Wed, Mar 29th - 10:53AM

The Pattern of God ...

Beloved,

As one continues to study the Tabernacle and the coverings of it; many things are revealed as they come into focus. One of which is the difference between Cherubim and angels. It is written that Cherubim are a manfestation of everything God is. Angels on the other hand work on behalf of God in the service of humanity. It is known that Cherubim live around the throne of God where they exalt Him continually, reflecting His glory. Cherubim are to remind us of life, ministry, death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What an awesome thought, that while in intercession, there is Cherubim hovering over head,protecting, and carrying our prayers to the throne of God... working with the Holy Spirit, so to reflect God's glory...

Continuing through the journey of these divine images in the tabernacle, one would find three animals: the lion, eagle, and an ox. To which each of these correspond to a color concerning the works of Christ.

The lion goes with the color purple in the works of Christ. It tells of the righteousness that has been inputed to us as a part of the royal priesthood. This is a wonderful reminder of the royal lineage, and that we are to operate in the authority that was given while in the outer court. This is so that we may bodly go the throne of grace.

The next image is that of the eagle which blue seems to correspond with. As blue speaks of operating in the supernatural. It is to remind us that God is enabling our spirit to touch Him in the heavenly realm. God desires us to be assured that He will mount us up on His wings and show us the mysteries of heaven, so that we might bring His kingdom to the earthly realm.

The last image is that of the ox (bull), which speaks of the color red, sacrifice. This image is to remind us that we are to stay broken before the Lord, so we may carry His intercessory burdens for the church. Just as a bull charges toward death, so we also should charge towrd death, death to self; so as the Holy Spirit leads us to our final position in prayer at the threshing floor. For it is good to remember that no flesh can see the face of God and live.

Now as we walk into the holy place, clothed in our proper garments, the priestly garments; a divine meeting begins to take place in the heavenlies. As we identify with the colors and images, we also are identified within the works of Christ. This is confirmation that we are there legally, in agreement with God and His will.

So it is, come and enter in, allowing the worship unto the Lord to soak, deep within the creases of your very soul. Walk in His presence moment to moment... 

Thu, Mar 23rd - 11:23AM

Come Dressed...

Beloved

As one studies the many articles of the tabernacle, it seems to become something more then a study. It becomes a search for truth beyond the many symbols that are exposed. It is always a wonderful blessing to stumble unexpectedly upon a treasure. This study has many nuggets within it, that have proven to be more treasure then one might think to find.

Here are just a few more findings:

Exodus 26:1-14; Exodus 28:6

The first Tabernacle curtain was woven of white "fine twined linen" and three different colors of wool: turquoise, purple, and scarlet. The difference between this curtan and the ephod was that there ws a gold strand woven in with each of the other four threads, were the Tabernacle curtain did not. The curtains had four threads woven together into a pattern of cherubim, and the image of the lion, the eagle, and the ox.

It should be noted that the colors used in the design of the curtain are the same as those seen in the colors of the finished work of Christ, as these lay the foundation for the tabernacle coverings. The first covering mentioned is the white linen, which represents the garments of rightousness and salvation that have been given to the saints according to Isaiah 61:1-3,10. Revelation 3:5 reveals God's promise for the righteous.

It is important at this point to remember how important it is to wear all of the garments the Lord has given to you. So that you are recognized by the Lord as you enter into the tabernacle. Because you see then God is obligated to protect you, as He does for that which belongs to Him.

As a full clothed intercessor enters into the tabernacle, they will see how the colors upon their own Christ given garments match those within the holy place, allowing for an affirmation with the Holy Spirit. We may now enter into intercession as we declare tht when "two touch and agree on anything, God will not only perform His Word, but He will also be in the midst of them!" (Matthew 18:19-20).

Tue, Mar 21st - 1:44PM

The Anointing Oil....

Beloved,

How many times have you reached for the anointing oil, to anoint yourself, or someone else? Has it ever crossed your mind as to why certain ingredients have been used to create this wonderful smelling scent? Are you aware that there five ingredients used to make the Holy Anointing oil for the tabernacle? (Exod. 30:22-30)

Olive oil: crushing the olive branch  in order to extract this oil. This is the foundational base; it was used to keep the menorah lit continually. This oil represnts the illumination of the Lord from His tabernacle in you.

Myrrh: myrrh was used by the women as a purifier; it was also used as an embalming fluid. It is as though God were saying, " Not only do I have need to purfy your anointing, but I also must embalm all that I have put to death in you, so that when you look at it again in the realm of the Spirit it will no longer affect you." Are you seeking after beauty, while He is seeking after purification for you? It is known that many belivers are seeking ministry, but they are not seeking after God. They are seeking prophesy, and preaching...desiring to be among those well known men and women. Healing cannot be given until that which is foreign comes out.

Sweet Cinnamon: This speaks of our attitude and how we treat others. It is said that as an intercessor you must learn how to wrestle with the spirit of a lie, to grab a lie around the neck and confront it, all the while praising the Lord. You see you are not wrestling with the person, you must learn how to embrace them and be kind to them, even when you know they have been talking about you. That's sweet cinnamon. You cannot grow in prayer unless you learn how to hate sin and love the people. I love this: You have to realize that the only way you can be anointed with the sacred oil is to be lied about, talked about, and mistreated. The very person to whom you are not speaking is your anointing! Send a thank you note to your enemy; telling them,"Thank you  for keeping me on my knees...because you, my enemy, have anointed me!"

Sweet Calamus: also known as "Reed-grass" ... it represents the maturity. Psalm 1:1-3 likens us to the reed of calamus. this ingredient sweetens the anointing oil, because when one comes through the outer court and are about to enter the purpose of God in the holy place, the enemy attempts to target us like never before, So to help us guard our garments, God gives us a double- portion anointing of sweetness and maturity-far beyond the normal measure that we see and experience in the natural realm.

Cassia: it is likely to have come from the plant that's related to cinnamon (part of the inner bark of that plant, which is fragrant and aromatic). It had to be grounded into a powder before being blended into the liquid myrrh along with the other ingredients. This spice symbolized the completion of anointing. This shows that everything you have received from the river of the Holy Spirit in prayer has formed the foundation for your anointing. Cassia represents the fact that people no longer see you anymore: your form, your style of ministry, your personality, and your emotions have all been crushed into the sweet-smelling savor of the divine presence within you. When you are anointed with cassia, you have learned to walk in the Spirit-to live, move, and have your being in God.

Each of these wonderful spices has a purpose, to which give insight into the character of God. If we would but allow the actual soaking of these founded truths to penatrate our very soul, we also might walk in the divine presence of God. knowing that we are being anointed so we may approach the altar of incense, that which represents power, authority and kingship.We have walked through salvation, strength, and power so to walk into a deeper anointing. Truth be told at this point, No one can take your anointing away from you--if man did not anoint you, man cannot take away your anointing away from you! Wow, there is a truth we all need to embrace, and live within... People may not like you, but they can never take away the anointing that is on your life! The same holds true for the enemy.

Refer: J. Bynum, The Threshing Floor

Fri, Mar 17th - 11:18AM

Guard Your Spiritual Garments...

Isaiah 61:10

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,

my soul will exult in my God;

 for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Beloved,

Will you not come and celebrate that which you have received through Christ? Will you not rejoice in the wonderful wardrobe of consecration that has been given to you by the King of kings?

Have you stopped to consider what it is you truly have in Christ? The freedom and the riches that far outreach anything imagined here on earth.

Yet many times Christians walk around with sad faces, defeated in the sorrows, pains and sickness that this world has to offer. Placing it all upon their shoulders; all the while wearing a shirt that read, "Christian, kick me!" one one side, and on the other side it reads: "Because I am required to turn the other cheek!" If Christ carried that cross, took the stripes, was nailed to the cross; then where in the Word of God does it say that we are to carry His cross? This work has already been done!  Why do we take offence to what the world says? Why do we believe anything the world says, let alone care?

Is the sorrow that many Christians carry for spiritual gain, or is for worldly gain? Chrisitians need to stop giving away their power and authority in Christ to the enemy. Many Christians allow the enemy to stip them of their God-given  garments, They have been left with that crummy shirt that speaks of defeat; when the beautiful garments that Christ gave lay in a heap in the corner of their prayer closet.

Well now is the time, take off the thin, worn out tee-shirt and prepare self to dress in what the Lord has already presented. Wash clean with the Word, at the brazen laver, and sacrifice at the brazen altar (burn that shirt!) as Jesus has become the truth that lives within the Christian's spirit man. Come bodly before the throne of God, because the High Priest lives within you (Heb.4:14-16). Remember that Jesus has already adorned you with the garments of Salvation.

Your spiritual garments give you the power!

You have been given authority in Christ because you are wearing the right clothes.

When you "put on" Christ, you have put on the attire of consecration to serve in the holy place.  

For truth is that God does not need our works; He needs our faith in our salvation! We need to remember that the only requiement of us is that we must possess the High Priest deep in our spirit. When we guard our garments, we can rebuke the devil and walk in right now power of God!

So tighten up that "belt of Truth" and stand right, shoulders back, chin up so that the "Breastplate of righteousness" protects properly, tie the laces on those shoes that the "gospel of peace" might light the path; readjust the strap on that "helemt of salvation", stand up that "shield of faith" so that it will ward off the fiery darts of the enemy; and prepare the "sword of the spirit" to be used quickly and swiftly without hesitation. When all of this is completed, allow knees to bend as the heart of God proceeds from the mouth in prayer and supplication for all the saints (Ephesianas 6: 14-18).

Thu, Mar 16th - 12:10PM

"And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.

And he put the breastplate  upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.

And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the Lord commanded Moses."

Leviticus 8:7-9

Beloved,

There is so much in these few verses, that some have written volumes in books about it. Allow me a few minutes to share what has been revealed about these verses. That this revelation might stir the fires within your own spirit to hear something even deeper....

The coat or robe of blue; represents the authority that God gives us over the enemy, as long as you wear this robe you will be able to stand and take back everything the enemy has stolen from you.

Next is the ephod: it is said that the ephod consisted of gold (deity), blue/turquoise (divinty), purple (the royal One), scarlet (servanthood and humanity), and white fine-twined linen. this was attached with a belt, representing intercessory prayer.

The ephod speaks of that which represents the mediator Jesus Christ and His power to become a servant. It is with Christ's ephod girded to us that He helps us to serve others, especially those who are weaker; to help bring the immature to maturity.

Upon Aaron's ephod the shoulder held two onyx stones with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, which were in birthright order; unlike those on the breastplate which were according to the will of God.

The birthright order speaks of something seen in the natural, known by man: where the will of God, is the unseen, that which is to be spoken into exisitence. Consider this thought along the line of intercession for others, it is not what we know in the natural that we are to pray and expect an answer for, it is knowing the heart of God, His will for those we are to pray for; allowing God to bind His will for opthers within our breastplate.

Speaking of which,the breastplate had two stones put within it; Urim and Thummim [ these articles upon which the high priest put his hand when seeking the divine will concerning the nations]. You see this garment  is important to becoming an intercessor.

Urim means light, Thummim means completeness.

The breastplate was a sign that the prayers or burdens of the people were carried close to the heart.

Then there is the mitre, the headpiece. the mitre was something like a hat, with a very distinguishing feature-the holy crown, which represented devotion to God and His service. It seem to also help the priest to remember to not take holiness for granted. It is said that the mitre could be compared to "the helmet of salvation". As this piece was to help you watch and pray. So that you would not forget that you were to live in a manner worthy of your call to be an intercessor (Eph. 4:1-3)

Some how in the midt of all of this an understanding of the importance of intercessory prayer flooded the very fore-thoughts of this Christian. Actually, the position given by the Lord to wear these garments in their completion...There is a sense of awe and wonder at what stirring the Lord is bringing about through this fresh revelation.

information gleemed from: J. Bynum's book, The Threshing Floor

Wed, Mar 15th - 11:34AM

Robe of Authority

Beloved,

How is it with your soul? Do you know your God, so that you can operate in your God-given authority? Are you one that feels that pull or tug of urgency to pray when opportunity comes before you? Do others come to you with their prayer needs, are you encouraged by the answer to prayer that surrounds you? Then you must be thought of as an intercessor.

An intercessor is to keep the presence of the Lord in the room; not to worry and complain. When the enemy attempts to frustrate; it is important to remind him that he can not do anything that God has already done through prayer. To operate in this God-given authority means to stand and declare that God has already made a way where there was no way. To further this job description it must be said that an intercessor is to bless the Lord, to praise Him; upon allowing praise for the Lord to come from your mouth the enemy is given the message that, "This Christian is not going to lose their God-given authority!"

So it is that right now stop and praise Jesus for being your authority. Give glory to God because He is your authority, and He cannot nor will He ever be shaken. Please understand that by blessing God, you are telling the devil that everything he has tried against you does not work. That you still have power! You still have authority!

Wear that robe of authority that God has placed upon you with assurance of who you are in Him... a royal priesthood, and intercessor (a storm trooper for the Kingdom).

"Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God."     Hebrews 11:6

Fri, Mar 10th - 11:55AM

Are You a Lightening Rod ...

Beloved,

It is with humility that I write today of what had been placed before me in 1996, a wonderful read that when I held it up to the Word of God it held up; in truth and in His Holiness and within the very presence of our God... (1 Thess. 5:21) "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good."

Francis Frangipane wrote a wonderful 100 + book on: Holiness, Truth And The Presence of God.  Allow me to share with you just a nugget from the book that has been a wonderful fruit produced within my own walk (please know that it has been produced not perfected)...

"Our experience of Christianity must go beyond just being another interpretation of the Bible; it must expand until our faith in Jesus and our love for Him becomes a lightning rod for His presence.'

Francis shares that Christianity if it does not work here where we can test it, it is foolhardy to hope it will successfully transport us into eternity where, if we fail the test, we suffer eternal separation from God. Francis is quick to write that; he is not implying that unless we get every doctrine right that we would be refused entrance into Heaven. Christianity is more a matter of the heart than the head; it is a maturing of love more than knowledge. The test of truth is not an intellectual pursuit, but whether you are drawing closer, week by week, to knowing and loving Jesus Christ.

As this is reviewed, it becomes evident where one has come from and to where this one is still in need to grow...When one can put this truth so plainly and simply, as it is revealed through the Word, one's spirit is stirred and it begins to embrace the truth so to reproduce what has been implanted within it.. It is true that the power and person of Jesus Christ that is within us; to believe in Him is to progressively become like Him.Are you concerned with the absence of holiness and power? If this does not trouble you, then we should seek the answer to three very important questions:

1) Is my faith effective?  Ask yourself if your prayers are answered and if your life is becoming godly.

2) If my doctrine does not work, then why not?  Your theology may be fine, but maybe you are lazy. Then again maybe you are very earnest, but you have been taught wrong. Either way, you msut seek to find out why things are not working for you.

3) If I do see the fruit and power of the Holy Spirit revealed in another's life, how did (or she) receive such grace from God?  Do not be afraid to sit as a disiciple under the anointing of another's ministry. The Word does tell us, "...he who recieves a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward. (Matt.10:41) As Francis shares, 'God gives "rewards" of impartation, knowledge and other spiritual gifts to His servants. We should learn from those whose faith is working. The final test of any set of doctrines is seen in the kind of life they produce. (1 John 2:5-6)

Let us not be one of those Christians who accept teachings "by faith" - not faith in the Living God, but faith that their church doctrines are correct.

"The virtue of any teaching is in its ability to either equip you to do God's will or draw you to God's heart. If either objective is missing, the teaching is straw. (1 Cor. 3:12)

Thu, Mar 9th - 11:31AM

Wounding as an Altar of Sacrifice...

Beloved,

Today's "Blessing" is take hold of what one has learned through the Lord; it is with understanding that there is something more to glean from this Word...the very Word of God...

To be reminded that in Jesus is the very nature of God which is magnificently and perfectly revealed. Jesus is the expressed image of God (Hebrew 1:3). And yet as Francis Frangipane has told it: "to gaze upon Christ is also to see God's pattern for man. As we seek to be like Him, we discover that our need was created for His sufficiency. We also need to  see that once the redemptive nature of Christ begins to triumph in our lives, mercy begins to triumph in the world around us."

When we desire to be Christlike, and move in the direction of acheiving this within one's life, it is true that the world around them changes; okay maybe the better translation of this is that the view of their world around them changes. To embrace the same attitude of Christ towards mercy is a big step in spiritual growth. This process of being transformed calls us to a truly deeper transformation. Did not Jesus learn obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews5:8), so how is it we as followers of Christ think that we are different and do not have to learn obedience in the same way? If God allowed His only begotten Son to take part in suffering and woundedness, who are we to believe that we do not have to walk that path? After all if God has given us the gift of woundedness should we not (as F. Frangipane says); to be wounded in the service of mercy and, Instead of closing our hearts, allow woundedness to crown love, is to release God's power in redemption. The steadfast prayer of the wounded intercessor holds great sway upon the heart of God.

Stop and consider how our woundedness exposes our human boundaries and reveals what we lack of His nature...Well if this does not narrow the path for us. We as Christians fall short in this area many times over; when we are hurt or offended by others. Many times we leave churches discouraged and desiring to never go back to serving in that capacity; all because we have been offended or hurt by the people; feelings of rejection and unloved are hard blows when one is waiting to be rewarded for their good efforts.

When we follow Christ we will undoubtedly experinence woundedness, Christ did (Isaiah 52:14; Zech.13:6)...

With this comes forgiveness, we must forgive, as Christ forgave...the warning that comes with this is that if forgiveness is not given then there is the risk of entering a spiritual time warp where one abides continually in the memory of their woundedness... This is where the the hurtful memories destroy every aspect of reality. In truth apart from God, the wounding that life inflicts is incurable. God has decreed that only Christ in us can survive. (F.Frangipane; The Power of One Christ-Like Life.)

"Wounding is simply an altar upon which our sacrifice to God is prepared"

May you find this a safe place to release all that you have carried day in and day out...embrace who Christ is and allow Him to bless you...

Wed, Mar 8th - 11:24AM

He Who Has Ear To Hear....

Beloved,

Holy is the Lord and all that is within Him; for there is none like Him, no not one.

Yet, here we sit this day, this time in history; we take for grant the many wonders, works and Words of the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Son of God. We sometimes forget that the Word of God was written for us, today as well as for those of yesterday. Take a moment and consider this:

"I know thy works, that you art neither cold nor hot:

I could wish you were cold or hot.

So then because you are lukewarm,

and neither cold nor hot,

I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Because you say,

I am rich and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing;

and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked:

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich;

and white garments, that you may be clothed,

that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed;

and anoint your eyes with salve, that you may see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.

Therefore be zealous and repent.

Behold I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,

I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,

as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Revelation 3:15-22

There is no way to get around the fact that this speaks volumes to each one of us this day...Have you received the counsel of the Lord this day? He tells us to buy from Him gold refined in the fire, that you might be rich...This is not a gold attainable on earth...this is not bought with earthly money. What are you willing to barter with...to sacrifice? The time is now! We must turn from our wicked ways, rent our filthy rags and allow the Lord to adorn us with His glory, His righteousness; that we would not stand shameful within our own nakedness...

Look not one to another, but to Him who desires to have you sit upon the Throne with Him... As His Father has for Him...As He sees the Father do, so He does also... One must stop and consider the responsibility that comes with this relationship (apply the salve to your eyes that you might see); we must also do as we see the Lord do...did He not say that we would do greater things than what He had done?

We are commanded, without reservation in verse 19:"be zealous therefore and repent" open the door and allow Him to come and dine with you...Overcome yourself, your fear, your pride; come in humility that He might lift you up and clothe you with His garments, robes and mantles; that He would hide you within the Shadow of His abiding place. You have been invited by the King of kings and the Lord of lords to not only partake in His meal, but to sit with Him in His Throne.

Prepare to partake and experience the Throne of the Living God.... 

allow not your own nakedness to bring you shame: stand clothed in His presence, His glory, His garments of righteousness...

Tue, Mar 7th - 12:14PM

Sharing A Blessing...

Fri, Mar 3rd - 11:11AM

Blinded By Righteousness

Beloved,

Righteousness is purification. When you put on righteousness you are making a declaration. After all Jesus Christ is your righteousness- allowing you to enter into spiritual battle. Remember that; every knee must bow at the name of Jesus. Every demon spirit has to become subject to you when they see you are wearing the robe of righteousness...

"I will greatly rejoice inthe Lord,

my soul will exult in my God;

for He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10

when Christ has clothed you in righteousness, you can become a mighty weapon against the enemy. But you must know your rights--you must know that righteousness has been imputed unto you and declare: 'Greater is He that is in me, then he that is in the world!'

The enemy knows that he can do nothing to stop your destiny, unless of course you give up your righteousness. It matters not what gift, talent, or ministry (size of the ministry matters not), it is only the rightousness of God that demons respect in a human being. You see what really frightens the enemy is when he looks at you and is blinded by your righteousness!

So if this light that comes from the secret place is unbearable to the enemy, why is it more Christians are not in this secret place? Walking around naked and exposed to the elements, the enemy has to offer just does not seem to be where any Christian would want to be found...

May the light of the Lord's glory shine forth from you today that it blinds the enemy.

Shine forth Spirit of the Living God!

Thu, Mar 2nd - 11:19AM

To Never Be Moved

"Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?

Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

He who walks uprightly,

and works righteousness,

and speaks the truth in his heart;

He who does not backbite with his tongue,

Nor does evil to his neighbor,

Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;

In whose eyes a vile person is despised,

But he honors those who fear the Lord;

He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

He who does not put out his money at usury,

Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved."

Psalm 15: 1-5

The Person who dwells permanently on God's hill is the one who live uprightly and blamelessly and rejoices in doing things right. Even when someone fails to handle things correctly with you, you will do what things right anyway. Don't forfeit what God is going to do in your life by retaliating against flesh and blood. The robe of righteousness elevates you to the class of "it does not matter," because if you do all of "these things" in Psalm 15:1-5, you shall never be moved. The devil can come, but he won't be able to shake you. Temptation may rise, but it won't move you. Tribulation may come your way, but it's not going to defeat you. Your destiny is "on the hill".

Juanita Bynum

"The Threshing Floor"  Page 77

Wow, now if that does not cause a stirring; then the question must be asked if you truly read this, or if you are still breathing?