Struck By the Presence

struck |strək|
past and past participle of strike.
strike |strīk|
2 [ with obj. ] (of a disaster, disease, or other unwelcome phenomenon) occur suddenly and have harmful or damaging effects on: an earthquake struck the island

 STRUCK  is a message reminding us that God is holy and God is active and when we follow His divine directions we experience blessings. When we do not follow them we experience pain. How many times have we wondered why did God do something or allow something as if God himself orchestrated it. Yes God provided man with the resources and knowledge to do many things, but God did not force man to make weapons and use them against one another.
God is righteous and no unrighteousness should be ascribed to Him.

In 1 Chronicles 13:10 we see a man named Uzza (pronounced Ooh-Zay) being struck by the Lord and he dies. The text does not say exactly what God struck him with, but the result was death. To help illustrate what happened to Uzza, the Lord revealed a scenario to me where a man was struck by a rotating drive shaft on a car. The man was attempting to help someone who had just crashed, but he stumbled and had his head taken off from his shoulders. The person who shared this story with me was an eye-witness. When he told the policeman what happened it even shook the officer when he pointed out his head laying on the ground. Okay, so if you're not cringing yet you may not want to know how to avoid being struck, but if you're interested lets continue.
Being Placed In A Bad Position
Often times in life we do not get to make choices about certain things. You did not choose your parents, your birthplace, the house you grew up in, and probably not the schools you went to. We have choices, but we do not have unlimited choices as some may presume. There are multiple choices we can make that will lead to the same end result. For example, my sister was on the back of a go-kart that my brother was driving and the end result was a busted chin. Whether she had fallen off or jumped off, there was a high likelihood that she was going to be "chin-checked." Objects in motion tend to stay in motion unless acted on by an outside force. Sometimes we are placed in a bad position, but this is not the end of the world. Even when we are in a bad position, we have to know what we can and cannot touch. Uzza seemingly did not know that he was not supposed to touch the ark or he touched it for fear of it falling. In either case he made the major mistake of touching something he was not authorized to touch. Joseph was in a bad position several times, but he would not touch his master's wife.

Being Surrounded By Players
The other interesting dynamic in Uzza's being struck is that he is surrounded by players of instruments. King David himself is said to have been there playing instruments, however none of them seemed to warn him or correct him in how the ark should be handled.  

Numbers 4:5 - When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down the veil of the screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it 6 Then they shall put on it a covering of goatskin and spread on top of that a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles.

It seems at times in life we are surrounded by people who seem to know what they're saying and what they're doing, but often they are just playing a part. Jesus called them hypocrites, which in the original Greek seems to imply an actor or role player. People who tell you to obey God, but they themselves do not obey God are mostly players. There is no God connection in their heart. Many people get Struck and get hurt because they have too many players around and not enough ministers. My sister broke her arm while playing on an old chair frame, so she knows what it's like to not be able to use her arm. I like to believe that sometimes God takes things away to have us appreciate it and respect it more. My sister now plays for the Lord and raises her hands to Him in worship because she respects God more than ever. Just as she learned to play from those around her, she also learned to pray and praise by the people He put around her later. The 3 Hebrew boys in Daniel 3 would not bow down when the players started to play. Many Israelites just played the part because they feared King Nebudchanezzar, but the 3 feared the Lord even to the point of being thrown in a fiery furnace. Even when you're surrounded by players, you do not have to bow down, because they came out of the furnace with a testimony!

Touching the Place of His Presence
The final issue we will deal with is what Uzza touched. The ark of the covenant represented the presence of God or the place of His presence. Spiritually the ark represents so much more because the place of God's presence was also on all the Holy Vessels in the tabernacle.

Numbers 4:14 - the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die

Now if all the holy vessels in the tabernacle were untouchable, how much more are we his chosen vessels untouchable in the new temple. Since we are temples of God's presence, we should be mindful and careful of what touches these temples. Even the priests under the Old Covenant had to sanctify themselves in order to go in and minister. How can we touch someone else's issues or problems when we have not dealt with our own. We must be prepared to touch the Holy things through cleansing and prayer. Elders and deacons must first be able to rule their own house well before teaching and leading in the house of God. So we are instructed to help carry the holy vessels, but it is left to a selected few to touch them.  For example paramedics and ambulance workers are trained to get patients to the emergency room or hospital, but are not authorized to do surgery. Likewise we can encourage and teach people, but only God can touch and change the heart.

God put His son Jesus in a bad position, and put him around players, and had Him touch the place of His presence. The results were similar and different. God made an example out of Jesus just as He did with Uzza, only Jesus was truly a priest. God struck Him [Jesus] so He would not have to strike us. He was bruised for us and by His stripes we find healing. I read of a man who has been struck by lightning 6 times and also noted that more people are killed by lightning than any other natural disaster. This same man has been divorced 5 times and I recognize that the ark of the covenant represents a marriage between God and his people. Every time God's people divorce Him and go after other gods, he strikes them and drives them back to Him. David was trying to move God's presence using what he learned from the Philistines instead of sticking to what God told them to do. God allowed the Philistines to do it that way because he had no covenant with them, but His chosen people Israel know better. When David got it right, he was able to dance before the Lord with all his might as the ark came back into Israel. It didn't come rolling in on a cart, but it came in carried by the people designated for the job and just as God instructed them to do it. His presence was supposed to be carried by His people.

Are we carrying God's presence because we've been struck with the love of Jesus. When He struck me, I was and have been forever changed. I carry His presence and should never have to tell anyone I'm a believer, because His presence is unmistakable.  You should even be able to feel it in this blog if it's real. I'd like to know if you feel it, because maybe I need to check what I'm writing.
God bless!

Conditions for Spiritual Growth

Most recently I spoke from this subject Conditions for Spiritual Growth. The message was inspired by 2 Kings Chapter 2 as well as some reading about habits of Americans. The study revealed an old gallup poll in 1993 that showed 98% of people pray for their family well being. 48% pray for their President or leader. #9 on the list was material possessions and at the bottom of the list was prayers for something bad to happen to someone. The interesting revelation from that top 10 lineup was that nowhere did people pray for spiritual things. Paul prayed for spiritual blessings and so did Elisha who asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit to be upon him.
The Walk
When traveling through airports, it is often necessary to walk. When flights are on-time sometimes it is necessary to walk very fast and take care of business quickly. If you are traveling with someone who knows where they are going, then it is very important to keep your eyes on them. Some airports are very large and one missed turn can cost you precious minutes. Taking your eyes off of the person leading you is dangerous. After taking many trips through airports there are times we can get discouraged because of past problems we had with certain airports, stewardesses, or pilots. We must not allow these past events stop us. We must let them grow us.

Are Your Eyes On Your Leader or his bags?

Are Your Eyes On Your Leader?
I have often traveled with people I did not care to be around and some I liked a lot, but in either respect it was my responsibility to stay with them. Often times I would be asked to watch a bag for them while they went to do something. It is easy to get distracted and watch a persons baggage and take your eyes off of them. Elisha was told to keep his eyes on Elijah to receive the double portion. When you see other people doing things you are or may be afraid to do it helps to  build your confidence so that you can do the same things. Elisha would perform many of the same miracles as Elijah.
The Talk
 Travel talk can often be very boring because people are just trying to pass the time. Sometimes though travel talk can be time to deal with fears that a traveler has. Some fear flying, some fear leaving their family. Others fear travel period. Elisha opened up and asked for a double portion and whatever we are lacking as we travel through life, we should be willing to ask for it. The difference in asking for spiritual things is that the material things often come along with it. Solomon asked for wisdom, but also received riches and honour with it.
The Vision
Elijah promised Elisha that if he saw him when he was taken from him then he would receive what he asked for. Elisha had purpose and Elijah knew there was one way he would realize his purpose. Elijah failed because he covered his head when God spoke to him concerning his purpose. He knew Elijah would have to keep his eyes open. Often times we stop looking for what God promises us. We are distracted by baggage sometimes and other times we flat out give up on it. Make sure you can still see. Often when a plane gets ready to take off and the jet engines fire up and the dust clouds are stirred, I see many people with their eyes closed. Some are afraid of the take-off noise, others the feeling in their stomach, and still yet others would rather be sleep when it happens. Don't let the fiery engines, the noise, or the wind distract you from seeing what God is doing in your life. Satan is going to try to do things to get you to close your eyes, but keep them open and see the Vision God has for you and receive the spiritual growth that comes with it. The Conditions for Spiritual Growth are: Walking Through Your Past, Talking Through Your Problems, and Seeing Through Your Purpose.

March Madness

Have you ever been headed down a dead end road and people warn you, but you keep going? Have you gotten to the end of the road and tried to turn around, only to find out you don't have enough room to turn around? Have you ever gotten stuck in the mud with your wheels spinning, only to find out that your wheels are digging deeper in the mud?

"...my wife asked if I knew this was a dead end?"

Well regardless of what your answers to these questions are, I had that experience literally today. I was on a mission to find the infamous "tent city" located underneath the Pete Hollis Bridge. I had seen it on the map, so I knew exactly where I was going, but had no idea what I was getting into. When I started down Pickney St. my wife asked if I knew this was a dead end and I replied yes. She didn't know that I knew where I was going, but I didn't know what I was getting into. When we reached the dead end, I got out and looked around only to see a bunch of old trash, clothes, and bottles. It was literally a dump. This was the place where people dumped stuff they did not want. When I realized I had gone too far, I decided to turn around. This is when the Madness started.

When the front wheels of my front wheel drive car left the pavement, they sank into the mud. And when the wheels began to spin, I knew I was in trouble. I made a big mistake though. I kept trying to get out, but the wheels were taking the dirt and pulling it out as the weight of the engine in the front cause the car to sink down deeper. As my wife looked out the window she immediately saw a man dressed in army fatigues head to toe. She was nervous and reaching for her phone while I was excited and headed towards him to greet him. He told me his name was "Hillbilly" and he was from Fort Worth, TX. I asked him if he could help and he suggested pushing while I put it in reverse, but that didn't work. I asked if he knew where I could find some wood to put under the tires and he took me to a nearby woodpile.

When we arrived at the pile of wood at the last turn in the road, I asked if it would be okay, and he replied that they would just burn it if we don't use it. We found 2 pieces that were perfect for the job and we used the jack to raise the front wheels out of the dirt and put the wood beneath the tires. I prayed with hillbilly for favor from God, because he was initially frustrated and started mentioning calling a toe truck.

"he wanted money to buy papers"

I told him I was hard-headed and did not give up easily. After we prayed, the car was released from the mud and we praised God. He wanted some money to buy rolling papers with, but I told him I didn't have any cash. He offered to go with me to the ATM, but I offered to take him to breakfast.

We enjoyed breakfast and he told us his story how he comes to the same spot and drinks until his mind slows down enough for him to cope with his past. "Hillbilly" has nightmares and he cannot deal with the images on his own. Several of his family members were killed in front of his very eyes. He almost died 3 times and is going blind in both eyes. "Hillbilly" is a retired roofer who moved from East Texas to Greenville chasing a hoax from an online dating lead. The relationship lasted less than 2 days and he has been in the tent city now for 2 years. The reason he gave for staying in Greenville is the "hospitality." He says the people are so much nicer than those back home in East Texas. Wow!

I needed to use the restroom at Hardees, but the door was locked. The sign said to see the manager to get the code. I got the code and entered it, but I still couldn't get in. A drunk walked up to me and said you have to lift it up. Wow what a fitting end to a strange story. Either the handle was installed wrong or Hardees wants to keep people out of the restrooms by reversing the mechanism.

Lessons Learned:
1) Just Because You Know Where You're Going, Doesn't Mean You Can Handle Everything When You Get There
2) When You Get To A Dead End, It May Not Be As Easy To Turn Around As You May Think
3) If Your Wheels Are Not On Solid Ground You Will Not Get Too Far, Especially in the Rain
4) The Best Thing To Do When Your Stuck Is To Stop Trying, Your Efforts Make It Worse
5) Your Help May Not Come Packaged The Way You Would Expect It To, So Pay Attention
6) Everything You Need For Your Deliverance Is Within Your Reach
7) Don't Cut Corners, Make Sure You Get Both Wheels Off the Ground First and Invite God in
8) If a Drunk Has to Tell You How to Get In a Place, Your Probably Doing Something Wrong

Released

Praise the Lord. On my 2 year anniversary of being cell-phone free our brother LA was released from Perry. March 6th!
Have you seen this face? Don't be fooled by the smooth vanilla exterior, the devil had him and now God does. He is the first of many Men of God to be released in this season. LA spent 35 years in prison and beat a life sentence. He is now residing in Spartanburg, SC across from Wofford College and his testimony is Jesus Christ released me. I personally watched LA over the past year and a half and my spirit bears witness of who he is and that Christ is Lord of his life. The same temptations we face on the outside are just as strong on the inside of the prison, so if he can walk straight in there, I know he can do the same outside. We will miss his Moses-like leadership, but know that this is just the beginning for him. God will do great things with this mighty warrior for the kingdom. He now shares the same testimony as Paul who said from a prison that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Just imagine, this brother has been in prison about as long as I have been on earth and He loves the Lord more than people I know who have been in mansions for 30+ years. Do you know anyone who has a life sentence? LA is living proof that they can beat it with the help of the Lord.

Keep brother Mark in prayer. He is the brother who sent the $300 love offering to Gethsemane in February. On January 26th I preached the sermon "God Is Not Abel" using the text in Genesis chapter 4, where Cain killed his brother Abel, when he was really angry at God. This young man came to me immediately following the service and said he wanted the name and address of our church. Within 2 weeks we had received an offering from the Department of Corrections, specifically from brother Mark. These are our brothers in Christ who have a zeal for God and not just lip-service. Mark has a life sentence very much like LA had. God knows the plans he has for Mark. His future is bright because he believes God's word. God will release Him in his own way and in His own timing, however the church is not separated by walls. The church can only be separated by fear. When we love perfectly we do not fear the judgment that is to come, nor do we fear the judgment of others. Join me in loving on our brothers in Christ, knowing that we will be judged by others. In the end, those that judge us will be judged by God and we will judge none. Mark gave in one offering what many church goers give in a whole year. They are getting a free meal and tipping God as if they did something. Mark gave his best offering as did Abel and even though Abel did not get to enjoy a long fruitful life on earth, he will enjoy even greater in eternity with his heavenly family.

Separate From Your Baggage & Keep Quiet

I recently spoke from this subject Separate From Your Stuff and Keep Quiet. The message was stirred by some reading and reflecting about a King named Saul. He did not want to become king and when it was time to swear him in, he was hiding in the baggage, because his tribe had to travel a fair distance for the great day. At one point in my engineering career I traveled heavily. I can remember being gone 5 to 6 days per week and being a weekend dad just to keep from losing the house. During that time I learned how to do two things well. Separate from My Baggage and you guessed it, "Keep Quiet."
Baggage
When you travel a lot, baggage begins to become a nuisance, because in the airport you are not allowed to leave your bags unattended. After a while, even a 10lb laptop starts to feel like a 100 lb weight hanging from your shoulders. When you have bags, your hands are not free to DO anything.

Are Your Hands Free?

Are Your Hands Free?
I learned how to release those bags onto the belt and then patiently wait for them to come off the belt. I also learned to be quiet or you are sure to be a suspect for security checkpoints and other airport nonsense. Well, every year we have the opportunity to separate from our baggage of items we carried through the previous year. When we carry anger, unforgiveness, bad habits, and even memories of people we lost; they will eventually weigh us down.
The Cabin
 When I was taking short trips and needed few clothes then I would check my bags at plane side, but even on those trips I had to separate from my stuff because there is only so much room in the cabin. Your mind is like the cabin of a plane and it was never intended to carry all of the things we attempt to carry there. Some argue that we don't use the majority of our brain's computing power, however much of that is by design. Every cabin has free space, just like pages have margins. When your brain, life, or heart is full of stuff that you refuse to separate from then you get weighted down and your plane will not be cleared to fly.
Fly High
Any day you are not flying high, you can guarantee there is some unnecessary or unwanted baggage in your cabin. Is your cabin clear for takeoff? Shh… Don't Answer that! Every time you bring that stuff up, it weighs you down, so don't even speak of it. Low flying planes usually do so because they have many stops, but a plane flying high is not planning to stop any time soon.
Talk about where your plain is getting ready to go next. Attitude determines Altitude, but baggage is the limiting factor. The more you talk about your destination, the less relevant your point of departure becomes, even when you have a connecting flight. Some flight connections are there to settle us, humble us, or refocus us. Your current location has nothing to do with your Final Destination and everything to do with your Preparation!

The Lion, The Bear, & The Philistine

Last Sunday's sermon from 1 Samuel 17 was for the moment in our lives when we know that we have to face someone that nobody else wants to face. It is the person that makes you queasy inside and you don't even like walking near them. You avoid them at all costs. If you have not met that person yet, then you may be that person. Goliath was a reality for Israel and if Israel does not deal with Goliath, then Israel will always live a defeated life.

Original art by Charles Wright who I met 3 days later.

The Lion
The lion represents strength and many call the lion the king of the beasts. David tells Saul that he caught a lion by the beard and killed the lion who had a sheep in its mouth. Satan is much like a lion (1 Peter 5:8) who walks about seeking whom he may devour. We can destroy the presence of Satan in our lives when we are sober minded and vigilant according to the Scriptures. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, but of love and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)

The Bear
The bear represents size and strength that unashamedly comes in to take over. Bears do not have good vision, so they do nut hunt well at night like Lions do. This means we have enemies that will sneak up on us and others that will walk directly into our faces daring us to do something about it. The bear is monstrously strong and their claws always remain visible unlike the lion who has retractable claws.

Charles Wright drew this with a pencil freehand!

The Philistine
The worst of all enemies on the planet is humanity when they have their minds twisted and bent on the destruction of others at any cost. Goliath represents the danger of empowering mankind with great wealth, strength, and wisdom. All of these are great qualities, but in the wrong hands can lead to disaster. David was not the wealthiest, strongest, or the wisest. David had one thing going for him that the others did not. David did what he was doing in the Name of the Lord. David killed Goliath with a sling and a stone that he pulled from a brook. Let the Lord lead you beside still waters today and restore your soul so that you may face Goliath with one rock. The rock you must have is Jesus, the rock of our salvation. He's all we need to overcome our enemy. David spoke to his enemy before he killed him and we too likewise must be bold as a lion with our tongue and strong & unashamed as a bear with our faith so we can let our enemies know that we are not afraid of them, because God is with us. The Lord will deliver, when we hope in Him.
 May the Lord deliver us from evil, may His kingdom come and His will be done. Amen!

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...