost his Identity. He is the Man Behind The Mask and eventually you lose your Self Respect...The truth is that when you lie, you are a puppet on a string, and the devil is the one using you, for he is the Father of Lies.
Here are things you ought to know: lying dulls your senses to Reality--strips you of self respect--alienates you more and more from God and your loved ones-- you enter the World of make belief and fear-- you undermine  your own Success and Future by building on a False Foundation-- lying will eventually destroy every meaningful relationship in your life-- liars in time become Vagabonds, and have to keep moving from place to place as people discover who they really are.  Why do people lie?  They lie to protect self and others-- to cover up something or someone -- for fear of Rejection or fear of Punishment-- to hurt others they dislike-- people who suffer from Low Self Esteem lie to make themselves look good, because they don't like who they really are-- people don't know that white lies leave black marks on a man's reputation-- you will find that a lie has no legs. It has to be supported by other Lies-- it may appear to you that a lie may take care of the present, but the truth is that Lies have no Future. Eventually your sins will find you out -- lies are like a rubber ball in the bottom of a pool. They always rise to the top...Psalms 101:7  "He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight."
Proverbs 6:16-19 "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

A Face of Every Season

Ezekiel 1:10 "As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of Man, and the face of a Lion on the right side, and they four had the face of an Ox on the left side, they four also had the face of an Eagle. The face of a Man speaks to us of both Jesus' humanity and ours. This speaks of limitations- frailty- pain- frustrations- failures- insecurities-fears- weaknesses- despair- fatigue- discontent- revenge- resentment- lust- lies- disloyalty- unforgiveness. The face of a Lion speaks of war-rule-authority-fearless- aggressive. This is more apostolic than prophetic. The face of the Eagle speaks of the spiritual christian. This is more prophetic than apostolic. Soar-vision-building-gifts of the spirit-revelation knowledge. The face of the Ox speaks of the ministry of the towel or the face of the servant. Serve-sacrifice-patience-plow-humanity.

Discerning the Times and the Seasons and What to do in Them-Part 1

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven."
       Winter- a time or season of inactivity or decay. a time or season of repair, restoration and rejuvenation.
        Spring- the season when things come into being. It is resurrection time. The season when things originate and blossom.
         Summer- It is Harvest Time.
          Autumn or Fall- the season of preparation.
#1-Times and seasons of Warfare: God never changes, but our seasons and times do. Not discerning the times and seasons will give the enemy the advantage over us. II Cor. 2:11" Lest satan should get an advantage over us for we are not ignorant of his devices." Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge or for being ignorant of the enemies devices." Most battles that we find ourselves engages in are not battles ordained of God, but rather battles that our ignorance and pride have gotten us into. The battles ordained of God are fought for spoils and rewards. (God always uses a Goliath to bring his servants from obscurity to prominence). The battles fought out of ignorance, and pride waste our time, sap our energy, and many times deplete our finances, not to mention the disgrace that some of those battles cost us.
#2-Times and seasons of Distress: times when we will experience pain, anguish, and misfortune. Remember! What you permit will always continue. Behavior permitted is behavior perpetuated. Many times sin is the cause of distress. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and repent. Repentance stops prosecution. There are five rewards of pain: it forces you to look to the Word of God for answers, it causes you to lean on the arm of God instead of men, it forces you to learn where you went astray, it forces you to long for His presence and healing, it forces you to listen for changes in God's instructions. So don't misunderstand the hurting season. They birth the healing process.
#3- Times and seasons of fear. II Tim 1:7 "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." Weakness is contagious, and so is fear, and so conduct (or fear) allowed becomes conduct(or fear) approved. Everything changes when a weakness is permitted to grow in you.
#4-Times ans seasons of rest: When fatigue walks in-faith walks out. This is why it is vital for you to replenish yourself consistently, Jesus did. Private victories can birth public victories. Private victories can lead to public honor. Time alone with God builds character. Those times birth revelation of the power and
purpose of God. Fatigue makes you vulnerable to the enemy. Most fall into temptation when fatigued. Don't ever give up! You may be 24 hours away from your breakthrough.
#5-Times and seasons of special favor:  Special seasons of favor births unusual success. Unusual favor moved Joseph from the prison to the palace of pharaoh. Unusual favor is when God causes someone to desire to become a problem solver in your life. Unusual favor is only guaranteed to those who qualify through acts of obedience. Unusual favor is an attitude of goodness toward you, not an exchange or payment for something you have done. Unusual favor must begin as a seed from you before it returns as a harvest to you.

The Significance of Numbers in the Bible

One =Unity, God, Independence, Supremacy (Deut.4:6; Eph. 4:1-6; Jn. 17)
Two =Witness, Confirmation, Covenant, Christ in the fullness of His body (Mt. 18:16; Amos 3:3; the man and woman of Eph. 5:31-32)
Three = The Godhead, that which is real or substantial, Divine fullness(Mt. 28:19; II Cor. 13:14; I Jn. 5:6-7; A cube-Eph. 3:18)
Four = Universal, World-wide (four points on a compass; four corners of the earth - Is. 11:12; four winds - Song. 4:16; Job 1:19; Lk. 12:54)
Five = Grace, Spiritual ministry ( the five wounds of Jesus on the Cross; this number is prominent throughout the Tabernacle; Mt. 14:17, 21; 25:15; Eph. 4:11; I Sam. 17:40)
Six = Man, Man's limitations (Ex. 20:9; Rev. 13:18)
Seven = Perfection, Completion, Perfect divine accomplishment (this number is prominent in the book of Revelation; Ex. 25:37; Deut. 28:25; Job 5:19; Pr. 26:16; Eccl. 11:2; Is. 4:1; 11:15; Mk. 16:9; Rev. 1:12; 5:6)
Eight = That which is new, New life, Resurrection, A new day (the day after the Sabbath or the first day of the week; Gen.17:12; I Sam. 17:12, 14; John 20:26; I Pet. 3:20)
Nine = Fullness ( I Cor. 12:8-10; Gal. 5:22-23)
Ten = Law, Responsibility to keep the Word (Ex. 20:1-17; Deut. 4:13)
Eleven = Disorganization, Confusion ( Gen. 11; Acts 1:26; Gen. 37:9)
Twelve = Divine Government, Divine Order (twelve tribes of Israel; twelve disciples; Gen. 35:22; I Kg. 4:7; 10:18-20; Mt. 10:1; Rev. 12:1; 21:12-21)
Fifteen = Rest (the Holy of Holies was 15x15x15 feet; the fifteen Songs of Degrees in Psalms 120-134; Lev. 23:34-39; Est. 9:18)
Thirty = Maturity, Authority to rule ( Gen. 41:46; II Sam. 5:4; Lk. 3:23)
Forty = Trial, Testing, Proving, Discipline, Chastening (Ex. 16:35; 24:18; Deut. 25:3; Ps. 95:10; Mt. 4:2; Mk. 1:13; Lk. 4:2; II Cor. 11:24)
Fifty = Pentecost, Anointing (fifty days after the Passover; Acts 2:1-47)
One Hundred = Fruitfulness, The 100-Fold (Mt. 13:23; Eccl. 6:3; Rom. 4:19; Lk. 8:8)
Three Hundred = Complete deliverance, Faithful Remnant
These types and scriptures are only meant to be basic. Please be encouraged to do further study in the area of Bible numbers....Blessings always.

Lift Up Now Your Eyes, And Look From The Place Where You Are

Gen 13:14-15 And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, "Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where you are northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: for all the land thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever." The only place to start is where you are. Start where you are with what you have and God will add the increase. Did you know that the only reason people fail is broken focus. Focus empowers you. Anyone or anything that keeps your attention, controls your thoughts, controls you. Prov 4:25-27 "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eye lids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Stop living in the Past. God has a bright future for you. Adam and Eve broke their focus, and so did King David with Bathsheba. Delilah broke the focus of Samson. You have to fight to maintain your focus. Jesus temptation in the wilderness, before He started His ministry, was to break His focus. The battle of the will at Gethsemane was to brake His focus. How about when Peter walked on water. Heb 12:1-3 in the Amplified says, "Looking away from all that will distract unto Jesus." Determine what you want to build your life around. How can you protect your focus? Decide what you want to think, talk about and read about, and learn about. Choose your friends wisely. Choose your home church wisely, for they are connected with the fulfillment of God's destiny for your life. Learn to keep things in perspective. Daily adjustments are vital, if we are going to enjoy and fulfill God's best for our lives. He's not done with us yet. Phil 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of  Jesus Christ."

How about Relationships?

Are you aware that every relationship in your life is either taking you towards your dreams or away from them? They are either making deposits or withdrawals. You need to learn to qualify people for your presence, or for your inner circle, for not everyone qualifies. Some of the qualifiers are respect and honor. I say, qualify the soil around you before you plant the seed of your life in it. I believe this is the #1 way to guard your heart, for you will find that your life will always evolve around relationships. How about your daily and weekly schedule? Learn to prioritize what are the 3 most important things in your life. #1-God-daily prayer, bible reading, study/meditation, Church attendance, ministry activities and functions. #2-Family- daily communion(keeping the life line open), breakfast time, dinner time, morning or evening chats, going to church or functions together, fun time, vacation, going out with your mate on a date. #3-Work-How long does it take to get there, how many hours does my job require, is my job connected to my destiny or is it just supplying my needs. Doing these things, will give you clear picture of what your life is all about. You won't be wasting precious time on things that do not really matter, but will be making the most of your time and life. This will also help you make the proper adjustments in order for you to bring your life out of chaos and into divine order.

Be Ye Followers or Imitators of God as Dear Children

Principle # 1: From Gen 1:1-3"And God said, let there be light, and there was light." Notice nothing changed until God spoke. And it is no different with us. Nothing will change until we speak. Cor 4:13 calls this, owning and releasing the Spirit of Faith. Life and Death are in the power of the tongue (Prov 18:21). Every Testimony was birthed by a test. For the Child of God, every test or trial is an opportunity to experience another victory over the enemy of our soul. Principle # 2: Gen 1:4 "And God saw the light that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night." Light dispels: drives away darkness, it discovers dangers, it determines direction. Lets start with your thought life. We need to separate thoughts that create or bring light from those that create or bring darkness. Did you know your thought life is the battle ground? Prov 23:7 "As a man thinketh in his heart, so does he become." Thoughts are the conception or start of every action. It is vital for you to learn to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. You must know that God has made you the gate keeper of your soul. It is your responsibility to keep your mind fixed on Him (The Word).

To Catch a Thief

John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, kill or murder, and to destroy; but I am come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly." Satan is the thief, and one of the main ways he disguises himself is through fear. Fear will paralyze you, and short circuit God's power in your life. Fear breaks you down, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Fear will cause you to run away from reality and live in denial. Fear believes and expects the worst. Fear will have you living in absolute torment. Fear will handicap you, and make you unproductive in life. Fear can manifest itself in many different ways or with many different faces. Fear of failure: Job 3:25 "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." It starts with a thought, a satanic suggestion. From past failures in people's life the devil has programmed people into adopting a failure consciousness or a fear of failure mentality, and for the most part he has succeeded. Break that power over your mind and life in Jesus Mighty Name. Speak God's Word out loud. Fear of lack: Fear works like a magnet. It will draw to you the thing you fear. The very fear of lack keeps you lacking. Know and practice the principle of Sowing and Reaping. "But god shall supply all of my need, according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus."Phil 4:19. Fear of the past: II Cor 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." Fear of the present: Some people are totally overwhelmed with their present situation. Isa. 41:10"Fear thou not; I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Fear of the future: The fear of uncertainty is paralyzing our world today. The uncertainty of the times in which we live has become a very fearful thing. In Matt 24:6 "Jesus said, and you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubles for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." God is your refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Fear of death: Heb 9:27 "It is appointed unto every man once to die, but after this the judgment." Peace with God the Creator comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Son. Fear of man: Prov 29:25 "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." The Bible does tell us to honor those that are in authority, those who are over us in the Lord, and admonishes us to be a blessing to them. And we know that by doing so we are pleasing and honoring God: but above all, we are never to compromise our obedience to God; especially if our obedience to man contradicts or interferes with the will of God. Fear of getting old: The devil torments people by telling them live off of your memories, you have no more future, one day you're going to wake up sick, incapable of helping yourself, and you are going to wine up in a nursing home, and you will be left there to die, your family don't care about you. James 4:7 says:"
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Your times are in His hands, and you are now in preparation for the greatest promotion of your life. You have never been so dependent on the Lord. He is now your strength, your song, your sustainer, your all in all. Have a Caleb spirit: I hear you say to God, Father, if my time is not yet, don't give me a rocking chair, give me this mountain.