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ESHCOL “That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes” (Numbers 13:24) God never leaves us groping in the dark. True, people of faith put their faith out there, subjecting themselves to the unknown which in theory would leave anyone in the dark. That’s part of the deal which we willingly agree to. But God supersedes that and wants desperately for us to know He never leaves or forsakes us, so there are always signs provided along the way, signs which become intermittent reinforcement substantiating our commitment. Sometimes the signs are ill-defined, often invisible, but always there just in the nick time when we need them. So we can say without any physical proof that we are doing the right thing. More often than not, however, God gives us tangible signs anyway just because He’s God and He loves us. In Numbers 13 there is the account of God’s people investigating the land which was promised to them. They were searching for a physical sign to verify that they were headed in the right direction. Same kind of thing we do. They traversed a lot of desert and found that wasn’t their answer. It was no answer at all. But they didn’t give up and kept going. Finally they came to the valley of Eshcol which was rich with natural fruit such as figs and pomegranates. They cut off a branch with a succulent cluster of grapes and carried it between them on a pole all the way back to their people as proof that God did indeed know what He was doing. No kidding - they could have saved forty days if they had just believed in the first place and let it be. But no, they had to have their proof. They should have had enough faith to rise above that stage, God 101, but that was rarely the case then and rarely is now. When President Lincoln freed the slaves, the Bible beaters in their attempt to justify their sin, kept throwing around Paul’s statement about slaves being subject to their masters. Same thing today - President Obama has opened the door for gay and lesbian people to have their freedom too, and once again the Bible beaters are throwing around Paul’s words, lifting his opinions high above anything Jesus said or did, in their attempt to justify their sin of blatant bigotry. In the long run will they win? Nope - they never do. We who are oppressed hold before us that cluster of grapes which represent our hope, our deliverance, and our future of prosperity and untold blessings. David, who the Bible recorded as the man after God’s own heart, saw it coming. In Psalm 94:5 he cried unto God, “they oppress your inheritance.” It’s centuries later and that’s still what they’re wanting to do. We are God’s inheritance. Make no mistake. David continued to declare in Psalm 94:14 that “God will never forsake his inheritance.” This we know. And finally, David says in Psalm 94:22, “the Lord has become my fortress.....the rock in whom I take refuge.” My exhortation to you today is to cling to that rock. It is Jesus who is our rock, our salvation and our deliverer. We need no other. Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth will I cry to thee, when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Isn’t that just the best verse ever? This, penned from a gay man born around 1040 BC. Some things never change. David won God’s heart and so have you. This is our time, the time when we stand and watch in awe at the salvation of our God. They’ll be a lot of fighting and the bigotry will come out full force, but God will fight for us, deliver us, and redeem us unto Himself. ________________________________________________________________________________ (actual photo of caves of Adullam in the Engedi desert) ADULLAM “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11) Many times over David was forced to take refuge in the caves of Adullam to save his own life. All the months of hiding from King Saul, all the months in which he endured hardship and despair. By God’s directive the high priest Samuel had already anointed David to be the next king, and Saul felt his only recourse was to go after David and kill him. He would have been better off to admit he’d failed as a leader and simply take a step of faith and submit to the will of God, because God will always have His way. That’s why we call him God. But Saul apparently didn’t have the wisdom to see it that way. Or the guts. More often than not it takes guts to do the right thing. The caves were as endless as the Engedi wilderness itself, a barren and forsaken land which yielded no water or comfort. It was a place for bandits and outcasts to seek refuge because, let’s face it; it wasn’t on anyone’s top ten list of ‘things to do and places to see before I die’. At one point 300 of David’s soldiers hid with him in a series of caves so extensive and so deep that they couldn’t be detected. In this remote and treacherous desert, passing caravans were known to have been swallowed up in sand storms, camels and all. Saul pursued David, but he and his men weren’t able to adapt to the Engedi because if you didn’t know your way around you were dead to rights. They tried but were unsuccessful. At one point David came upon Saul during the night and cut a piece of his garment which he showed to Saul later to prove that he could have killed him in his sleep. Talk about returning benevolence for evil. And David’s ethics were not only honored by God, but God lifted him up to greatness far beyond his wildest dreams. No one can out dream God. It was in this hostel and futile land that David came to the same conclusions the Apostle Paul did centuries later. David and Paul, the two most outstanding men in the Bible, were both wise enough to know that whatever God called them to do, whatever direction their journeys took them, that God would protect them. And whoever God calls, God enables. Here’s David’s quote: “I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15). And here’s Paul’s: “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11) The underlined words would make good mantras. David and Paul - they both got the big picture. We need to get it too. ________________________________________________________________________________ LOVE ALWAYS BELIEVES “Try to show compassion as your Heavenly Father does..... never condemn or it will come back on you.” (Luke 9:36-37) There have been many songs over the years which have had lyrics regarding turning the world upside down. Some light and happy, some spiritual, and a couple vile and disgusting. The gambit. Recently Franklin Graham spoke out about Muslims killing Christians around the world, and predictably his concern was with how to stop it. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. How about Christians killing other Christians who God happened to create gay, again - around the world? “Oh, I’d never kill anyone,” would be a likely response. Really? Do gay and lesbian youth commit suicide for any other reason than pressure from the supposedly Bible believing right? Nope. Do they accept our confession of faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior - the very same thing they confess? Nope. Have they walked in our shoes? Nope. They don’t even want to hear it. There’s another way, too, in which they kill their brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, brothers and sisters. Same Lord Jesus Christ whether they find it convenient or not. They kill our spirits. I recently had some correspondence via this website from a man my age who bought into the consistent lies and bigotry most of his life. He submitted to a group called “Love in Action.” Plenty of action, but the love part was a facade - a boldface lie. Because of that he’s messed up for life, still under condemnation, never understanding that God knew exactly what He was doing when He created him. And....God called His creation good. God couldn’t be more pleased. The Bible is decisively clear in regard to God’s meticulous, loving, intricate creation of every human being, not only when in the womb, but perfectly designed even before conception. Not from scratch - before scratch. Even after knowing this they shudder at what God has made, they build hate within their souls and try to dictate God’s plan for someone else’s life, which is none of their business. It’s a false morality. At one time they were called Pharisees. They mandate that being gay is a choice; they try to call into being that which is not and never was. They exalt misinterpreted words of Paul over Jesus’ words and cling to a handful mistranslated texts. They’re not interested in upsetting the status quo. They’ve perfected Phariseeism and elevated it to a new level. Here’s a fact: if someone isn’t a believer, then the Bible is unbelievable. To believe it requires faith. Faith is God given and produces revelation. Revelation is given to us via the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that each one of us was planned by God and known to God before we were even conceived in our mothers’ wombs. To condemn a gay person for being honest about whom they are by nature, God given nature, and thus who they are in Christ, is a slap in the face of the Creator Himself. So we have a situation whereby someone is calling for a stop to the murder of Christians, yet conversely this is the same mentality that is directly or indirectly responsible for the very same thing - the murdering of Christians. Talk about hypocrisy. What about Jeremiah 1:5? “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.....and dedicated you.....and designated you.” If it applied to Jeremiah, I guarantee it also applies to us. If God is no “respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34), and if you’re a believer you know that to be absolutely true, then what possible license could you have to commit such murder, whether physical or psychological, in the name of God? It is definitely not of God and there will be consequences. Love always believes the best, not sometimes believes the best. ________________________________________________________________________________ |
| Preparing to Fly This web site has been up and running for 4 years. I've reconnected with old friends, have made new ones, and people have been blessed. That makes it all worth it. I am born-again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is my best friend. Background - Word Of Life, Bob Jones U, Moody Bible Institute, Samaritan Bible Seminary, MCC, Shekinah Fellowship.....not exactly in that order. Once I did some work with Campus Crusade, briefly pastored two churches, and my writings have been featured in a number of publications. I have been a word of knowledge minister, I continually seek God's anointing, and I have the rare gift of revelation knowledge. That said, I try to keep this web site simple. My first book has recently been published. It's a chronological collection of short stories based on Biblical people and their predicaments. It's colorful and playful as well as inspirational, and looks at the Bible through a gay Christian's eyes. I don't want to fly away without making a difference. ___________________________ |
| In Remembrance My mother went to heaven in June of 2007 at age 93, joining my father. She was a saint. I think of her all the time and miss her very much. I have a lot of her books, and the one which I read and re-read constantly is a daily devotional by CH Spurgeon. She underlined things that meant a lot to her, and with my adding my own underscoring, there's a lot of penciling going on. Good for us! She was Baptist; I am charismatic. Mother and I had some meaningful talks and a good mother-son bond. We had some conversations that I will never share with anyone. She told me she loved her gay son. She approved of my writings; said she loved them. That's good enough for me. |
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| joy in those pics, and then it all ended sentences. I'm glad you are sharing this side of Brant - Caryn L seeing Brant in such a relaxed and easy manner. My heart just sunk knowing these vibrant faces have died of AIDS - Elaine S Thank you so much for being so open about yourself and Brant. It means a lot to me - Hanna T This is one of the finest web sites on the net - something for every level of spirituality and common sense. Outrageous, fun, & informative photos in the site directory - Darren K All encompassing and inspiring, and with great photos - Bob F Anxious to know more about your ministries and can't wait for your books to come out - Dave F Where has this site been hiding? It's incredible.....minstered to me..... really hit the spot - Tim J I love that picture of you and Brant. You totally melted my heart. Your website is truly wonderful - David S Thank you for sharing your web- site.....inspiring writings. re: Brant..... we shared the same friend at one time - Jud H I am very impressed with the site's comprehensiveness. Seems like you have a portal to many different parts of your life - Russ H I followed the link to your web page, and I am blown away by the things you have there - Brigid D The pictures are wonderful. What a fantastic treat. Wonderful website - Rev Don Pederson Good work and ministry on your site - Rev Lee Carlton Love all the pics of the family! - Casey G I enjoyed the insights your web page provided for me spiritually - L Saint John Great stuff, brings back lots of memories - L Hill I read your entire web site and think it is marvelous. God has blessed you with quite a gift - Hazel M I keep checking your website – continues to get more amazing - Wendy K Lovely readings on your site - Marsha Stevens, Balm Ministries Your website is fantastic, and so are your writings - Michele M What a discovery and a personal help to someone like me in need. Thanks - Chase C Very interesting and would probably take me a year to go through it all - Diane S New to this site. Incredible, wonderful, & anointed prose - thanks - Paul T The site is great - informative, sensitive and peaceful - Susie D What an amazing gift you have with words - Dorothy B Soulful, insightful and very spiritual - Rita H Many of your blogs have caused me to rethink things which I had once blindly accepted as factual. These are life changing & enhancing concepts - Royce P Your writings are a real comfort - Brigid D So uplifting. I will visit often - Paulette H I thank God that he gave you such a wonderful gift of words - Lecia E Not too right, not too left, but right on! - Rod H I am blown away by your web site. It is beautiful, encouraging and I can't wait to read all that it entails - Maggie R I have enjoyed looking at the web site and love the tribute to your mother - Patty W I appreciate that it centers on Christian spirituality, centering on Christ. The most important thing is what happens in our hearts - Ed N Your site is GREAT! Can't wait to purchase your published copy of the book! - Leigh S You hooked me right off – Pat M I love the feel of the site. It feels tranquil, relaxing and inviting – Karen M I was quite inspired by the writings and the real way you bring it all to life –Liz B We can expect great things from you – Tom S Liked your intro and description of who you are – Rev Dan Nagel You should read some of the things my wise and gifted cousin has written - and you will Believe! - Wendy K Great website and wonderful messages. After days of writer's block, your writings gave me the inspiration I needed for the devotionals I send to my congregation in the Dominican Republic. Thank you - Rev Tania Guzman Beautiful site…you are a talented writer – Ray G Your inspirational words are something I will return to - Bobbi B Enjoyed all of your vignettes--much wisdom, delightful reading - David C Awesome writings - Keith G Inspirational and challenging for those who desire a deeper walk with our Savior - Rev Lee Carlton Wow! Very inspirational - Jeff C Makes you look at life and everything in a different way - Barbara A |
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