New Moon Meeting: May 2008, 3:14 EST
Instant in Season

 

Contents
1. Introduction
2. A Word of Balance
3. The Importance of Timely Obedience
4. Preparing The Soul
     4.1 The Need for Preparation
     4.2 Action
5. Conclusion

Introduction

 

Zahakiel: Ok, let's begin. Bro. Luke, please offer an opening prayer.

 

Qinael: Our most holy and gracious Father,

 

We thank you for this sacred time that you have appointed for your people to come together before you.  We ask that your Spirit pour out upon us an especial blessing with the teaching we are to receive today.  In the name of Yahshua we pray, amen.

 

Rita: Amen.

Zahakiel: Amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Abraham: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen

Barb: Amen.

Ye: Amen.

 

Zahakiel: This month’s study is going to be somewhat unique.  For those of us who were fortunate enough to have made it to the recent Feast of Unleavened Bread, you may notice that today we are going to be discussing a topic that Brother Peter gave during one of the morning devotionals.

 

While we will not be repeating exactly what was said there, and perhaps you can ask Bro. Peter for the notes he used in giving that talk, I felt it was such a vital issue that it really should be emphasized.  Peter and I have expanded it to include a section about “being prepared,” which is absolutely essential to this topic.

 

Our subject for today, by the way, is called “Instant In Season,” and it is about responding immediately when the call is given to us by Yahweh.  As we will see, both the Scriptures and Ellen White discuss this matter in some detail, and using Peter’s devotional as a starting point, we will go through this issue of the need for a quick reply to our calls of duty when they appear.

 

I wish to start out by (at the very beginning) showing that the Scriptures and Spirit of Prophecy writings do indeed talk about this matter, and I will give several examples by way of introduction. We read, for example:

 

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2Tim 4:1)

 

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’” (Isa 6:8)

 

“And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, ‘Wilt thou go with this man?’ And she said, ‘I will go.’ And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.” (Gen 24:58, 59)

 

“And going on from thence, [Yahshua] saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.” (Mat 4:21, 22)

 

“Your only safety is in coming to Christ, and ceasing from sin this very moment. The sweet voice of mercy is sounding in your ears today, but who can tell if it will sound tomorrow?” [The Signs of the Times, August 29, 1892]

 

A Word of Balance

 

Zahakiel: As the verses and quote above indicate, the time to act when hearing a call for action is immediate.  That principle should be clear enough. What we do not want, however, is a Church composed of people shooting off in all directions for any perceived or imagined reason.  This is what leads to conflicts, divisions, and ultimately the chaos of the modern independent ministries.  This, like the other extreme (blind obedience) must be aggressively renounced and avoided.

 

As we saw when going through our guidebook last week on the subject of officiousness, the following verses have quite a lot of significance for us as a people:

 

“And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies; they that hate you shall reign over you, and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.” (Lev 26:17)

 

“And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them, and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.” (Lev 26:36)

 

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Pro 28:1)

 

An officious person, one who is constantly interjecting offers (even demands) to assist when there is no reason or desire for this interference, is a causeless effect, violating both the natural law and the spiritual principles that must govern a Christian’s behavior.  Independent ministries are a visible example of this as seen on a corporate level; they have left a church without sufficient cause, fleeing from enemies that do not exist.  They then begin to “minister” when they have received no commission to do so, and cannot have as it violates the idea of Christ’s prayer for unity in John 17.

 

While the CSDA Church indeed came out of a larger, and now fallen, body to minister to the needs of this last generation, it needs to be clearly understood, and clearly explained, that this was according to the pattern of reform as outlined in the Scriptures themselves, and that a true reformation can follow no other path than this and still remain the Bride of Christ.

 

Zahakiel: Of course, this study is not about independent ministries. They are mentioned here as an example of officious behavior, and the principle behind it is that we must be sure we are called to an action before we perform it.  Therein is seen the balance.  Yah’s people are not to be impatient or impulsive, but most carefully consider what course they are to take, ensuring it is a divine commission. Once this is determined, however, the verses listed above become the operating principle, and no delay is to be made in the execution of the task.

 

Are there any questions or comments about this idea?

 

Rita: None.

Naraiel: No.

Happy Rock: No..

Ye: No.

Abraham: No.

Crystle: No.

Barb: No.

 

The Importance of Timely Obedience

 

Zahakiel: The importance of timely obedience is certainly obvious from Mrs. White’s writings.  These are concepts that have eternal spiritual consequences; delaying to put away sin is a fatal mistake, in many cases impossible to rectify thereafter.  What needs to be understood by the man or woman dallying with sin, however, is that even if genuine repentance is found, and the soul of the individual is saved, the consequences of the time spent in darker waters are very rarely removed.

 

We read, for example, of David’s famous transgression with Uriah’s wife.  After he was convicted of sin, he did repent, and the prophet Nathan said to him, “Yahweh also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of Yahweh to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.” (2Sam 12:13, 14)

 

This is certainly true of those who engage in sins of a “public” nature; the enemies of Yahweh are given an opportunity to reproach the message and people of Christ because, “This individual, who claims to be a Christian, does this-and-that.”  In addition, there are spiritual consequences.  The ability to resist temptation is, itself, weakened, and a great many evils follow.

 

The life of David after the incident with Bathsheba certainly demonstrates this in a dramatic fashion.  Having lost the respect, to a great degree, of his family, his children showed themselves to be rebellious, unholy, and treacherous.  David was almost overthrown by his own son, and had to go into exile for some time.  While his own soul was spared, and he handled the misfortunes that came upon him with dignity and grace, the spiritual condition of his family was a tragic one.

 

Another aspect: the longer one resists a call to repentance, to reform the life, the more time he or she wastes before becoming a witness to those around of the saving power of Christ Yahshua.  The king Manasseh repented and turned to Yahweh very late in life, (2Ch 33:10-14) as did Solomon, who eventually recovered from gross idolatry. (Ecc 12:13, 14)  Samson the judge did not possess what one could describe as a sanctified life, but at the very end performed heroically.  He did, indeed, deliver Israel from the Philistines, but at the cost of his own life, and without setting before the nation an example that would have benefited them in that dark time.  It was not long before they were slaves again.  Here we see the importance of responding to the call when we hear it, and when we know it to be the voice of Yahweh.

 

Zahakiel: Are there any questions about this?

 

Rita: None.

Ye: No.

Barb: No.

Abraham: No.

Happy Rock: No..

Naraiel: No.

Peterson: No.

 

Zahakiel: At this point I’ll ask brother Peter to continue, as he has put together some notes and quotations about the concept of “preparedness,” and how it relates to this topic.

 

Preparing The Soul

 

The Need for Preparation

 

Happy Rock: Ok.  The need for preparation…

 

We read in the Bible’s text:  “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:4-8)

 

As it has been said earlier, and in the devotion, there will come a time when we are all going to be called to act for the Kingdom of Heaven, perhaps even at the expense of our lives.  In order to take these actions, we must go to the real source of our strength and power so that we can do what is necessary to remain standing after the storms have blown over. I would like to note carefully that I have used the word “remains.” Why do you think that the word “remains” is placed before “standing?”

 

Rita: That was their position previously. Their position did not change.

 

Naraiel: “Remains” also can mean, “persevere.”

 

Happy Rock: Now let’s define the word “Preparation.”  If we look up the definition, we will see that there are several, and they are as follows:

 

1) The action or process of making something ready for use or service, or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty.

2) A state of being prepared: readiness.

3) A preparatory act or measure.

4) Something that is prepared; specifically, a medicinal substance made ready for use (e.g., a preparation for colds)

 

Ellen White had some things to say about preparation, including the following long quote, and it is a long one, so say when you’re done:

 

“The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God, and as they did this they realized what a privilege had been theirs in being permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good, He was trying to teach them.

 

“These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.

 

“During the patriarchal age the influence of the Holy Spirit had often been revealed in a marked manner, but never in its fullness. Now, in obedience to the word of the Saviour, the disciples offered their supplications for this gift, and in heaven Christ added His intercession. He claimed the gift of the Spirit, that He might pour it upon His people.

 

“‘And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.’

 

“The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Spirit's grace. And under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in wonder, the apostles exclaimed, ‘Herein is love.’ They grasped the imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.

 

“‘It is expedient for you that I go away,’ Christ had said to His disciples; ‘for If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.’ ‘When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.’

 

“Christ’s ascension to heaven was the signal that His followers were to receive the promised blessing.  For this they were to wait before they entered upon their work. When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers as a token that He had, as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people.” [Acts of the Apostles, pages 37-39]

 

Pastor “Chick”: Finished.

Qinael: Finished.

Peterson: Done

Zahakiel: Finished.

 

Happy Rock: “Glorious were the results that attended the ministry of the chosen apostles of Christ. At the beginning of their ministry some of them were unlearned men, but their consecration to the cause of their Master was unreserved, and under His instruction they gained a preparation for the great work committed to them. Grace and truth reigned in their hearts, inspiring their motives and controlling their actions. Their lives were hid with Christ in God, and self was lost sight of, submerged in the depths of infinite love.”

 

“The disciples were men who knew how to speak and pray sincerely, men who could take hold of the might of the Strength of Israel. How closely they stood by the side of God, and bound their personal honor to His throne! Jehovah was their God. His honor was their honor. His truth was their truth. Any attack made upon the gospel was as if cutting deep into their souls, and with every power of their being they battled for the cause of Christ. They could hold forth the word of life because they had received the heavenly anointing. They expected much, and therefore they attempted much. Christ had revealed Himself to them, and to Him they looked for guidance. Their understanding of truth and their power to withstand opposition were proportionate to their conformity to God's will. Jesus Christ, the wisdom and power of God, was the theme of every discourse. His name--the only name given under heaven whereby men can be saved--was by them exalted. As they proclaimed the completeness of Christ, the risen Saviour, their words moved hearts, and men and women were won to the gospel. Multitudes who had reviled the Saviour's name and despised His power now confessed themselves disciples of the Crucified.” [Acts of The Apostles, pages 593-594]

 

Here is another one: “The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a figure of the development of character. . . . As parents and teachers try to teach these lessons, the work should be made practical. Let the children themselves prepare the soil and sow the seed. As they work, the parent or teacher can explain the garden of the heart, with the good or bad seed sown there, and that as the garden must be prepared for the natural seed, so the heart must be prepared for the seed of truth. . . . No one settles upon a raw piece of land with the expectation that it will at once yield a harvest. (This is something that we have to do before we can establish a church.) Diligent, persevering labor must be put forth in the preparation of the soil, the sowing of the seed, and the culture of the crop. So it must be in the spiritual sowing.  [The Adventist Home, page145]

 

Zahakiel: Finished.

Naraiel: Finished.

Abraham: Done.

Rita: Finished.

Peterson: Done.

Qinael: Finished.

Barb: Finished.

Crystle: Finished.

Ye: Done.

 

Happy Rock: Any comments?

 

Rita: Yes.

 

This was wonderful and uplifting to me.  It is as if you are sharing what is my personal testimony. I am most encouraged.

 

Happy Rock: Praise Yah for that.

 

Rita: Amen.

 

Peterson: What does “diligent” mean?

 

Naraiel: It’s the contrary to negligence.

 

Happy Rock: Correct. It is doing what you have to do promptly and efficiently.

 

Let’s continue.  Now I have a question for you: what are some of the things that we face that will require us to turn to the true source of power and strength? What are we up against? Here is a verse that gives us part of the answer: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12)

 

What are some of the things that “principalities, and powers,” the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places, instill in someone that allows these forces to be apart of their lives?

 

Zahakiel: The works of the flesh.

 

Happy Rock: Yes.

 

Rita: Fear.

 

Happy Rock: Yes.

 

Peterson: Force.

 

Rita: Compromise

 

Happy Rock: Yes.

 

Crystle: Trials and temptations.

 

Happy Rock: The following verse talks about what happens, however, when we fail to use the tools that Yah has granted for our preparation in an active way: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come; for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2Tim 3:1-7)

 

Peterson: What are trucebreakers?

 

Zahakiel: A truce is a promise or a commitment.  So a trucebreaker is someone who fails to honor the agreements he or she has made.

 

Naraiel: According to what Peter just said, if they reject the spirit of Yah they will become more and more carnal, until demons posses them.

 

Zahakiel: Right.

 

Pastor “Chick”: A thought about "trucebreakers"...

 

I believe that can include those who violate the principle of agreement; in other words, those who should have made an agreement and honored it, but did not make an agreement at the appropriate time.

 

Zahakiel: Can you give an example of that?

 

Pastor “Chick”: A person has something that they “think” is theirs in someone else’s house. They take it on themselves to go into the other person’s house and get “their property.”  They skip “agreement” to accomplish their goal.

 

Happy Rock: Does everyone understand?

 

Zahakiel: I see, yes :)

Rita: Yes.

Abraham: Yes.

 

Happy Rock: So let’s talk now about putting what we have learned and what we have prepared into action.

 

Action

 

Happy Rock: Now that we know what we are up against, and prepared ourselves properly, how then can we counteract the work of the enemy, and obtain the victory at all times?

 

We read, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.   Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Eph 6:10-20)

 

How can we maintain our course of action?

 

We read from the Proverbs: “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart, so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

 

“Trust in Yahweh with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” (Pro 3:1-8)

 

The consolation and mutual love between Christ and His followers shown by the parable of the vine.  We read: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

 

“I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

 

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.” (John 15:1-17)

 

Zahakiel: Done.

Rita: Finished.

Abraham: Done.

Peterson: Done...

Qinael: Finished.

Naraiel: Finished.

Ye: Done.

 

Happy Rock: Does everyone understand how this passage relates to putting our faith into action?

 

Naraiel: Yes.

 

Rita: You asked a question, “How can we maintain victory at all times?” There is only victory that is the life of Christ. Or death. There is no in between.  There is no on and off experience.

 

Pastor “Chick”: The reason there is “no on and off experience” is because “human effort is combined with divine power.”  We have a character to build.  It is our work.

 

Peterson: I don’t understand.

 

Happy Rock: When we allow Christ to work in us then we will have the victory at all times.

 

Zahakiel: Right, and by a life of obedience we are preparing ourselves for future trials.

 

Abraham: And future victories.

 

Happy Rock: What are the results of maintaining our course of action?  John declares the unique love of God toward us, in making us His children:  “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” (1John 3:1-3)

 

Are there any questions about the need to prepare, and then to put that into action?

 

Peterson: No.

Barb: No.

Rita: None.

Zahakiel: No.

Ye: No.

Abraham: No.

 

Happy Rock: At this time David will continue.

 

Conclusion

 

Zahakiel: Thank you.  I have just a few more comments to conclude. One of the examples of immediate obedience that Brother Peter gave in his original devotional reading, and that really drove the point home to me, was that of the Father sending Christ to be our sacrifice.  He read, if I remember it correctly, this verse:

 

“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Gal 4:4, 5)  Peter’s commentary pointed out that when the time was right, as it reads “the fullness of time was come,” the Father did not hesitate to do what the Plan of Salvation required, because it was time for Him to act.

 

We must not imagine, however, that this was an easy or a pleasant act.  We read, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Yahshua the Messiah, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” (2Cor 5:18, 19)

 

We also see Christ in the Garden, dealing with the temptation to be overcome. (Mat 26:36-29)  He did so, ultimately overcoming all suggestions to withdraw from the duty He had chosen for Himself, by setting himself apart for constant communion with the Father, the source of His strength. (John 6:16)

 

We also have the benefit of Mrs. White regarding what happened in Heaven when the Plan of Salvation was being formed (say when you’ve finished reading it): “Sorrow filled heaven as it was realized that man was lost and that the world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and that there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I then saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, ‘He is in close converse with His Father.’ The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing with His Father. Three times He was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time He came from the Father we could see His person. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with a loveliness which words cannot describe. He then made known to the angelic choir that a way of escape had been made for lost man; that He had been pleading with His Father, and had obtained permission to give His own life as a ransom for the race, to bear their sins, and take the sentence of death upon Himself, thus opening a way whereby they might, through the merits of His blood, find pardon for past transgressions, and by obedience be brought back to the garden from which they were driven. Then they could again have access to the glorious, immortal fruit of the tree of life to which they had now forfeited all right.” [Early Writings, page 126]

 

Peterson: Done.

Rita: Done.

Naraiel: Done.

Happy Rock: Done.

Abraham: Done.

Crystle: Finished.

Ye: Done.

 

Zahakiel: There was a conflict, of sorts, before the Father sent the Son, but it is relevant for this study that the conflict took place before “the fullness of time was come,” not at that time.  When the appointed hour arrived, the matter was settled; it was still difficult, but it was settled, and this sense of commitment was a very important factor.  We read, in an earlier book, of Daniel, who “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.” (Dan 1:8)  This mindset allowed him to stand firm in the face of a pit of lions, and against the many temptations that must surely have existed in Babylon.

 

The application for us should be obvious.  By a life of prayer, of submission, of careful consideration of the Bible’s teachings and principles, we are equipping ourselves every day for the conflicts ahead, so that when we are called, we will be able to move accordingly.

 

Let us take these examples, therefore, and renew our commitment to Yahweh, to be dedicated to prayer, to Bible study, to conversation with the Father and Son through the Spirit They have been pleased to share with us.  Let us ever be listening for the voice of the Spirit, and to keep in mind the Word of Yah that we will be able to properly, and invariably, recognize the Almighty when He speaks.

 

Are there any questions or comments before we close?

 

Abraham: Amen.

Ye: Amen.

Crystle: None

Peterson: No.

Barb: No questions.

 

Zahakiel: I’ll ask pastor to offer the closing prayer.

 

Pastor “Chick”: Let us pray...

 

Father in Heaven...

 

We thank you that with divine power combined with our best efforts, our preparations will be effectual. Thank you for giving us “all things pertaining to Godliness.”

 

Bless us with a fresh outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for answering our every prayer, for it is in the Name of YAHshua we pray, AMEN.

 

Peterson: Amen.

Zahakiel: Amen.

Barb: Amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Nick: Amen.

Rita: Amen.

Abraham: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Qinael: Amen.

Ye: Amen.